Visit the Titicaca lake and its living culture. Learn how ancient cultures thrive using the lake resources, find islands made of totora reeds, also boats! and enjoy the textile art of the Taquile people. You can connect from Cusco by bus or from Lima by a commercial flight.
Features: Unique – Dialy departures – 12 people max
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip bus from Cusco
- Meals
- Professional guide
- Tickets
- Hotel in Puno
- Transfers
From $238
Itinerary
Highlights
- Explore Travel by bus from Cusco city and visit along the way the temple of Wiracocha, Andahuaylillas chapel and then discover the Titicaca lake and the surrounding islands to learn about the living culture of the Uros and Taquile people. You can connect with Lima at the end of the tour.
- Places to visit: The temple of Wiracocha, Andahuaylillas chapel, the Lithic Museum, the Titicaca lake, Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island.
- Departures: Everyday at 6.30 am
- From: Your hotel in Cusco.
- Transport: Tourist bus and speedboat.
- Overnight: 02 nights in Puno in a 3-star hotel.
The Floating Uros Islands:
The fable-like Uros Islands are entirely made of totora reeds, and the reed beds they live in are absolutely essential to their inhabitants’ way of life. These islands on Lake Titicaca were initially constructed by the Uro-Aymara families who lived there centuries ago using totora reeds. The locals use totora reeds to construct their boats, which they use for fishing. Even some of the islanders’ handicrafts are created using totora reeds, and the welcoming residents of this community sell their creations to tourists as a memento of their trip to this enchanted location.
Taquile Island:
Prior to the Spanish conquest of the region in the 16th century, the island was a part of the enormous Inca Empire. The local Quechua people, who are descendants of the Incas, still refer to it as Intika. The Spanish aristocrat Pedro Gonzales de Taquila is the origin of the name Taquile.
Cultural limitations were imposed on the islanders by the Spanish. For instance, they were required to dress in campesino, or peasant, style clothing instead of the traditional Inca outfit. However, many other regional customs persisted due to the island’s remoteness, particularly at a time before motorized boats. Around 2,200 people live on the islands today and continue the long-standing tradition of subsistence farming and fishing.
Today, Isla Taquile is perhaps best known for its weaving heritage. Of course, weaving is a significant aspect of regional culture throughout much of Peru. Indigenous peoples use geometric and natural shapes, as well as colors, to represent their history and society. Particularly on Taquile Island, weaving is a fascinating tradition where both men and women use the loom.
