Lake Titicaca is one of the places that best defines the culture and Its essential on trips to the south of Peru. Famous for being the highest navigable lake in the world, for having an incomparable beauty and tourist attractions that bring us closer to the communities that live on it.
Since ancient times, Lake Titicaca has been the scene of one of the most famous legends in the history: the two founders of the Inca Empire emerged from its waters: Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo. But today, travelers, we will take you beyond the legends so that you know what you can do in our impressive and beautiful Lake Titicaca on your next visit.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca?
To get to Lake Titicaca, you can start your trip by land or by air. In the first, take an interprovincial bus to the city of Puno.
If you prefer to go by plane, you should go to the city of Juliaca, where the nearest airport is. From Juliaca to Puno there are 45 minutes by bus.
If you have a more generous budget, you can also try going by train from Cusco to Puno, where you can enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Andean Explorer train route of the PeruRail company. This transportation service offers scheduled departures according to availability.
What to do on Lake Titicaca?
There are endless reasons to visit Lake Titicaca, among them the most unforgettable experiences of connecting with nature and with the communities that live there. Here we present what you can do in Lake Titicaca on your next visit:
Visi to the Incredible Islands of Uros
It is a group of 80 artificial islands (not all of them inhabited), where you will be able to visit the Uros in depth, an ancient culture that to this day preserves many traditions.
In addition to dedicating themselves to fishing and hunting, they are also dedicated to the elaboration of woolen fabrics, stuffed animals and tourism.
With them you will also learn about the benefits of the totora, an aquatic plant that grows on the surface of the lake and how it is the fundamental basis for the development of their society. They use the reeds to build the floors of their houses with which they float on Lake Titicaca, they also use it to create natural medicines and even to use in their gastronomy.
What to do on the Uros islands?
Among the activity options you have: ride on a reed raft, demonstration of reed handling, wearing the typical Uros costume, explanation of how to make a floating island and artisanal fishing.
Be Surprised on Taquile Island
Taquile Island is one of the wonders of Lake Titicaca. Its people are known for their beautiful fabrics, which are renowned worldwide. What’s more, these textiles with unique and colorful designs were named by Unesco as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, thus being a new source of pride for Peru!
In Taquile you will also find vestiges of ancient pre-Inca and Inca constructions, as well as paths and platforms that tell us about these ancient civilizations.
What to do on Taquile Island?
Among the activities you can do are: visit the community craft market, so you can take home the beautiful traditional fabrics of the Taquileños. You can also knit using their materials and learning directly from them. In addition, you can visit the Mulsina Pata viewpoint and the archaeological remains located at the highest point of the island.
In the same way, you can walk around the island to see its charming landscapes and important points such as the Plaza de Armas and the beautiful beaches of Collota and Huayllano.
Admire the Amantani Island
It is one of the largest islands in Lake Titicaca! A beautiful place, perfect to spend stays to relax and disconnect. Its fields with eucalyptus trees and flowers will give a magical touch to your trip through Puno. Here you will learn about the customs of the inhabitants of Amantaní, their agricultural and artisan tasks and much more. You will be able to live with them, since many of the houses of the residents are equipped to receive visitors who want to spend the night.
What to do on Amantani Island?
On Amantaní Island, you can participate in the manufacture of textiles and also in agricultural and livestock tasks. In addition, you can take walks to the Pachatata and Pachamama ceremonial centers, boat rides, practice artisanal fishing, and ride horses. Everything you need to spend a quiet accommodation!
Rural Tourism in Luquina
Luquina is a charming and quiet town where you can connect with the Andean nature and the warmth of its people. From its colorful houses you can have beautiful views of Lake Titicaca and live beautiful experiences through community tourism, sharing customs and cultural expressions with the locals.
What to do in Luquina?
Among the activities that you can do: participation in agricultural and livestock tasks, preparation of typical dishes, interpretation of medicinal plants, walks to the natural viewpoint, enjoying a warm campfire and local music. You can also take boat rides, do artisanal fishing, kayak and play a fun game of soccer in the heights of this town.
Rural Tourism in Llachon
Llachón is located on the Capachica Peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This Quechua-speaking community opens its doors and hearts to visitors who want to do community tourism. Here you can find archaeological sites, while sharing customs and fun activities with the residents. You will fall in love with this place!
What to do in Llachon?
In Llachón, you can take a ride on artisanal sailboats, do agricultural work, practice artisanal fishing, exhibit textiles, kayak and, since they are nearby, you can visit the Taquile, Amantaní and Uros Islands. You can also practice cycling and horseback riding. It will be an unforgettable stay!