Peru has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights, but most visitors skip right over them and head for the grand finale, Machu Picchu. And though the ancient city is certainly worthy of your time, there is much more to this vast country than a litter-ridden Inca Trail. Dine with the Peruvian elite, walk a manmade island, or raft a canyon that requires a mule to get to; but whatever you do, don't beeline for the Andes then skip town.
1. The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Deep in the Andes, Lake Titicaca splits the border of Peru and Bolivia. The massive lake is (literally) home to the descendants of the Uros tribe, one that pre-dates the Incan civilization. The Incas paid them little respect, though with their simple floating homes fashioned of totora reeds, the Uros outlasted the Incas and their colossal stone structures. Roughly 2,000 Uros still live on the lake, making their living by catching their own fish, weaving their own clothing, and now, by the money that tourism brings in. Visitors can float out to the islands on reed boats, made by the Uros themselves, and purchase crafts from the locals. The Uros children attend school on one of several islands, each made solely for the purpose of schooling. Once they're older, many go mainland to attend university in the nearby town of Puno. And though their lifestyle seems quite primitive, they actually embrace modern technology-you'll notice solar panels for televisions and motorized boats.
Tours to the Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca Tour 3D/2N
