Amantaní Island

Larger, quieter island further from Puno, the standard overnight stop

The further of the two main inhabited islands east of Puno, about four hours by boat and the standard choice for an overnight stay. Amantaní is bigger and less visited than Taquile, with terraced fields of broad beans and quinoa rising to two hilltops crowned with pre-Inca temples.

Overnight tours include a homestay with a local family — basic but warm — followed by an evening climb up to Pachamama or Pachatata for sunset and a chance to look out over the lake at a height of nearly 4,200 metres. The hilltops have small ruined temples and stone altars; the islanders walk the route as a regular pilgrimage. Bring warm clothes (the temperature falls below freezing at night), a torch for the homestay, and small gifts for your host family — fruit, rice, and basic groceries are appreciated.

things to do sight nature
A story
The island's two main hills are crowned with pre-Inca ruins dedicated to Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Each year the islanders perform ceremonies at both temples, alternating which is "open" to receive offerings — a system that links the agricultural calendar to the older Andean cosmology.