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Perched at a breathtaking 3,800 meters (12,400 ft.)
above sea level, Puno and the surrounding countryside are the cradle of
the Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace of the founders of
the Inca empire. Puno lies on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world’s
highest navigable lake, from whose waters the Inca believed Manco Capac,
their cultural founder, emerged. Many ethnic groups like the Uros still
depend on the resources of the lake for their living. The Uros themselves
dwell on the floating islands they build with the lake’s reed vegetation.
Near Puno, overlooking Lake Umayo, are chullpas, or burial towers, that
once served as the tombs of high-ranking Aymara Lords.
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Titicaca: Lake of the Incas-
5 min
Video |
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in the Andes modern day descendants of the Incas still live "in" the
world's highest navigable lake at over 12,000 feet. Their boats,
houses, furniture, even the islands they inhabit, are all made from
giant reeds. |
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| Three and a half hours from Puno by
boat lies the Island of Taquile, where life has remained unchanged
from centuries and weavers still craft traditional textiles. North
of Taquile is the Island of Amantani, famed for its woven straw
baskets. An overnight stay on one of this islands is an
unforgettable experience and highly recommended. Surrounding the
lake, dozens of colonial settlements and their ornate churches bear
witness to the lake’s importance during colonial times. Puno is
famed as the folklore capital of Peru. Be sure to take in at least
one of the innumerable folk festivals that punctuate Puno’s festival
calendar. The Virgen de la Candelaria, held in February, its a
three-day spectacle rich in traditional folklore. |
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3 DAYS / 2 NIGTHS $ 425 per person
based on two in a first class hotel (Standard: $ 270 Economy:
$225)
- DAY 1 PUNO
Upon arrival reception, assistance and
transfer to the hotel.
- DAY 2
UROS-SILLUSTANI
Morning excursion on Lake Titicaca to the
remarking floating reed island – built on layers of totora reeds – home
to the Uros indians, who still live as their ancestors did a thousand
years ago. In the afternoon, visit the "Chullpas" of Sillustani, the
burial towers made of stone, 28 km. (17 miles) from Puno. (B)
- DAY 3
Departure transfer. (B)
* Daily
F/D TAQUILE ISLAND
$ 195 per person
based on two
- Three and a half hours by boat
from Puno, this remote island is a remarkable community where
Quechua, the language of the Incas, is kept alive by the
islanders. The outstanding highlight of its inhabitants is their
handicraft derived from techniques developed over centuries. Box
lunch included.
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* Daily.
* Optional overnight with full board.
F/D AMANTANI ISLAND
$ 185 per person based on two
- A three and a half hour boat ride
on Lake Titicaca takes us to Amantani Island, 3,812 meters (12,500 ft.)
above sea level and home to impressive archeological sites. Passenger
can meet the Yatiri indians, the "Shamans" of Lake Titicaca who read the
future in coca leaves. Box lunch included.
* Daily.
F/D SUN ISLAND rates upon request
- Combine a land and boat excursion
to visit and enigmatic lake spot and enjoy the Inca remains and
spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lunch in
Copacabana and proceed back to Puno via important religious sites around
the lake.
* Daily.
* SIB available with tour restrictions.
- When visiting Taquile or Amantani, we
can arrange a brief stop at Uros floating island upon request. See
rates.
- One can reach Puno from Lima, Cusco,
Arequipa and La Paz.
F/D PUNO / LA PAZ BY HYDROFOIL $325
per person (minimum of 2 people)
- Drive to Copacabana, visiting the
remote towns of Juli and Pomata on the way. Then, board the hydrofoil
for departure towards the Sun Island where, according to legend, the
first Inca appeared. After exploring the island’s Inca remains and
majestic views of Lake Titicaca and surrounding andean mountains,
continue on the Huatajata for a brief stop before the final drive to La
Paz and your hotel. (L)
* Daily except Mondays - Minimum 2 passengers.
* On Mondays minimum 8 passengers.
F/D PUNO / LA PAZ BY CATAMARAN
$285 per person
- Early morning departure by bus for
a 3-hour ride to Copacabana (Bolivia) passing through the towns of
Juli and Pomata. After a short visiting the Cathedral and the Main
Square of Copacabana, the catamaran will take you across Lake
Titicaca. Stop to explore the Sun Island to visit Inca Monuments.
The trip continues to Huatajata (Chua port) to disembark and
continue by bus to La Paz and your hotel. (L)
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* Daily minimum 2 passengers.
F/D PUNO / LA PAZ BALSA "C" -
upon request
- Early morning departure through
the towns of Pomata and Juli before arriving in Copacabana. Brief visit
of the church and chapel of The Dark Virgin of the Lake. After lunch,
overland again on a narrow road to the straight of Tiquina to begin the
cruise to Suriqui Island for a most exciting view of Lake Titicaca, the
island and the andean mountain range. Arrival in Puerto Perez for final
drive to La Paz. (L)
* Daily minimum 2 passengers.
F/D PUNO / LA PAZ VIA TIAHUANACO BY ROAD -
upon request
- Early morning departure south
along the western shore of Lake Titicaca, passing the picturesque
towns of Chucuito and Juli. The drives continues until Desaguadero,
a village in the Bolivian border where you will check on
immigration. You still stop to visit the millenary Tiahuanaco
ruins, the main archeological center of Bolivia, before going
through a pass with a fabulous view of the Highlands and the Royal
Andes Range. Box lunch included.
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* Daily.
- We can offer these crosses with
overnight on board or at the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- All this options also available for La
Paz - Puno Lake Crossing.
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