1st June 2017

Our day began with an unearthly 2:30 am wake-up call, ushering in a rainy start to our journey. Dressed and packed, we took the lift down to the lobby, where the rest of our group was already assembled. After collecting our breakfast boxes, we boarded the coach to the airport.

The check-in process was seamless, and before long, we were seated in the departure lounge, along with passengers for about six other flights. Although the space was cramped, we were fortunate to find seats and utilise the WiFi to pass the time.

The flight to Juliaca lasted one hour and seventeen minutes. With plenty of legroom, I managed to steal a few minutes of sleep. The view from the window was captivating as we flew along the length of the Andes. The landscape below was rugged and desolate, with a wintry blanket of snow covering the mountains and volcanoes.

As we neared Juliaca, our first attempt at landing was aborted, and we had to circle around for a second approach. Despite the minor delay, the weather was stunning, a bright, sunny day with a perfectly clear sky. On the second attempt, we touched down smoothly, ready to continue our adventure.

Juliaca Airport is relatively small, with a remarkably long runway set on a flat plain surrounded by mountains. Despite the altitude, the surrounding mountains were free of snow and appeared quite green from a distance. The town of Juliaca itself, visible from the air, seemed underdeveloped and unremarkable from a tourist’s perspective.

After collecting our luggage, we were met by our representative and escorted to a modern and comfortable coach. The drive to our hotel in Puno took about an hour and a half, with two brief stops along the way. The first was to pick up bananas, apparently an essential source of energy at high altitude, and the second was to exchange some cash.

Our hotel, the José Antonio Puno, is situated in a remote spot on the opposite shore from the town of Puno, roughly 6 km away. Its imposing white structure stands out clearly against the mountainous backdrop and is even visible from the town itself. The hotel was lovely, offering fabulous views of Lake Titicaca, the surrounding mountains, and the town in the distance. We were fortunate to have a balcony room facing the lake, which provided an excellent vantage point.

After settling in, we spent some time relaxing on the balcony, soaking in the stunning scenery. Later, I ventured down to the private jetty to take a few photos of the breathtaking landscape.

At 1:45 pm, we regrouped with our guide and set off as a party for a tour of Puno. Our first stop was the local vegetable market, a bustling hub of activity showcasing the vibrant produce of the region. From there, we moved on to the “illicit market,” a place known for selling goods smuggled in cheaply from Bolivia, just over the nearby mountains. It was fascinating to observe this unique facet of local commerce.

Next, we visited an ancient archaeological site located in the oldest village in the area. The intricacy of the stonework was remarkable; large stones fitted together so perfectly that not even the thinnest blade could slide between them. How they achieved such precision remains a mystery and a testament to the ingenuity of their craftsmanship.

As we explored, we encountered our first Peruvian llamas. Their sweet faces were a delight to see, though their aloof demeanour made it clear they weren’t particularly fond of tourists. Still, they added a charming touch to an already fascinating excursion.

We returned to the hotel just before sunset, perfectly timed for me to capture some stunning photographs of the sun dipping behind the mountains and casting its golden reflections across Lake Titicaca. The scene was absolutely magical, a sight that alone made the journey worthwhile.

We enjoyed a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant before retiring early for the night, knowing we had another early start ahead with a 6:30 am wake-up call tomorrow!