The dramatic mountains of the Cordillera Real, make for an impressive back-drop to one of the most stunning lakes in the world. An icy air and a stark contrast in blues and whites emphasise the beauty of Lake Titicaca. The lake is sacred to the Aymara and Quecha people who inhabit its shores and islands. Puno is the departure town for boat trips to the floating Uros Islands, Taquile and Amantani Island and Bolivia, but also for the thrilling Andean Explorer train journey across the alti-plano to Cusco.