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Lake Titicaca
Located in eastern Peru on the high plateau or ‘Altiplano’, are the shores of Lake Titicaca, close to the Bolivian border. The Altiplano has an average altitude of 4,000 metres, which makes the lake, at a size of 8,300 sq km, the highest navigable lake in the world. The small town of Puno is full of Peruvian character, with narrow dusty streets and a colourful market.
Lake Titicaca is the main attraction, once the cradle of the most important pre-Hispanic cultures in the Andes, the Tiawanaco, who flourished between 100–700 AD. Even when it was eventually incorporated into the Inca Empire, the area continued to be held in high esteem, as according to Inca creation mythology, Manco Capac, their founder and his sister-wife emerged from the lakes dark waters to found their nation.
The islands within Lake Titicaca are, fascinating and welcoming. The floating islands of Uros are made from reed and anchored to the bottom of the lake. Women make textiles and carvings and the men fish and constantly build up the islands reeds. A further 4 hr boat ride brings you to the island of Taquile, where there are Inca ruins, and the inhabitants still retain all Quechua traditions, from dress to festivals. This one of the most fascinating parts of the Altiplano. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below are some of the attractions that Puno and Lake Titicaca have to offer, but any itinerary may be put together depending on your preferences.
Sillustani: this archaeological site is between Puno and the Juliaca airport. Best known for its ‘chullpas’ or round burial towers, built of stone with some as high as 12 metres. Its location is stunning, sitting on a hill surrounded by Lake Umayo it is a good place to observe wild guinea pigs (this is also the national dish in Peru and should be tried at least once!) birds and other wild life. Taquile island: the best known of the lakes islands, due to its uniqueness. Although located in an Aymara (people and language) region, the inhabitants speak Quechua. In addition they wear distinctive black and white outfits covered with a colourful woven sash. They have a strong sense of the community, and on the 7km long island, which is dotted with archaeological ruins, there are no vehicles, roads, policemen or dogs!
Uros Islands: known as the ‘floating islands of Uros’, a 20 minute boat from Puno, these islands are made up of ‘tortora’ reeds and are livelihood of the people who live there, as they use them to build their homes, boats and their islands.
Puno: the town of Puno is also worth wandering around, with its narrow streets and interesting market, it is more of a typical Peruvian town, with rickshaws fruit stalls and a cold dusty wind running throughout. We would suggest an overnight stay on the island of Taquile, due to the 5-hour boat ride from Puno and for the amount the island has to offer in the way of attractions The train ride from Puno to Cuzco is an unforgettable experience that cross’s the Altiplano before dropping into Cuzco’s fertile valleys.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Lake Titicaca
Titilaka lodge is probably the best place to stay around the lake. Its large windows which overlook the lake as well as the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes means you are always aware of your surroundings
Lake Titicaca
Suasi is a solar-powered eco-lodge on the remote and uniquely beautiful Isla Suasi—the only private island on Lake Titicaca. Suasi has panoramic lake views from every room, which are also surrounded by terraced gardens
Lake Titicaca
The hotel is inviting rather than imposing, the hotel is built with rustic local materials, including stone, wood and clay tiles, while stone fireplaces warm the lobby lounge and restaurant.
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