Capachica Peninsula

As we clamored down a rocky jetty, the unmistakable ocean breeze hit my nostrils and immediately relaxed my mind- reminding me that I was once again near the water as I have been for most of my life. For our group however, Lake Titicaca offered more than just new scenery- it provided what water has always been a symbol of, renewal.

After a week of unintentionally isolating ourselves in our homestays in Cuzco, we were stuck on a 6-hour bus ride and an hour and a half van ride to Llachón, a string of small lakeside communities on the Capachica Penninsula that dips into the azure waters of Lago Titicaca.

We mounted small sail boats waiting for us in the lapping lake, and we glided along by oar rather than sail, as if we were in gondolas in Venice. It was here I truly felt serene. The sun struck our pale faces, the water glistened beneath us, and we all met each others' glances with beaming smiles. The boats dropped us off at another jetty and we trekked back to our community, all very out of breath as our lungs tried to come to terms with the altitude.

Our community was a cluster of houses on the side of a terraced hill surrounded by sheep, donkeys, chickens, dogs, and, if you were lucky enough to see it, a soft black cat. The community welcomed us in like family- greeting each of us with handmade flower necklaces, warm handshakes, and loving smiles.

It was probably the warmest and coziest environment I have ever been in aside from my much missed bed back home. (and besides from the cold air nipping at our exposed ears and noses.). After being in loose contact with one another over the past week, our group slipped back into our playful and familiar dynamic. Disconnected from the rest of the world, we reforged our connections with one another and let our roots temporarily ground us in the beautiful community we were completely immersed in.

When we weren't playing competitive card games in the dining room the community had opened up to us, or racing down to the beach to catch up on vitamin D or watch the sun set over the rest of Peru, we explored beautiful and unique aspects of the magical lake. We ventured to the top of a small mountain on the peninsula and were welcomed with unbelievable views.

Our guide from the community, Magno, a charismatic man with a high pitched and infectious giggle of a laugh, took us to one of the many floating islands on the lake. It was about the size of my own house and entirely made of dried and compacted reeds through a process that takes about a year. The president of the island, one of about 22 people living there, treated us to a presentation about the lifestyles of those living there. It was truly amazing to once again see such a warm and happy community without the complications of the many necessities I find in my life back home. We bought gifts for loved ones back home then ventured on to the island of Tequile for lunch and more beautiful views both of the lake and into the lifestyles of those who lived there. We spent the rest of our time interacting with the children and grandchildren on the peninsula, doing dishes, tilling land for planting potatoes, and even helping to cook a meal if we were lucky. We even ensued in a competitive game of volleyball.

By the time we had to leave, I felt like a new person. I noticed the few people in the group that had been feeling sick in Cuzco were completely mended after spending only three days on Lake Titicaca. Everyone was sad to leave after we had each been blessed with amazing and caring families and healed by the azure waters some of us were daring enough to swim in. As we move on to a new country and many more new adventures, I am hopeful we will not forget our time in Llachón; I know I will carry my time there with me for the rest of my life.