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Puno - Lake Titicaca Tours

(Also see options on the Bolivian side)

PUNO is at 3855 meters above sea level, it is the major port on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest in the world over 2000 meters. Puno is in between of Cusco and La Paz, Bolivia and it is one of the main reasons to spend a night in Puno, but there are many other reasons to spend more time here. It has a fine main square and beautiful Cathedral built in 1657, the market is always interesting- full of Indians, especially women behind piles of potatoes, fruits and woollen clothes. Puno is also famous for its folk dances, the most colourful found in the Peruvian highlands.
From here we can go to Cusco by train or airplane and to Bolivia by bus through Copacabana or Desaguadero. Via Copacabana it is easier and one can even spend the night there in order to visit the Sun island, however going via Desaguadero can visit the famous ruins of Tiahuanaco.

SILLUSTANI
Located between Puno and Juliaca (45 minutes from either of them, Sillustani sits on a small hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo. The lake has a good variety of plants and water birds like the Giant Andean Coot, the whitetufted and Silvery Grebes, the Puna Ibis, the Andean Goose, the black crowned Night-Heron, the Speckled and Puna Teals, the Yellow-billed Pintail, the Andean Gull and others. Most of funerary towers called CHULLPAS date from the Inca occupation in the 15th century, but there are burial towers of the Aymara-speaking Colla culture, as well as from the Pukara and Tiwanaku cultures. There are about 100 of these towers and the engineering involved in their construction is more complex than anything that Incas built. The more important people were buried in the towers, while lesser people were buried in similarly-shaped areas below ground. See the quarry that the rocks came from and also the rocks that were ready to be placed, until the Spanish came and construction stopped. There is also a small island in the lake that is a reserve and has herds of llamas, alpacas, etc. This makes for a very interesting side trip on the way to or from the airport in Juliaca (gateway to Puno)

UROS FLOATING ISLANDS
Visit the native communities of Uros located on a man-made floating island in Lake Titicaca, The Uros people live totally interwoven with the TOTORA reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are constructed from many layers of reeds which rot away from the bottom and are replaced at the top. The Uros build canoe-like boats that are used for transportation and fishing. Canoe rides from one island to another are available (but be prepared to pay).

1/2 day tour

TAQUILE ISLAND
The most fascinating island in the lake is 45km from Puno. It is about seven km long and one km wide and has several hills with Inca terracing. The scenery of the islands is beautiful. The soil is a deep earthy red colour which in the strong highland sunlight, contrasts magnificently against the intense blue of the lake. The backdrop of the snowcapped Cordillera Real on the far side completes a spendid picture. The people wear colourful traditional clothes which they make themselves, they speak Quechua rather than the Aymara language of most Titicaca Indians, maintain a strong air of group individuality and don't often marry with non Taquile people.

The island is very peaceful, the men always seems to be walking around the island knitting the woven woollen caps which they wear constantly, the women weave the tradional clothes which are mong the best in Peru. We highly recomend to spend one night in the island. A day tour return is not recommended if you want to see the island fully.

full day tour to either Uros and Amantani or Taquile

AMANTANI ISLAND
It is very beautiful and peaceful island like TAQUILE but bigger, has 6 villages and ruins on both of the island peaks, Pachatata and Pachamama. From there are excellent views of the lake; there are temples and on the shore and there is a throne carved out of stone. The Quechua-speaking Indians make beautiful textiles. Because it is further away from Puno, it is less often visited by tourists. We highly recomend to spend one night in the island. A day tour return is not recommended if you want to see the island fully.

Uros, Amantani and Taquile Islands (2 days). You spend the night with a local family, accompanied by a guide.

Sample Itineraries

Day 1 - Arrival at Juliaca airport and transfer by road to your hotel in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 2 - Morning visit to the Uros Islands. These islands are made of reeds, rising six meters above the lake level. They are anchored by logs and connected to each other by ropes. The main activities of the people who live here are fishing and handcrafting several items that they sell to visitors. Continue to Taquile Island which has two essential characteristics; its geography, offering a spectacular view from its hills, and its standing as a first-rate textile center. Taquileños live on their textile activities. This can easily be seen in the men walking about in rubber sandals ("ojotas" in quechua), wearing black pants, white flannel shirts and beautiful, finely woven chumpis (belts), covering their heads with finely knitted warm "chullos" (caps with ear flaps). Box lunch included.

Day 3 - Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and on the way visit the Sillustani tombs.These Tombs or Chullpas are characterized by their round and square bases, as well as the cornice on top. There are several figures and symbols on these tombs, the snake being the most representative. This symbolises the influence of the jungle and not of the Andes.

2012 Price per person in US$ with group tour:

Day 1 - arrive Juliaca airport and transfer to hotel

Day 2 - breakfast, then you will be transferred to the boat dock for your group overnight tour to Uros & Amantani Islands . Lunch and dinner included. Overnight with family

Day 3 - breakfast, visit Taquile Island, afternoon return back to Puno, where you will be met and transferred back to the hotel.

Day 4 - Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and on the way visit the Sillustani tombs.These Tombs or Chullpas are characterized by their round and square bases, as well as the cornice on top. There are several figures and symbols on these tombs, the snake being the most representative. This symbolises the influence of the jungle and not of the Andes.

2010 Price per person in US$ with private overnight tour to islands:

Can also include itineraries to Bolivia islands and back, as below

FULL DAY SACRED ISLANDS ESCAPE ...................Daily's departures

Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the "Dark Virgin" Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Visit the Inca "Grand Stairs" & the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant Visit the small handicraft market Hydrofoil cruise to Copacabana Overland returning trip to Puno and drop off at hotel in Puno

2012 price per person in US$: $205

SUN & MOON ISLAND ESCAPE (2 Days / 1 Night)....Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the "Dark Virgin" Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Visit the "Pilcocaina" Temple Llama trek to "Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge" Lunch at the "Posada del Inca Eco Lodge" PM at leisure to explore the surroundings Dinner Overnight at the "Posada del Inca Eco Lodge"

Day 2 - American Breakfast Descend to Yumani harbor on the "Inca Grand Stairs" Visit the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant. Visit the small handicraft market. Hydrofoil cruise back to Copacabana Overland returning trip to Puno and drop off at hotel in Puno

2012 price per person in US$: $311 per person double, US$32 single room supplement (min. of 2 people)

Puno to Bolivia

FROMS SUNSET TO SUNRISE.................................. Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on LakeTiticaca. Visit the Shrine & the Dark Virgin. Hydrofoil Cruise to Moon Island. Visit the Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island. Visit the "Inca Grand Staircase" and the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the archaeological & panoramic Uma Kollu Restaurant. Visit the small handicraft market Hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata. Visit the "Andean Roots Eco Village" and the Altiplano Museum Night visit to the "Mystic World of the Kallawayas" Welcome drink Candlelight dinner at the "Sumaj Untavi" Restaurant Night visit to the Native Observatory "Alajpacha" Overnight at the Inca Utama Hotel & SPA

Day 2 - American breakfast Optional short cruise to the Urus-Iruitos Floating Island. No additional cost Overland transfer to selected hotel in La Paz, enjoying the snowed peaks of the Royal Range of the Andes

2012 price per person in US$: $423 single, $390 double. $33 single room supplement

INTENSIVE TITICACA (2 Days / 1 Night)..................... Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the Shrine & the Dark Virgin Hydrofoil Cruise to Moon Island. Visit the Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island. Visit the "Inca Grand Staircase" and the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the archaeological & panoramic Uma Kollu Restaurant. Visit the small handicraft market Return to Copacabana Overland trip to Huatajata, bordering Titicaca Lake and crossing Tiquina Straits Hydrofoil cruise to Kalauta Island and the "Urus Iruitos Floating Islands" Return to Huatajata Night experiences: "The Mystic World of the Kallawayas". & "Alajpacha Native Observatory" Welcome drink & Candlelight Dinner at the "Suma Untavi" Restaurant Overnight at the Inca Utama Hotel & SPA

Day 2 - American Breakfast Visit to the "Andean Roots Eco Village" & the Altiplano Museum Overland transfer to selected hotel in La Paz, enjoying the snowed peaks of the Royal Range of the Andes

2012 price per person in US$: $311 double. $33 single room supplement. (minimum of 2 people)

SUN & MOON ISLANDS ESCAPE (2 Days / 1 Night)........Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the Dark Virgin Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island. Half an hour llama trek to Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge Lunch at Posada del Inca Eco Lodge PM at leisure to explore the surroundings Dinner Overnight at the Posada del Inca Eco Lodge

Day 2 - American Breakfast Descend to Yumani harbor on the "Inca Grand Stairs". Visit the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant Visit the small handicraft market Hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata Visit the "Andean Roots Eco Village" & the Altiplano Museum Overland trip to selected hotel in La Paz, enjoying the snowed peaks of the Royal Range of the Andes

2012 price per person in US$: $458 single, $405 double. $33 single room supplement

TRAVEL BAG (2 Days / 1 Night) .................................. Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on the Titicaca Visit the shrine and the "Dark Virgin" Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Llama trek to the Posada del Inca" Eco-Lodge Lunch at la Posada del Inca PM at leisure to explore the surroundings Dinner Overnight at the Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge

Day 2 - American Breakfast Visit the Inca "Grand Stairs" & the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant Visit the small handicraft market Return to Copacabana by motor boat Overland journey Copacabana-Straits of Tiquina-Huatajata Stop in Huatajata to visit the "Andean Roots Eco Village" and the Altiplano Museum Continue the overland trip to selected hotel in La Paz, enjoying the snowed peaks of the Royal Range of the Andes.

2012 price per person in US$: $345 double. $33 single room supplement. (minimum of 2 people)

MAGIC TITICACA & WIÑAYMARCA........................... Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the Dark Virgin Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Visit the Inca "Grand Stairs" & the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant Visit the small handicraft market Hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata Visit the "Andean Roots Eco Village" & the Altiplano Museum Accommodation at the Inca Utama Hotel & SPA Night experience of "The Mystic World of the Kallawayas" Welcome drink Overnight at the Inca Utama Hotel & SPA

Day 2 - American breakfast Hydrofoil cruise to Kalauta & Pariti Islands Continue to the Urus Iruitos Floating Islands & Quewaya Sustainable Project. Enjoy an "Aptapi", a community lunch Return to Huatajata PM at leisure to enjoy the Kallawaya Natural SPA Night visit to the Native Cosmic Observatory "Alajpacha" Overnight at the Inca Utama Hotel & SPA

Day 3 - American breakfast Departure to the Ruins of Tiwanaku with Box Lunch Visit of Tiwanaku Continue to La Paz, enjoying the fascinating view of the snowed peaks of the Andes Royal Range Arrival to hotel in La Paz

2012 price per person in US$: $590 single, $497 double. $65 single room supplement

GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF LAKE TITICACA................. Daily's departures

Day 1 - Overland transfer from your hotel in Puno to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca Visit the shrine and the "Dark Virgin" Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple "Iñak Uyu" Continue to Sun Island by Hydrofoil Visit the "Pilcocaina" Temple Llama trek to Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge Lunch at Posada del Inca Eco Lodge PM at leisure to explore the surroundings Dinner Overnight at the Posada del Inca Eco Lodge

Day 2 - American Breakfast Descend to Yumani harbor by the "Inca Grand Stairs" Visit the Sacred Fountain Lunch at the "Uma Kollu" archaeological Restaurant Visit the small handicraft market Hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata Once in Huatajata, visit the " Andean Roots Eco Village" & the Altiplano Museum Enjoy a night experience at the "Mystic World of the Kallawayas" Welcome drink Night visit to the Native Observatory "Alajpacha" Overnight at Inca Utama Hotel & SPA

Day 3 - American breakfast Hydrofoil cruise to the "Urus-Iruitos" Floating Island" Overland trip to La Paz, enjoying the fascinating view of the snowed peaks of the Andes Royal Range

2012 price per person in US$: $730 single, $558 double. $65 single room supplement

Special Itineraries

3 Day Sea Kayaking Trip