Titicaca Lake
From $945
per personThe Incas thought heaven and earth to be united by the reflection of the sky on the surface of Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. It is a site not to be missed, where natives live on man-made floating islands, striking flamingos soar high above and even more archaeological sites attest to the religious and economic importance of this geographical landmark. If you are lucky enough to spare your time, this region is sure to complement your visit to Peru by getting the entire picture of how, by 1438, the Incan civilization had grown to cover over 2 million square kilometers (780,000 square miles) of the most strikingly diverse geography.
DAY 1. CUSCO / PUNO
At 06h15 you will be transferred by our driver from your hotel to the terminal for a comfortable overland journey through the highlands leading to emblematic Lake Titicaca. En route visit the unexpected splendor of Saint Peter the Apostle Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” because of its stunning gold leaf artwork on intricately carved altars, plus majestic murals. Built during Spanish colonial times in 1631, its dazzling interiors were to have a lasting impression on the local natives as an introduction to Catholicism. Next is the Raqchi Complex, a primary control point on the network of road systems that branched out of Cusco to the Tawantinsuyo or the “four corners of the universe”. (Note: Tickets to the Chapel and Raqchi are not included – about US$ 15 per person). Peruvian buffet lunch stop included. Continue to Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca, to check-in to your hotel for the evening. Our local guide will meet you in lobby of the hotel at 18h00 for a briefing about trip on Lake Titicaca to be experienced the following day. Walk to nearby restaurants in the village for dinner on your own.
DAY 2. TITICACA LAKE EXCURSION
Pickup at 06h15 from hotel to dock to board a double-decker motorized boat to journey to the famous “Floating Islands” of the Uros people, who centuries ago escaped the conflicting land rights situation by building these aquatic platforms from “totora” reed to live on. Then it’s on to Takile Island, famous for its knitters. After lunch (not included – about 30 soles per person – dollars not accepted), consisting in trout or omelets, and some walking around the area, we navigate back to Puno and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own.
DAY 3. SILLUSTANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
This wonderful 4-hour excursion can be taken either in the morning or afternoon for a 40-minute journey to the village of Sillustani. From here we take a short walk up a hill where these “chullpas” or stone towers are found, originally occupied by the Collas civilization and later by the Incas to mummify their nobility. Wild pigs and flamingos sometimes appear on nearby Umayo Lagoon. Return to hotel.
DAY 4. PUNO / JULIACA
Pick up from hotel at least 3 hours prior to scheduled departure for a 45-minute transfer to Juliaca airport where you board your flight to Lima.
Tour Location
2017 Rates (per person)
| From $945 |