Titicaca Lake is located between Perú and
Bolivia, the Peruvian side is in Puno region and it´s one of the main
destinations in this country. This is the highest navigable lake in the world,
it´s located at 3800 meters after sea level and has 80 Km. wide and 190 Km.
long. On this lake are more than 40 islands, the biggest are Isla de Sol in
Bolivia and Amantani Island in Perú.
There are another islands on this lake like the Uros floating islands and Suasi
island. Some of this islands have hotels or guesthouses.
You can a boat trip to this lake, the full day tour goes to Uros floating Islands and Taquile Island, but the best way to see the lake and the people who lives there is a 2 day and 1 night excursion. On this trip you will visit Uros floating island and then will sail for 3 hours more to Amantani Island and stay with a local family.
Amantani island is the biggest on the Peruvian side, it has about 4000 people divided in 10 communities, the locals offer a great
experience, this is a homestay with a local family for one night. The locals
will cook for you and will introduce their kids and family, you can also have a
walk around the community and see their farms, animals and an amazing
landscape. In the afternoon you have the chance to play football with the
locals for a few minutes, even if the island is located at 3800 meters after
the sea level. Then you can make a hike to the top of Pachatata mountain
and enjoy the sunset.
In the afternoon the weather gets cold so the family will
make some hot soup for you and then will give you the traditional dresses to go
to a local party and dance with them. It’s a great experience to see how the
local people live, they have a simple live and are always happy to have guests.
Travelers always bring some presents to the families like food and toys for the
kids.
The next day you will have an early breakfast with the local family and then will sail for 1 hour to Taquile Island and do a hike to the top and see how the locals live. You can have trout from the lake and a coca tea (mate de coca). After this visit you will take the boat back to
Puno (3 hours journey).
