Three Trips, One Same Feeling
There are destinations you visit once and they remain as a fond memory. But there are other places that call to you again and again, because each return allows you to discover something new and strengthen your connection with its people. For me, the islands of Amantaní and Taquile, in the majestic Lake Titicaca, belong to that second category.
I have been fortunate enough to visit both islands three times, and each trip has been different, but all have left a deep mark on my life.
My first visit was in 2010 with my sister Graciela. Traveling the tranquil waters of the highest navigable lake in the world and arriving in these communities was an experience that awakened my admiration for the cultural richness of the Andean peoples. I remember the warm hospitality of the local families, the breathtaking landscapes, and the peace that permeates every corner of the islands.
I returned in 2015, this time as a tour guide for William Kok, an Australian traveler of Chinese descent who journeyed with me through Peru from north to south. Sharing the experience of exploring Amantaní and Taquile with him was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the wonder in a foreign visitor’s eyes as he discovered ancestral traditions, handcrafted textiles, and the way of life of its inhabitants reminded me why I love working in tourism.
My third visit came in 2016, when I had the privilege of guiding the Casasola family from Argentina. It was another trip filled with special moments. We hiked the trails of Taquile, admired the spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, and spent time with the families of Amantaní, who, with their simplicity and kindness, made us feel right at home.
In each of these experiences, I confirmed that the true charm of Amantaní and Taquile lies not only in their landscapes. Their greatest treasure is their people. These are communities that have preserved their customs, their language, their textile techniques, and a way of life based on respect for nature and collective work. Visiting these islands is like traveling back in time and understanding that happiness can be found in simplicity.
Today, when I recall those three trips, my heart overflows with gratitude. Not only for the places I visited, but for the people with whom I shared the journey. Every conversation, every sunrise over the lake, every smile, and every goodbye are part of memories that will stay with me forever.
After having traveled extensively throughout Peru for many years, I can say with absolute conviction that Amantaní and Taquile are two destinations that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime. They are places that invite you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature, history, and the essence of Peru’s living cultures.
I am certain that I will return again. Because there are places that never cease to amaze us, and the islands of Lake Titicaca will always hold a very special place in my heart.