puno

During my South America trip, I arrived in Puno, Peru, after a rather adventurous journey, passing through Tacna and Arica. It was early morning when I woke up from the bus ride, and I couldn’t wait to set off on a tour to witness the floating communities on the water. The excitement was palpable, and I was eager to experience something so unique.

The city lies on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and its sheer beauty left me in awe. The lake is not just a natural wonder but a place filled with history and culture, home to indigenous people who live on floating islands made from reeds. These people have been living on the lake for centuries, and their way of life is unlike any other.

What struck me about Puno was its balance between vibrant daytime and lively nightlife. Despite the visible poverty, I was amazed at how the people were incredibly respectful, happy, and energetic. It was heartwarming to see how the locals, with so little, still maintained a spirit of positivity. It made me realize that life is not about what you have, but how you live it. In such a setting, despite the challenges, they managed to thrive in their own way, embodying the essence of true happiness.