Lake Titicaca sits on the border between Peru and Bolivia and is easily one of the most enchanting parts of the country. It stands at an impressive 3,812 meters and spans 3,232 square miles of freshwater dotted with ancient islands that make it a living time capsule.
I’ve crossed Lake Titicaca from both the Peruvian and Bolivian sides and can attest to the wonders firsthand.
Pillkukayna on the Isla del Sol, Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Floating Uros Islands
Make your way out onto Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side, and you’ll notice a curious sight: floating islands made of totora reeds dotted with traditional reed-based houses and flanked by colorful boats with curved prows and sterns. These traditional crafts are also made from totora reeds.
The Uros Islands are an easy day trip from nearby Puno, and you’ll only need about 4 hours to get the full picture. They’re well worth the trip. Tours disembark on the islands, so you can actually walk along the surface, meet the locals, and pick up some great handmade souvenirs. Each island is constructed of reeds that are two to three meters thick, so they’re totally stable and able to sustain a lot of weight and pressure.
These islands have a fascinating history too, dating back thousands of years to the pre-Incan Uros people who allegedly built the islands to escape the Incans.
Traditional Uros Reed Boat, Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Isla del Sol
You get to the Isla del Sol from the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, setting off from Copacabana on a roughly half-hour ride to the island. Copacabana is about four hours from Puno, and you could encounter border delays, so it’s best to stay in the town and make your journey to the Isla del Sol in the morning.
This island is highly significant in Incan lore, heralded as the Sun God, Inti’s birthplace, and it’s a fantastic spot to hike. You’ll get stunning views of the lake and see plenty of Incan ruins as you explore. If you’re feeling strong and have six or seven hours to spare, take a loop around the island. It’s no joke, with 900 meters of elevation gain, but you’ll pass the Chincana Labyrinth with its spiderweb of ancient tunnels and see some truly breathtaking coast.
If you’re a bit short on time, hike from Challapampa to Yumani, a three-hour trek that takes you by Pillkukayna, built right on the slopes of the island, and the Templo del Sol.
View from Isla del Sol, Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Amantani Island
Visiting Amantani Island is a two-day affair, and you can arrange it easily in Puno, Peru. I combined it with a visit to the Uros Islands and arrived at Amantani Island close to dinner time. If you go directly from Puno, it takes about four hours to get there. Amantani Island offers overnight homestays with families, which is an excellent way to experience the culture and support local people.
I enjoyed the best meal I had in Peru on Amantani Island: quinoa soup and fresh tomatoes. After eating, we went on a glorious sunset hike to Pachatata Mountain. Like the Isla del Sol, Amantani Island’s history dates back to pre-Incan times, so you’ll experience a blend of Incan and Andean culture while you’re there.
Beautiful Flowers on Amantani Island, Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Visiting Lake Titicaca
The Peruvian gateway to Lake Titicaca is Puno. I took the hop-on hop-off bus to get there from Cusco, but you can also fly into Juliaca’s Manco Capac International Airport and drive to Puno, which takes about one hour. Once you arrive in Puno, you’ll find plenty of reasonably priced hostels and local tours from Amantani Island and the Uros Islands; there’s no need to book in advance.
Copacabana, Bolivia, is the jumping-off point for the Isla del Sol. Get there by bus from Puno or La Paz. Both trips take about three hours. Like Puno, you’ll find plenty of hostels and budget hotels, and you can book your excursion when you arrive.
Have you been to Lake Titicaca? What was your experience like?
<p>The post It Felt Untouched by Time: This Mythical Lake on the Peru–Bolivia Border Is a Living Time Capsule first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>