EDGAR ADVENTURES

Umayo Island – Sillustani Complex – Farm house overnight

A time to explore from close the life in the highlands. Get in touch with an interesting experiment in rural home stay , and learn about the daily life issues of a live culture, As well explore Sillustani archeological complex , this magical place offers to the visitor spectacular landscapes and a quietness few times observed, rowing onto the Umayu Island by a precious lagoon enjoy of unique landscapes and spots other travelers would consider a privilege to see. This trip will give you a wide perspective of the nature that surrounds the main grave yard of the Kolla Culture. Here, huge funerary towers are set in spectacular landscapes formed by the surrounding mountains and the “Humayo” lagoon. Life here has changed very little over the centuries, and we visit a traditional native house with its guinea pigs, llamas, potato farming etc and learn from its residents about real life in the Altiplano region. A fascinating glimpse into the local culture.

Day 01.- Puno / Humayo Island / Sillustani / Hatuncolla.

Pick up from your hotel in Puno. By bus we travel through the Altiplano "the High Plains". Observing the typical flora of the highlands, after 50 minutes bus ride arrival to a small pier where experienced fishermen and their rowing boats wait for us for an unforgettable journey onto Umayu island ( 20 minutes, ow.) The Island is today a natural reserve for vicunas a type of South American camelid that mean to have the finest wool fiber, explore the island, and later continue rowing onto the peninsula of Sillustani to see the Archeological complex with the same name. There we take a guided tour and learn about the ancient beliefs in the afterlife, while observing the huge funerary towers know as “Chullpas” impressive examples of megalithic architecture some of them with 12 meters high . Used by the lords of Kolla pre Inca nation. Lunch on Sillustani panoramic restaurant.

Later we stop at Our Unique Home stay, there locals have organize themselves in an association of 15 families in order to develop and offer of homes stay accommodation, meals & and cultural activities with the aim to introduce the traveler into an authentic educational experience to learn about the local culture by experiencing some of their daily life activities.

Accommodation At the home stay, there at dinner time we share moments with our host family Overnight.

Day 02. - Hatuncolla / Local school / Cultural activities.

After a delicious breakfast of native products, we go to the fields to help the families in their daily work, the activities are different depending on the season, we could go to plow the land, pick potatoes, plant cereals, herd the cattle, or learn about their ancient textile skills .On the way back home we stop by the local school and get in touch with the local children and share with them time for play, to talk or paint. In an appropriate time by bus depart back to Puno or continue to the airport.

Note: as this is a private trip it can run either in the morning or afternoon. As well it can be done coming from the airport or Cusco.

Duration: Half day | Difficulty level: II | Culture Shock Grading: III | Frequency: Upon request | Schedule: morning or afternoon | Attractions: Landscapes, History & Home stay | Transportation: Private Bus & rowing boat service

• Private bus transport
• Rowing boat activity
• Professional Guides, high performance warranted.
• Home stay at Hatuncolla Asociation
• 3 meals ( L.D.B)
• Entrance fees.

• Sillustani Experience ½ Day
• $ 95.00 - 2 people
• $ 83.00 - 3 people
• $ 77.00 - 4 people UP.

For this journey the following items are advisable to carry in addition to what you already will take in your day pack for a day trip.

1. Warm clothing and a jacket or a fleece
2. Hat and sun glasses
3. Sun screen (sun block) very important.
4. Extra snacks: Power bars, peanuts, chocolates & drinks.
5. Hiking shoes