Lake Titicaca's floating B&B
The only place to spend the night afloat Lake Titicaca in Peru is on a 150-year-old British gunboat, now a B&B, with a remarkable history – and it only costs £24 a night.
By Julian Glover
Guardian.co.uk
At home, in my kitchen, sits a battered red book. Faded gold lettering on the spine spells out the title: The South American Handbook 1930, the direct ancestor of today’s backpacker guide.
It is the longest-running travel guide in the English language, but open the pages of the 1930 edition and you enter a vanished world...
In search of relics from that long-lost South America described in my guide, I found something magnificent. The pier from which steam ships once departed is derelict, but the ships themselves mostly survive. By far the most wonderful is the Yavari, now moored just outside the town, a boat with a remarkable story...
Bed and Breakfast on Lake Titicaca
We offer you the unique experience of sleeping on board this historical ship, anchored in Puno Bay. Bunks in four cabins can accommodate seven guests, who we welcome to enjoy wonderful sunsets and a generous Andean breakfast. The adventure and unique experience will be a highlight of your travels in Peru.
YAVARI – BUILT: England 1862
The YAVARI was delivered in pieces by mule to the Lake over two miles (3,810 m) above sea level. After nearly 100 years of faithful service, she was found slipping rapidly into decay. Now she has been saved, all her original features restored, her engine repaired, and she is getting ready to be fitted out to comply with today's standards of safety in order to sail again.
The YAVARI, a State Registered Museum, is now berthed in Puno Bay, behind the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Hotel, between the town and Isla Esteves (Hotel Libertador). It can be reached by taxi or by launch. A 70-metre pontoon gives access to the vessel and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Open daily: 8.00am – 5.00pm and other times by arrangement
For the enthusiast, and with advanced notice, the mighty 1914 Bolinder engine can be fired up - an unforgettable experience!
The YAVARI has a future as well as a past. By applying the same vision and ingenuity as got her there in the first place, the YAVARI is preparing to be reborn to serve again. Today the restoration programme has reached its most critical stage.