Lake Titicaca: One of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the largest lake in South America. Lake Titicaca is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. Explore the floating islands and cultural life of this area.
DAY 1 Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca
We depart early in the morning for the 6-to-8-hour journey by private vehicle to Puno, set on the shores of Lake Titicaca at 12,630 ft. (3,820m). The road takes us south along the great valley below Cusco and then as we head further south, we start to climb towards the great continental divide at La Raya. To the east we see some of the strange peaks of the Carabaya Range. From the pass we descend quickly onto the vast dry altiplano with its isolated villages and herds of Andean camelid, including the alpaca and vicuña. Our first glimpses of Lake Titicaca remind us that this is hardly a lake — it’s more like a vast inland sea that also happens to be the highest navigable lake in the world! We spend the night at our hotel in Puno. (B)
Day 2 Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands and island homestay
Puno is a typical high Andean town, set on the great altiplano that surrounds the lake and stretches all the way to La Paz. After breakfast we head down to the old lake port with its century-old steamers still tied up at the wharf. From here we board a small motor-boat to cruise out to visit the famous Uros Islands. These islands often given the misnomer of “floating islands” but are in fact totora reed mats that grow out of the shallower waters of the vast bay of Puno. The islands have for centuries been occupied by the small Uros community who continue their traditional methods of ‘farming’ and fishing the lake. From here we continue to the islands of either Taquile or Amantani, where we spend a night in a local island home. These islands have been occupied by traditional farming communities and spending a night gives us a good chance to learn more about the Andean people and their traditional lifestyles. Overnight: Homestay (B,L,D)
Day 3 Drive to Juliaca Airport, trip concludes.
Return by boat to Puno and drive to Juliaca airport for flight to Lima airport or other destination.
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