Lake Titicaca: What to See and Do on Your Visit
Lake Titicaca
Located over 3,800 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is not only the highest navigable lake in the world but also a symbol of Andean culture, Inca history, and the biodiversity of the high plateau. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic experience, full of unique landscapes and connections with ancestral communities.
From visiting Lake Titicaca on day tours to staying in family homes on floating islands, this deep blue body of water offers unmatched activities for travelers. Below, we share everything you can do at Lake Titicaca during your trip to southern Peru.
How to Get to Lake Titicaca?
The main access point to Lake Titicaca is the city of Puno. You can get there:
- By air: to Juliaca airport, located 45 minutes from Puno.
- By land: interprovincial buses from Cusco, Arequipa, or Lima arrive in Puno.
- By train: a more luxurious and scenic option is the Andean Explorer from Cusco.
What to Do at Lake Titicaca?
Traveling to Lake Titicaca means connecting with living cultures, stunning landscapes, and ancient traditions. Here are some of the most memorable experiences:
Explore the Uros Floating Islands
Uros Floating Islands
These incredible islands are built entirely from totora reeds, an aquatic plant that grows in the lake. Here, you will meet the Uros, an ancient culture that has coexisted with the water for centuries.
What to Do on the Uros Islands?
- Ride totora reed boats
- Dress in traditional clothing
- Participate in weaving workshops
- Learn how they build their floating islands
How to Get There?
From Puno port, the boat ride takes about 30 minutes.
Discover Taquile Island
Taquile Island
Taquile Island is famous for its handmade textiles, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its inhabitants preserve pre-Inca traditions reflected in their clothing and architecture.
What to Do in Taquile?
- Learn to weave with the community
- Visit the Mulsina Pata viewpoint
- Explore archaeological remains
- Relax on Collota and Huayllano beaches
How to Get There?
By boat from Puno, the trip takes around 3 hours.
Experience the Tranquility of Amantaní Island
Amantaní Island
Amantaní is perfect for those seeking a community-based tourism experience. Its families offer accommodation in traditional houses, surrounded by eucalyptus fields and incredible views of Lake Titicaca.
Featured Activities
- Textile making
- Hikes to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples
- Boat rides and artisanal fishing
- Horseback riding and farming experiences
How to Get There?
The boat ride from Puno takes about 3.5 hours.
Community Tourism in Luquina
Luquina
Luquina, in the province of Chucuito, is a peaceful destination with spectacular lake views. Perfect for community tourism and those seeking authentic experiences.
What Can You Do?
- Participate in farming activities
- Cook traditional dishes with locals
- Enjoy boat or kayak rides
- Watch the sunset from a natural viewpoint
How to Get There?
From Puno, the trip takes about 3.5 hours by bus, or 2 hours by private car.
Llachón: Nature, Culture, and Adventure
Llachón
Located on the Capachica Peninsula, Llachón is a paradise for those who want to interact with Quechua-speaking communities. Tourism here is warm, authentic, and enriching.
Activities in Llachón
- Handmade sailing and kayaking
- Horseback riding and cycling
- Traditional fishing and farming
- Close access to Uros, Taquile, and Amantaní
How to Get There?
By bus from Puno, the trip takes about 1.5 hours.
Gastronomy at Lake Titicaca
After all the activities you can do at Lake Titicaca, nothing is better than savoring the traditional dishes of Puno. Here’s a selection:
| Typical Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Chairo Soup | Made with chuño, hominy, lamb, and vegetables. Perfect for the Andean cold. |
| Sancochado (Sajta) | Boiled meat with potatoes, vegetables, and peanut sauce with cheese and chili. |
| Quinoa Chowder | Quinoa stew with seafood, potatoes, and cheese. Nutritious and unique. |
| Fried Trout | Served with golden potatoes, corn, and criolla sauce. Caught in the lake itself. |
| Cancacho | Lamb marinated in spices, oven-baked, and served with chuño and chili. |
| Head Soup | Hearty soup made with pig or lamb head and potatoes. |
Recommendations for Visiting Lake Titicaca
- Bring warm clothing: the weather can be cold, even with sunshine.
- Stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness with coca tea.
- Respect community customs and ask before taking photos.
- Consider staying at least 2 days to visit more than one island and participate in community tourism.
Why Travel to Lake Titicaca?
Because it’s a magical, profound, and transformative experience. This place not only offers postcard-worthy landscapes but also stories, ancestral knowledge, and a unique connection to the roots of our identity. If you are looking for authentic places, tourist spots at Lake Titicaca such as Taquile, Uros, or Amantaní are cultural treasures that enrich the soul.
Lake Titicaca Awaits You!
On your next trip to southern Peru, don’t miss the chance to explore the wonderful Lake Titicaca. At our agency Travels to Machu Picchu we help you plan your perfect experience, combining history, culture, and nature in one destination.
Ready for the adventure? Write to us at +51 984363748 or email info@travelstomachupicchu.com for personalized assistance and to book your experience.
