Can you imagine exploring the turquoise and deep blue waters of the second-largest lake in South America and being part of its natural wonders? Without a doubt, another adventure destination kayaking in Peru that should not be missed.
According to the Foreign Trade and Tourism office, Titicaca is one of the most visited destinations in the country. It could not be otherwise as it has an unequaled cultural, animal, and plant richness.
Then, if you are looking for a new adventure, Terra Explorer invites you to learn how to get to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, which also serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia.
Lake Titicaca is over 3 million years old. According to Inca mythology, this lake was the origins of their civilization. It was here that the first Inca known as Manco Capac would identify himself as the son of the sun god.
Then, this god would create Mama Ocllo, and both would be in charge of building the Inca Empire that would dominate most of South America before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Currently, more than 180 archeological sites and monuments are found in the area as proof of the architectural achievements and cultural beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
It is located at an average altitude of 3,812 meters above sea level. Its size reaches 8,562 km², of which 56% belongs to Peru and 44% to Bolivia.
Also known as the largest freshwater lake in South America, it has an average depth of 107 meters, and the water’s temperature can range between 3 °c and 14 °c.
On October 31st, 1978, Lake Titicaca was proclaimed as a National Reserve to protect its infinite natural resources. The reserve includes the lake, the natural and artificial islets, and extensive cultivation areas.
Around 70 islands are part of this lake, they possess profound knowledge of the history and culture of the destination. On the Peru side, Puno is the closest city to the lake, from here, you can sail to the islands of Los Uros, Taquile, and Amantani.
Related: Top Three Luxury Trains In Peru
At Terra Explorer, we have partnered with Titilaka Lodge, rated as one of the most beautiful hotels in Peru. They offer a wide variety of excellent activities, and the property has a rather unique and stylish design.
These islands are made entirely out of totora reeds that grow on the lake. Totora is also an important work tool for the northern coast fisherman, mainly used for building sailing canoes known as reed horses, “Caballitos de totora,” a perfected skill practiced since pre-Incan times.
Los Uros is home to the oldest of Andean civilizations, the Aymaras. The inhabitants of the area are sustained mainly by fishing, trading, and tourism. Tourists visit the islands daily, which also allows the locals to sell their handicrafts, they are known to be highly skillful artisans.
Los Uros has an approximate of 40 man-made totora reed islands composed of houses, schools, and churches.
This island has become world-famous thanks to the outstanding textile work of its local people. Also, it is the perfect place for adventure tourism lovers, who can hike through a circuit of pre-Inca roads that connect the entire island.
Taquile is inhabited by Quechua speakers who still practice trading food products to eat, also known as bartering. This practice is also implemented with handicrafts, textiles, and agricultur.
There are no hotels within the island. However, residents provide housing and food to tourists, better known as homestay or experiential tourism. Without a doubt, a unique experience that few destinations allow you to live!
Amantani not only allows you to enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Titicaca, its people, customs, and traditions, but it also offers a great variety of fauna, typical of this part of the Altiplano.
It is the largest island on Lake Titicaca, and you can reach it by boat, a 3-hour ride from Puno.
Popularly known as the island of love, Amantani, like Taquile and Uros, does not have any hotels, and it’s the locals themselves who offer visitors to stay in their homes for a profound understanding of their culture and a once in a lifetime experience.
In Terra Explorer, we offer you the chance to stay at Hector’s house on Taquile island. He and his family will teach us their traditions, introduce us to their
community, and show us the island’s natural landscape through walks and boat rides. For those avid adventurers who want to venture out and explore in more depth, have the chance to do so by riding sea kayaks around the island.
We can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and outdoor picnics in gorgeous locations, such as Kullata, a beautiful beach near Hector’s home, from where you can see the Bolivian mountain range.
Now that you know more about Lake Titicaca, would you like to live a fantastic experience at this destination? In Terra Explorer, we have several itineraries for you. If you want to be part of our adventures, get in touch with us, and we will help you design the trip of your dreams!
To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
We guarantee a safe, soul-fulfilling trip to all our travelers for whom we make these adventures possible.
Terra Explorer will strictly comply with the safety, cleaning, and hygiene protocols during our internal processes, third parties, and throughout your trip. This involves:
Follow the instructions related to health and safety given by the Terra Explorer team and your guide, before and during your trip.
Stay home if:
With the intention of delivering the most flexibility at the time of confirming your trip, we will determine the amount of the initial deposit individually and according to your itinerary characteristics.
Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
If you need to cancel your trip, we will apply the following flexible policies.
For more detailed information on our terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies, please contact us at [email protected]
