Lake Titicaca...
The most sacred body of water
in the Inca Empire
Your Peru vacation wouldn't be complete without paying a visit to Puno and lake Titicaca.
It's the ideal place for lovers of archaeological tourism and old civilizations.
Shared by Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the cradle of three huge pre-Hispanic civilizations...
- Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco)
- Collas
- Aymaras
It's also where Tawantinsuyo (Inca empire) was born.
As the legend goes, Manco Capac and Mama Oclla emerged from the sacred lake to found Cuzco and the Inca empire.
If we can suggest you an itinerary, after your visit to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, get the train to Puno (via Juliaca) on the shores of lake Titicaca, it offers one of the most interesting cultures of Peru.
The gateway to the lake (on the Peruvian side) is Puno, considered to be Peru's folklore center.
In fact, they celebrate here more than 300 dances annually. Hardly a day will goes by without a dance to celebrate something.
If you're on the Bolivian side, La Paz - Bolivia's capital - for intance, there are buses departing from the Cementerio district to Copacabana. It's a 3/4 hour ride or 92 miles (148km) distance.
Copacabana is the biggest town on the lake, the ideal place to establish your base camp while exploring Titicaca, surrounding Inca ruins and to do some trekking.
Check lake Titicaca map here.
Virgin of Candelaria's celebration and the Diablada (Devil dance) is just fantastic, with a profusion of incredible (and costly) masks, sumptuous costumes and ornamentation.
Diablada was born with the legend of some miners trapped in the collapse of a mine in Bolivia.
They saw an army of demons that took them to hell, but they commended to the Virgin and were rescued.
Lake Titicaca, Puno. Peru - © D. Giribaldi / PromPeru
On lake Titicaca you have several interesting and unique places to travel to...
- The floating islands of the Uros people:
Uros people live over 40 floating reeds islands maintained by continually adding fresh reeds to the top as the bottom rots away.
They fled onto the lake about 500 years ago, trying to escape Inca and Collas tribes.
An estimated number of 400 Uros people are part of this floating community. They live in reed huts and travel in reed boats - built upon the same craftsmanship as centuries ago - Taquile Island:
Located about 4 hours by boat from Puno, it's a place with no roads, no cars, electricity or hotels.
Just beautiful landscapes and archaeological ruins. You could spend the night staying with locals or camp on the far side of the island.
With an outstanding textile industry, Taquile it's been proclaimed in 2005 a new Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO - Amantani:
The island of the Kantuta flower.
It has important archaeological remains from the Inca and Tiwanaku's cultures on top of its main mountain peaks: Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Here also you'll be invited to share their housing and food as the local population - mainly Aymaras - are very friendly and welcoming.
Bring some goods as a present with you.
To get there just get a craft from Puno - Natural Reserve of Titicaca:
A paradise for eco travellers and bird-watchers, founded in 1978.
It has more than 60 species of both resident and migratory birds, like zambullidor, yanuico, cormoran and totorero - Isla del Sol: (Island of the sun)
One of the most sacred places in Bolivia, loaded with Inca ruins. It's a short boat ride away from Copacabana. - Copacabana:
- Tiwanaku:
The ancient city and ceremonial center of Tiwanaku is located near lake Titicaca and some 45 miles (72km) from La Paz.
Lake Titicaca at sunset. Peru - © PromPeru
Titicaca Lake Facts:
- Located at 12,725 feet (3,856 meters) above sea level, which makes it the highest navigable lake in the world
- It has a surface area of over 3,100 sq. miles (8,000 sq. km)
- Lake Titicaca is the 2nd. largest in South America after lake Maracaibo (Venezuela), not actually a lake but it was originally
- It has two climates:
Chilly and rainy and chilly and dry. From June to August temperature drops bellow freezing, with intense sunshine in daytime.
So bring sun lotion and warm clothing along.
How To Get There:
By Air:
From Lima to Juliaca you will arrive to Manco Capac Airport and then by taxi or minibus to Puno.
By Train:
Cuzo-Juliaca-Puno (around 11 hours ride).
Puno-Arequipa (around 10 hours).
By Lake:
From Puno, as well as from Juli and Yunguyo you can navigate Titicaca to/from Bolivian ports.
This is a unique and unforgettable experience you shouldn't miss.
Where to Stay:
Book a hostel in Puno.
Alternatively, find your hotel in Puno.
If you're on the bolivian side of lake Titicaca, book a hostel in Copacabana, or the hotel you fancy the most.
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Peru Photo Galleries:
Chincha
Peru Pictures
Portraits of Peru
Peru Archaeology
Peru Highlands
Peru Jungle
Peruvian Art
Peruvian Art Part Two
Plaza de Acho
Puno
Santa Catalina Convent
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