Located high in the Andes between Bolivia and Peru is Lake Titicaca, the second largest lake in South America.  The lake which is home to a wide variety of unique wildlife is also dotted with a number of islands.

The most prominent island on the lake is Taquile which has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years. Today, the Quechua-speaking Taquileños are a people whose lives seem gilded with innocence.

When you arrive at the islands tiny port, you are faced with a grueling climb up 525 steps to the main plaza. As the highest point on the island you are afforded incredible views of the homes that dot this whale shaped island since 500 AD. Taquile is home to a community of weavers (men and women) and knitters (just men) of fine alpaca wool. 

I haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Lake Titicaca or Peru, but if life goes my way I will be visiting Taquile this winter. To read more about Lake Titicaca and its islands visit The Independent