Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Lake Titicaca

Situated at an extraordinary 4,000 metres above sea-level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world.  It is also one of the most beautiful.  

Lake Titicaca is sacred to the Aymara and Quecha people who inhabit its shores and islands. To walk along the lake edge, sail its waters or stay on the islands, is to reconnect with an unchanged past. Puno is the departure town for boat trips to the floating Uros Taquile and Amantani Islands as well as Bolivia, but also for the thrilling Andean Explorer train that journeys across the altiplano to Cusco.

Lake Titicaca, Suasi Island, Peru
Lake Titicaca, Suasi Island, Peru

Lake Titicaca

According to Andean folklore, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun. It is not difficult to imagine this legend, as the engulfing sun beats down from above and is reflected back from the deep blue lake. The dramatic mountains of the Cordillera Real also make for an impressive back-drop. The lake is an essential source of life for the people who inhabit its shores and islands and whose ancient cultures still thrive today, despite the passage of time and the encroachment of modernity.

Discover Lake Titicaca

Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Peru
Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Peru

Life on Los Uros

Life on the Los Uros islands revolves around the Totora reed. Each island is thought to last approximately thirty years and is consistently reinforced with fresh layers of reed to keep the spongy mass dry underfoot. The reed is also harvested to construct the distinctive and often elaborate boats, and to build homes. Totora is also life-giving, providing an essential source of food, thought to be rich in iodine, in addition to being used for temperature control and medicinal purposes.

Holidays to Peru

Arch, Taquile Island, Peru
Taquile Island, Peru

Taquile Island

Relatively untouched for over a 1000 years, the small island of Taquile is an attractive, isolated slice of rural Peru with an almost Mediterranean feel. However, the inhabitants here uphold an unusual tradition of men knitting. Each man on the island wears a “chullo”, a knitted hat with a tail that depicts both marital status and mood. If the hat is red and white, the male will be single, but if all red, married. If the tail sits to the left he is worried; to the right, happy and to the back; he’s busy. Prowess is also judged on how tightly each stitch is knitted.

More on Taquile Island

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Local woman weaving textiles, Peru
Lake Titicaca Peru

Travel to Taquile Island

Admire the stunning Peruvian lake island full of handmade colourful fabrics and friendly locals.

Suggested read: blog

View from Taquile Island, Peru
Lake Titicaca Peru

Sail on Lake Titicaca

Set sail on the highest navigable lake in the world and visit the communities on Isla Taquile.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sillustani, Near Puno, Lake Titicaca, Peru
Lake Titicaca Peru

Visit a Peruvian Island

Take a boat trip to Amantaní, one of Lake Titicaca’s most scenic islands and a centre of mystical ceremonies since pre-Inca times.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Traditional Reed Boats, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Peru
Lake Titicaca Peru

Board a Reed Boat

Embark on a trip on a traditional Peruvian boat made entirely of reeds, among the oldest known types of boats.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our Peru experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca £££££

  • Peru

Positioned on the shores of Esteves Island and benefiting from 360-degree views of Lake Titicaca, Hotel GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca showcases its unapologetic devotion to the surrounding landscape by gracing the majority of its walls with huge picture windows.

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Casa Andina Premium Puno £££££

  • Peru

Perched in meticulously landscaped grounds and with an undulating hilly backdrop, Casa Andina Premium Puno is positioned at 3,800 metres above sea level in front of Lake Titicaca. Offering spectacular views over the lake and privileged boardwalk access to a lakeside pier, the property even has its own private train station. Its 46 well-appointed rooms and suites are bright and modern, with some offering breath-taking views over the lake from balconies that absorb panoramic views from sunrise to sunset. The on-site restaurant features large windows with views towards the water, and a cosy bar area with an open fire provides an ideal spot for a sip of Pisco at the end of an active day.

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Titilaka £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

A unique lakeside lodge with otherworldly 360-degree views, Titilaka stands on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca and boasts views across infinite skies, shimmering waters and distant snow-capped peaks. Far off the beaten track in an area shared with the local indigenous Aymara community, the property is enclosed by pristine lakes and four acres of grounds.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

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  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

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  • 01285 880 980

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