Floating Islands Taquille

Floating Islands Taquille

Taquile Island (Intika in Quechua), on Lake Titicaca, belongs to Amantaní district, Puno, Peru and is located 45 km from the regional capital. It has an approximate population of 2,200 inhabitants. The main villa is 3,950 meters above sea level and the highest point of the island reaches 4,050 meters.

The island belongs to the linguistic domain of Quechua and the gentile of its inhabitants is Taquileño / a.

The taquileña society is based on collective work and the Inca moral code "Ama sua, llulla loves, loves quella" (Thou shalt not steal, not lie and not be lazy). Currently its economy is based on fishing, farming potatoes in the platforms and tourism, annually receives 40,000 tourists. Taquileños are especially known for their tissues, which are within the finest craftsmanship not only in Peru but in the world. "Taquile and its Textile Art" were honored by being proclaimed "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. It should be noted that the spinning and weaving is done mostly by men, starting at age eight. women made exclusively of yarns and fabrics.

Taquile's story goes back to the pre-Inca times. Indeed there chullpas housing serving at the time at the top of the hill called "the island", built entirely of hewn stone. These take the form of small rectangular rooms, and entrance, contrary to the tombs of Sillustani are spacious and allow the entry of a person standing.