About four years ago, we were camping and went on a little hike. The kind of slow, meandering adventure you take when your hiking pal is not even two. Somewhere along the trail, Mae spotted something that caught her eye: a small rock painted bright blue. In black marker, it simply said, “You Matter.”
We were probably supposed to leave it there – part of one of those kindness rock projects, meant to brighten the day of whoever stumbled upon it next. But Mae, with her tiny hands and big heart, picked it up and held it like treasure. There was no convincing her to put it back.
That little rock has sat on a shelf in her room ever since. It’s become part of the background of her growing-up years; a small, cheerful reminder that kindness has a way of sticking around.
Those tiny little pink shoes kill me…. why do they have to grow??
Looking at the picture of that day makes me wax nostalgic. I can still see her in her little pink shoes and tiny fingers gripping that rock like it was pure magic. It makes me yearn for those days when she was itty bitty, when everything she found was a wonder.
Someone once painted that rock not knowing it would end up in the hands of a toddler who’d keep it for years. But maybe that’s the beauty of it. A message meant for anyone ended up exactly where it belonged.
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If there’s one thing I love about travel, it’s when a place has a story hidden in its name. Peru’s Lake Titicaca and its islands are perfect examples — their names reveal layers of language, history, and culture that stretch back centuries. And before you get too excited, “Titicaca” has nothing to do with mammary glands and the Island of Taquile has nothing to do with the drink.
Let’s start with Lake Titicaca itself.
The name is believed to come from the Aymara language, and it might mean either “Rock Puma” or “Gray Puma.” In Aymara, titi means puma and caca means rock (or sometimes gray). Some say it refers to the shape of the lake, which local traditions describe as resembling a puma hunting a rabbit (though I think it looks more like a fox chasing a squirrel). Others link it to a sacred rock on Isla del Sol carved in the likeness of a puma.
Either way, the name isn’t just poetic. The pumawas one of the three sacred animals in Andean mythology, symbolizing strength, vitality, and the earthly world, alongside the condor and the serpent. Some historians even suggest that “Titicaca” evolved from Thaksi Cala, the ancient name for that sacred rock, slowly reshaped by centuries of translation and mispronunciation.
As for Taquile Island…
This is another cultural gem on Lake Titicaca. The Spanish gave it its modern name, derived from the Gonzalez de Taquila family, who once owned the island after the Inca Empire’s fall. But long before the Spanish arrived, the island was known by itsQuechua name: Intika. The two names tell a story of Peru’s layered history. One Indigenous, one colonial – both still alive today in the culture and language of its people.
And finally the Floating Islands of Uros
The Uros people, who built and live on these reed islands, primarily speak Aymara and Spanish today. Their original language, Uru, has nearly disappeared, though efforts to revive it continue. The name “Uros” itself is thought to come from Quechua, meaning either “people” or “bird.” However, they call themselves Kostuña, meaning “the lake town.” Even in name, their identity reflects resilience and adaptation – a culture floating, quite literally, between past and present.
So next time you hear “Lake Titicaca,” you’ll know it’s more than just a dirty sounding name to say. It’s a linguistic time capsule, filled with stories of pumas, sacred rocks, and people who’ve called this high-altitude lake home for thousands of years.
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There are a million reasons to love having a dog, but let’s start with the obvious one: built-in best friend. Dogs don’t care if you’re wearing yesterday’s sweatpants or if your hair looks like you wrestled a leaf blower. They just want to be near you, and sometimes sitting directly on top of you.
Dogs somehow always know your mood. Sad? Here, have a warm nose on your arm. Stressed? They’ll flop across your lap like a fluffy emotional support pancake, leaving you powerless to do anything but relax. Trudy, our Belgian Malinois, is sometimes referred to as the “Trudy blanket” due to her incredible talent in completely smothering you with affection – forcing you into a long, nap-filled procrastination session that makes all your stressors temporarily vanish (and come back tenfold when you wake up…)
We recently took our dogs on a camping trip, bringing them along for a four-wheeling adventure. It was a revisit of a trip we took over ten years ago with just me, Chris, and our border collie Stanley. Now older and arthritic, we wanted Stanley to have a memorable experience reliving a past beloved memory (only this time with kids and sister Trudy the Belgian Malinois in tow).
Stanley four-wheeling about 10 years agoStanley had the seat of honor, and despite his arthritis, he seemed to enjoy every second.This crazy lady on top of me is the reason we waited ten years between four-wheeling trips…
The sweetest part of being a proud dog owner has been watching Stanley and Trudy adore my kids. They have been shockingly patient in the most extreme circumstances, such as toddlers sticking fingers in their eyeballs.
Stanley with our tiny Baby Mae, trying to get her to play catch!
At the end of the day, dogs remind us: love big, nap often, and greet your favorite people like they’ve been gone for years – even if they just went to get the mail.
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Right outside the restaurant, one of the men gave us a fascinating demonstration of how they clean and dye llama and alpaca wool. On Taquile, the men are the weavers, which is the opposite of most other Peruvian communities where women typically do the weaving.
This culture has a rich system of traditions and symbols. The way people wear their hats reveals their social and marital status. Once the men reach a certain age, they must prove their skill and “manhood” by weaving their own hat. It must be woven tightly enough to hold water for a specific amount of time. If it leaks, they’re not permitted to marry or hold certain positions in society. The men’s belts also have special meaning. When Taquile men marry, their wives cut their hair and give it to their husbands, who weave it into the belt they wear every day. It’s a powerful symbol of unity and love.
After the demonstration, three men and one woman performed a lively dance accompanied by pipes and drums. Their energy, combined with the backdrop of the Andes and the shimmer of Lake Titicaca, made the moment unforgettable.
The photos do not do justice to the experience, but here they are anyway! Me enjoying the dancing, the sweeping views, and standing beside one of the locals.
Cleaning and dying llama wool demonstration After the wool demonstration, three men and one woman danced and played pipes.Me enjoying the dancing and beautiful viewMe and Chris with one of the natives. He made the belt he is wearing. When they get married, the women cut their hair and give it to their betrothed to weave into their belt.Just outside the restaurant stood an archway which perfectly framed the landscape.
Hiking the Other Side of Taquile
After lunch and the time spent with the locals, we followed William along the opposite side of Taquile, listening to stories about local customs as we hiked. He was impressed with how easily we handled the climb – apparently all that training for Machu Picchu paid off after all!
The island’s terraced farmland reminded me of Machu Picchu, layered with care and history. We walked along a pathway built by the locals using funds from tourism, surrounded by stunning lake views at every turn. I couldn’t resist stopping for photos. I’m a sucker for a good picture spot, and Taquile offered them in abundance.
The terraced land is for farming, similar to the terraces at Machu Picchu This walkway was built by the natives using money earned from tourism I’m a sucker for spots like this for pictures
We reached another archway, different from the one near the restaurant. William explained that it plays a role in wedding ceremonies, where couples walk through it as part of their celebration. From there, we made our way down to the shore; a beautiful, peaceful spot where our boat waited to take us back to Puno.
This arch is different from the one by the restaurant. It is a native tradition to walk to this archway as part of a wedding ceremony.
As we looked out over Lake Titicaca one last time, we felt a mix of gratitude and awe. This day had been more than sightseeing: it was a glimpse into a community that lives simply, proudly, and with purpose.
Beautiful spot where the boat picked us up to return to Puno. We were sad to leave!
Next up, I’ll dive into the nerdy linguistic details behind the names Taquile and Titicaca: their linguistic roots, what they really mean, and the surprising stories those meanings tell about this incredible region.
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If I could invent a holiday, it would be Take a Hike Day: a day when everyone everywhere laces up their shoes and hits a trail. No parades, no shopping, no pressure to host or decorate. Just the sound of your breath, the crunch of dirt beneath your feet, and the kind of peace that only comes from being surrounded by nature.
We’d all take a pause from our screens and schedules to walk, climb, and wander, letting the world remind us how small and connected we really are. Whether it’s a stroll through a city park or a trek up a mountain, the goal is the same: to decompress, reflect, and rediscover what it means to simply be.
Take a Hike Day wouldn’t just be good for our bodies; it would be good for our souls. Because sometimes, the best way to find clarity is to lose yourself in the beauty of the world around you.
So, where will your hike take you?
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As amazing as our day on Lake Titicaca had already been, it wasn’t even over. Now we headed on the boat (not the Romantic Boat this time) along with the rest of the tour group to the Island of Taquile, yet another culturally unique group of people living on Lake Titicaca.
Taquile is known for its terraced farming, breathtaking Andean views, and Quechua-speaking weavers. The locals live a communal lifestyle, wearing traditional clothing and creating intricate textile art recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The first stop at the Island of Taquile was at the “Family Restaurant.” We had two dishes to pick from, either trout or an omelet. I normally steer away from fish, but we decided “when in Rome” and we both ordered the trout. It was fresh caught and delicious!
Trout in the “Family Restaurant”Exterior of the “Family Restaurant”I just thought this plant outside the restaurant was beautiful
It was a young boy serving us. He didn’t speak English, and I’m pretty sure we were eating out of his home. Our meal was paid for ahead of time, but we paid extra to have a Coke and a Fanta. I asked our tour guide William if we were supposed to tip (since we weren’t supposed to tip at the Floating Islands of Uros). He said to go ahead. I paid 10 PEN for the drinks and an additional 10 PEN for the tip. I did not feel like I was being generous; since the meal was prepaid, I had no idea how much it cost. I was very impressed with the meal and the service. The 20 PEN for the drinks and tip was about $6 USD. The man who took the 20 PEN pulled out some change to give me, and William told him it was meant as a tip. He was so grateful! He had a hard time believing I didn’t want change. I will never forget that moment.
We asked William about it later. We had prepaid about $400 USD for the whole day’s tour of the Floating Islands of Uros and the Island of Taquile – or about 1250 PEN. Out of all that, it was broken up as follows:
8 PEN went to an entrance fee for the Floating Islands of Uros
8 PEN went to an entrance fee for the Island of Taquile
~80 PEN for the meal at the “Family Restaurant” on the Island of Taquile
The rest went to the travel agencies and the speed boat company
In the end, less than 100 PEN (under $30 USD) actually reached the people we were visiting. William assured us the islanders are content and have what they need, but it made me think of Eliana, our host at the Uros Islands, and how grateful she was when we bought a small souvenir. And our restaurant host got a tip that cost more than our entrance fee to the island!
Moments like this remind me why international travel matters. I’m not a naturally generous person (just ask my kids how often I’m willing to share my dessert), but experiences like this highlight how blessed and comfortable my life is. Travel has a way of changing how you see the world – and yourself.
Next up, I’ll share more about our time exploring Taquile Island itself – from the hike through its terraced hills to the beautiful views over Lake Titicaca.
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Eliana welcomed us not only into her home, but also her culture. When the boat was making its way to pick us up, it was time for her to show us a variety of handmade souvenirs we could purchase from her family. We purchased a handmade reed boat souvenir (which our dog Trudy promptly destroyed when we got home… if you are reading this and heading to Lake Titicaca soon, grab one for me, will ya?)
In addition to the small reed boat, we also paid to take a “Romantic Boat Ride.” As a thank you for paying for the boat ride, Eliana and her sisters treated us to a song. They sang in Aymara, Quechua, English, and French!
The boat we arrived on left without us and we awaited the arrival of the romantic boat. This unique vessel was made from two of the original reed boats they used to live on centuries ago, combined into a catamaran. The boats are shaped like pumas (an important Incan symbol). The boat even had a cabin, though we chose to ride on top. The islanders cleverly use plastic bottles left behind by tourists as extra flotation, repurposing trash into something useful.
Romantic Boat coming to get usAtop the catamaran. The two guys in white rowing are native islanders, and the guy in red is William, our tour guide.
The name “Romantic Boat” comes from its role in island tradition. When teenagers begin courting, they go on dates aboard these very boats. With a mischievous smile, Eliana shared a joke William translated for us: “They leave as two and return as three!”
Enjoying the Romantic Boat Ride
We met up with the rest of our tour group on a large main reed island. It was huge! It even had a working bathroom! It was crazy to see the modern comforts these people enjoy living on these islands. Eliana herself even had a radio they power with solar panels.
Our short visit was unforgettable, and the Romantic Boat Ride was the perfect finale to our experience visiting the Floating Islands of Uros. But our day touring Lake Titicaca wasn’t over yet – now we embarked towards the Island of Taquile!
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Visiting these floating islands on Lake Titicaca was definitely a highlight of our trip. The people who live here are proud, resilient, and resourceful. They are amazing!
Our guide, William, had spent much of his training on the islands. He could understand the native language, Aymara, though he couldn’t speak it himself. Most of the islanders are multilingual: Aymara is their native tongue, Quechua connects them to Incan heritage and trade, and Spanish allows communication with the outside world.
No one knows for certain why these people began living on floating islands. Even the islanders themselves only have theories. Some say their ancestors were exiled; others believe they fled from danger. They say it began with a single reed boat that expanded as families grew, eventually evolving into entire islands. What is certain is that they have lived this way since even before the Incas.
Our visit began with a demonstration of how the islands float. Each island starts with large reed roots that naturally float, layered with fresh reeds on top. As the bottom layers slowly sink, new reeds are continually added to keep the islands stable. The men gather food and collect more reeds while the women guide visitors and explain daily life.
Demonstration
Every island belongs to a family, and each house on the island serves a purpose – bedrooms, kitchens, and common spaces. The bedrooms are raised to protect against moisture and prevent rheumatism, while the kitchens have stone floors to keep fires safe. Life here is communal, but it also has clear rules: if a family member doesn’t contribute, their section of the island can literally be cut away and set adrift. There’s no tolerance for shirkers!
View from the communication tower
The tour guides rotate which of the more than 80 man-made islands they visit. The island community shares in the profits of the entrance fee. They use the money they make to buy medicine and school books from the mainland. William warned us not to tip them – they are very proud of their ability to provide for themselves without what they consider to be charity.
Many of the children go to school on the mainland, usually taught by missionaries. Many of the children end up leaving the culture altogether and get jobs on the mainland. This was really sad to me. I hate to think about such a beautiful culture dwindling away.
The matriarch of the island we visited was named Eliana. She dressed us in her clothes. She was beautiful and welcoming. She didn’t speak a lot of English, but she spoke enough. As we wore her clothes and visited her bedroom, she said proudly to us “this is my home.” I felt honored to be there.
Me and Chris with Eliana, our beautiful and welcoming host
I am sure Eliana has long forgotten us, but we will never forget her and our short visit in her home! My next post I’ll share the song she sang for us as a thank you for our visit.
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Now that our adventure in Cusco was over, it was time to head southeast to Lake Titicaca. We hopped on another plane headed for Juliaca, the nearest airport to Puno, a city perched right on the edge of the lake.
We had a tour guide with us for the next two days named William. He grew up in Puno. He was happy to escort us from Juliaca to Puno. He had plenty of stories about growing up in the area. The city is pretty run down and crime-ridden. He would point out all the unfinished houses we drove past and informed us that Peruvians do not have to pay taxes on houses until they are finished, so they often just live indefinitely in unfinished homes.
Staying Alert
To rewind a bit, months before leaving for our trip to Peru, I had signed up for travel alerts through the US Embassy in Peru. I figured it would be good to be registered with the embassy just in case we ran into trouble while out of the country. We got an alert a few weeks before our trip of political unrest in Puno and advice to reconsider traveling there. We looked into it a bit and decided we’d probably be okay, and we’d just be vigilant.
So we were on high alert, especially after hearing William’s stories about crime in the area. William took us to our hotel and left us for the day with plans to rejoin us the next day.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Hotel Hacienda Puno. It was probably our least favorite hotel we stayed at in Peru, though it did have a nice view of the lake and a beautiful spot for enjoying breakfast outside.
A Curious Kind of “Unrest”
We spent a few hours walking around Puno, bracing for signs of protest or political demonstrations. We kept seeing groups of people holding candles and singing in circles. They were quite boisterous, but it was still just…. happy singing. We were baffled. Is this what unrest looks like in Peru? Maybe the songs were rallying cries about social injustices of some sort and we just didn’t understand the language.
We found out later that they were, in fact, happily singing. That day turned out to be a national religious holiday in Peru and the people were celebrating. So if there was political unrest in Puno at the time, we didn’t witness any of it.
We called it a day a little early so we could be rested for a big day. We’d be setting sail on Lake Titicaca to see the Floating Islands of Uros and the Island of Taquile!
Floating Islands of Uros
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Spelling in Peru is tricky, and mostly because it seems like the spelling keeps changing!
When I made my photo album after our trip to Peru, the Sun Temple in Cusco was spelled Qorikancha in Google Maps, and now it’s Qurikancha. But Wikipedia says Corikancha?
As for Cusco itself, is it spelled with an s or a z? And man, there sure are a lot of q’s in the Peruvian culture!
Cusco vs Cuzco
Curiosity got the best of me, so I looked it up. Turns out both Cusco and Cuzco are technically correct, but Cusco is the preferred spelling in Peru today. The “z” version Cuzco was the one adopted by Spanish colonizers. Over time the spelling was changed back to better reflect the native Quechua language, which doesn’t have a “z” sound at all.
Even more fascinating, the official Quechua name for the city is Qosqo. So really, both Cusco and Cuzco are adapted versions of the original name. That explains why you’ll see so many different spellings depending on whether you’re looking at a Peruvian source, an older map, or an English-language travel site.
Cusco
And What About Qurikancha?
My guess is that the same logic applies to the temple’s spelling variations. The Incas had their own words, the Spanish tried to adapt them, and modern spellings are attempts to bridge the two. Whether you write it Qurikancha, Qorikancha, or Corikancha, it’s still the amazing Sun Temple we visited in Cusco.
Next Time in Cusco
As I mentioned before, one day in Cusco was nowhere near enough. Next time we return, we’d love to spend more time soaking in the city and its surroundings. On our must-visit list:
Sacsayhuamán – the massive Incan complex overlooking Cusco, full of intrigue and history!
Qeswachaka Rope Bridge – an ancient Incan bridge made of woven grass, still rebuilt by hand every year.
Ollantaytambo – a town we passed through but didn’t linger in, with its own ruins and incredible charm.
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Packing for Adventure 