History

Long before an imaginary line was drawn through Lake Titicaca, establishing its Peruvian and Bolivian halves, the ancient cultures of Pukara, Tiahuanaco, Colla, Lupaca, and Inca lived along its shores. Sometimes they coexisted peacefully, while other gaps in history are marked by periods of conflict.

Lake Titicaca was sacred to the Inca. According to legend, Viracocha, the Inca god of creation, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca and created the sun, the moon, the stars, and mankind. This marked the birth of the Inca Empire and its great expansion across the Andes and beyond.

The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire transpired from 1531 to 1533. Francisco Pizarro and his troops led the fight to dismantle the Inca rule in Cusco. Shortly thereafter they arrived in Lake Titicaca on a mission to colonize southern Peru. Interest in the region was also fueled by gold and silver, which led to violent conflicts during the mid-1600s over power over the mines.

Puno city was established in 1668 as the capital of Puno Province of southern Peru. The Catholic influence brought by Spanish colonialism is echoed in the grand churches that still line the streets of Puno and the colorful mixture of Christian beliefs paired with native Aymara and Quechua dances from the region. Today, Puno is celebrated as the folklore capital of Peru and its past and present are largely influenced by its alluring neighbor, Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca Islands

There’s no denying that the cultural makeup of Lake Titicaca is a layered one, and uncovering the differences and similarities between the island communities is part of the fun. Listen closely during your tour to different islands and you’ll likely hear two foreign languages that aren’t Spanish: Quechua and Aymara.

Uros Islands, Peru

Centuries ago, the Uros people abandoned their homes on the mainland to establish a way of life on floating islands amid the waters of Lake Titicaca. Today resident families welcome travelers to their floating homes. The Uros Islands are more touristy than other Lake Titicaca islands, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t worth visiting.

Locals greet you as you take your first steps on the soft and springy island surface. Torta reeds are the main building-block of their homes. During your stay, locals explain the regular upkeep their reed homes require and show you how they weave the reeds together to build their thatched homes, furniture, and canoe-style boats.

Taquile Island, Peru

Colorful traditional clothing is usually the first cultural aspect that catches your eyes. But did you know the dress style varies from island to island? On Taquile Island, you can tell a man’s marital status, not by a ring on his finger, but the color of the hat on his head!

In 2005, Taquile and its textile art were declared an oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Both men and women take part in this ancient tradition, using hand needles and looms to weave cultural significance - indicated by different designs and colors - into each garment.

Amantani Island, Peru

Of all the inhabited islands on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, Amantani is often regarded as the most authentic and a place with undeniable beauty. Distance quite literally separates Amantani from mainstream tourism in Lake Titicaca. Travelers who make the voyage discover the island’s remote location is, in fact, a large part of its appeal.

Roughly 4,000 people live on the island in rural communities who, like their pre-Inca Pucara ancestors, raise livestock and farm potatoes, quinoa, beans, and peas. Amazingly, it’s still possible to walk along the island’s cobbled pathways to mountaintop temples of Pachamama and Pachatata without encountering other travelers, just friendly locals.

Suasi Island, Peru

Suasi Island is the only privately-owned island in Lake Titicaca. Far away from Puno, just off the lake’s northeastern shore, the exclusive Isla Suasi resort is the perfect retreat for anyone who wants to truly disconnect. Unwind with a spa treatment or take a rest on a lounge chair in the garden overlooking the lake. With nature just outside your room, there’s no better way to reveal in its beauty than paddling out on a kayak or hiking to the lookout point at Itapilluni Hill.

Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Isla del Sol is a place of Andean legend. It’s the mythical birthplace of the Incas, where the Inca creator god Viracocha rose from Lake Titicaca with a very important mission. He created the sun, moon, and stars above, the surrounding universe, and the first Incas.

Sacred sites on the island honor its past. The Chincana ruins, also known as “The Labyrinth,” are believed to have been a holy complex for Inca priests. Travelers can visit these ruins from the island’s north-base village of Challapampa and then make the climb up Cerro Uma Qolla for a great lake view. Spending the night on Isla del Sol (highly recommended!) is a bit like taking a step back in time with no cars anywhere and locals walking past in traditional dress. The best way to explore the island is by walking the trail circuits connecting the northern part of the island to its southern tip.

Travel Tips

Packing List

Here’s a checklist of items to bring in your daypack for an island hopping tour:

• Bottle of water
• Protection from the sun (sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen)
• Warm clothing (for windy or nighttime temperatures)
• Camera and charged batteries
• Comfortable footwear
• Money to tip your tour guide (optional)

How to Get to Lake Titicaca

• By Plane: There is no airport within the city limits of Puno. Instead, travelers can fly to the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca, about 30 mi (50 km) away, and then take a bus, taxi, or private transport to the city. Direct flights are offered from Lima and Cusco to the Juliaca Airport.
  • Lima to Puno (Juliaca Airport): 1 hour 45 minutes non-stop
  • Cusco to Puno (Juliaca Airport): 1 hour non-stop
• By Bus: Bussing is a popular and convenient option for getting from Cusco to Puno and takes 6 to 7 hours. For optimal comfort, ask your travel advisor to book a fully reclining seat (full or semi-cama). Bus service is also offered between Arequipa and Puno and takes 5 to 6 hours.
• By Train: PeruRail operates the Andean Explorer train which runs between Cusco and Puno. The luxurious 10-hour ride chugs past beautiful towering Andean peaks and small rural villages. The Puno train station is located on Av. La Torre 224.

How to Get Around Puno

• Puno City: Many attractions, restaurants, museums, and shops located around the main plaza are navigable on foot. Puno-hotels located on the outskirts of town is about a 15-minute taxi drive from the downtown area.
• Puno to the Islands: Boat tours depart from the docks in Puno and private hotel piers.

Health Concerns

• High Altitude
  Lake Titicaca is located at a breathtaking 12,500 ft (3,800 m) above sea level. Many travelers ask: Will I get altitude sickness? The truth is that each person responds differently to high elevations and it has little to do with fitness. Eat light meals on the first day and avoid strenuous physical activities for the first 24 to 48 hours as you acclimatize. Minor altitude sickness symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. Serious reactions to altitude are rare and hard to predict.
• Sunburn
  The sun’s rays are exceptionally strong out on Lake Titicaca; resulting from the high altitude and light reflection off the lake’s surface. Protect yourself by wearing sunblock, a wide brim hat, and glasses. Long-sleeve shirts and pants are advised.
• Motion Sickness
  Water conditions can be choppy out on Lake Titicaca. If you get motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring a remedy for a boat ride to the islands.