Isla Amantani (Peru)

What I loved about the time I spent on Amantani was the way the model of tourism they've developed there is organised. Basically, the entrance fees paid by tourists are divided up equally amongst the different communities that make up the archipelago. Part of the revenue earned through tourism goes to the host family and part goes to a central community fund used for community development purposes. Today, almost half the island's inhabitants are involved in rural tourism.

Don't expect fo find the height of luxury when you stay on Amantani. Comfort levels are fairly minimal, though you'll lack for nothing. I recommend taking warm clothing because it gets very cold at night. Even though the host families usually provide several covers, I was really glad I had a good woolly hat and fingerless gloves with me to ensure I could get a comfortable night's sleep. As far as the climate is concerned, there isn't a great deal of difference between daytime and night-time in this région of Peru.

No woolly hat? No problem. Your temporary mother for the day will no doubt offer you the chance to purchase one of her knitted ones. This provides you with a good opportunity to directly contribute to supporting your host, especially when you consider that tourism and traditional arts and crafts are the main sources of income for the island.