If you’re planning on taking a Lake Titicaca tour, then there are a few things that you should keep in mind. These tips should help you make the most of your time.
Homestays
Homestays are a great way to get a glimpse of a different side of the world. They offer travelers a chance to see the real lives of locals, and to sample the local cuisine. They are also convenient for those who want a break from all the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Lake Titicaca Amantani Island Homestay tour is one of the more popular options. It’s a two-day affair that includes a ferry ride from Puno to the floating reed islands, plus a visit to the Amantani, the largest and most impressive of the floating reed islands. There is also an optional sunset hike along the trail. The best part is that the homestays are surprisingly affordable. They start at about $2,681 for a weeklong trip, including round-trip airfare from Lima.
The Titicaca Lake, in the grand scheme of things, has been around for many centuries. It’s been inhabited by a variety of cultures, including the indigenous Uros. The lake is the largest volume lake in South America, occupying high altitudes over 3,800 meters above sea level. It’s also the largest navigable body of water in the world, and straddles the Peru-Bolivia border.
Floating islands
The Uros people live on floating islands on Lake Titicaca in the Andes Mountains. These artificial islands are constructed from the totoro reed.
These islands were originally built by the Uros people as a means of escaping danger. The Incas were encroaching on their mainland villages about 500 years ago. The Uro people had to make a difficult decision. It was either to stay in the mainland and be slaves or leave and build floating islands. They have proven themselves to be strong survivors.
The Uros floating islands are an important tourist attraction. Visitors can visit them as part of a Lake Titicaca day trip. Guests will also get to learn about the local culture. This is a unique experience.
The Uros, or water tribe, are descendants of pre-Inca people. They have been living on the lake for nearly 4,000 years. They wear traditional clothing and have a diet of fish from the lake. They have their own language, Pukini, which has been lost for centuries.
Eco lodges
Eco lodges on Lake Titicaca offer a taste of the Andes in the comfort of an air-conditioned room with a patio. Some of these establishments also offer cultural experiences and adventure excursions, such as kayaking and cycling. The resorts use biodegradable products, and they are located on natural inhabited islands.
One of the best places to stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca is Ecolodge La Estancia, a collection of 15 cottages and a couple of small suites. The hotel is run by the local Aymara community, which follows strict sustainability principles. The property is built over restored pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and the hotel boasts a number of notable eco-features.
Another noteworthy ecolodge is the aptly named Titilaka, a small and secluded lodge located on a private peninsula surrounded by a verdant landscape. The Titilaka has some of the best views in the area, and the hotel features several activities that go beyond the standard room and breakfast buffet. Aside from the standard hotel room, the ecolodge has nine individual casitas, which feature heated bathrooms and rain showers. A few of the suites even have small terraces.
Day trips from Puno
Puno, Peru is a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. There are many attractions in the area. These include the ruins of Sillustani, a pre-Inca site. The colonial city of Arequipa is also nearby. A visit to Puno is a great opportunity to meet with local people.
Puno is home to the Uros tribe. These people have lived on totora reed islands for centuries. The Uros use the reeds to make small houses. Throughout the year, the Uros renew their totoras.
The Uros islands are the closest to Puno. On a day trip from Puno to Lake Titicaca, visitors can visit these islands. The tour includes a motor boat ride and an opportunity to speak with friendly locals. The tour includes a stop at a local cooperative and a locally prepared lunch.
There are several museums to explore in Puno. Some of these include the Cathedral of Puno and the Carlos Dreyer Museum.
The Cathedral of Puno was constructed in 1757. It is a colonial baroque structure. The interior suffered damage from a fire in the 1930s. However, it is still possible to see its architecture.
