Classic Lake Titicaca - Exploring Peru
Description
Pricing
Itinerary
Sub Trips
Hotels
Revel in a fabulous circuit of Lake Titicaca, crossing to Puno, Peru via Copacabana and returning via Desaguadero spending our last day in La Paz. On our return we will see the Aymara culture in their traditional way of life and enjoy great views of the Andes Royal Range.
Experience the peace and energy of the Peruvian Highlands, while visiting the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. The city of Puno, which is on the shores of the lake, is also known as the ‘Folklore Capital of Peru’. Here, we will visit the floating islands of the Uros Indian tribes, who live in the same way the Indians lived in Inca times on Lake Titicaca. We will also see the enormous Sillustani tombs, made of stone in the shape of cylinders.
Day 1
This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel for a full day excursion from La Paz, Bolivia to Puno, Peru. En route to Puno, we will travel on a road running parallel to the Royal Range of the Andes making several enjoyable stops along the way. The first stop is the Altiplano Musuem. Here a state of the art audio system will explain the cultural heritage of the Aymaras and the Incas, the colonial time, and Jacques Cousteau’s expedition of Lake Titicaca. Upon leaving the museum, we continue on our voyage to the Mud Igloos of the Urus Chipayas where we will visit a local family before boarding a hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island to visit the Sun Virgins Temple Inak Uyu. From Moon Island we will continue to Sun Island to visit the Inca Staircase & Sacred Fountain where we can taste the sacred water that is believed to grant eternal youth and happiness. We will have lunch at Uma Kollu, an archaeological restaurant and, before traveling onward, there will be time to visit the local handicraft market.
This afternoon we take a hydrofoil cruise to Copacabana to visit the local Cathedral before continuing on the last leg of our journey to Puno. On the way to Puno, we will visit the churches of Pomata & Juli. Evening at leisure.
Day 2
Today we will explore the Floating Islands of Uros. These 42 islands are made up entirely of reed and populate Lake Titicaca in both Peru and Bolivia. We will have several opportunities to interact with the friendly locals and view their daily life style.
This afternoon we will visit the Sillustani pre-Incan Ruins set on beautiful Lake Umayo in Puno. The well preserved ruins are funeral towers from the Collas, a tribe that dominated the Titicaca region before the Incas. After, we transfer to our hotel in Puno for the evening.
Day 3
This morning we will return to Bolivia via Desaguadero. En route, we will visit the town of Chucuito before entering Bolivia. This afternoon we explore the Tiwanacu ruins, relics from tone of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. The Tiwanacu was a rich culture densely populated with 115,000 Aymaras with outstanding agricultural, architectural, and medicinal skills.
After lunch, we will visit the remaining tributes of this strong culture including the Sun Gate, the temple of Kalasasaya, and the pyramid of Akapana. Afternoon transfer to La Paz, Bolivia and transfer to your hotel or airport (hotel not included).
Suggested Hotels by City and Category *
|
Puno (Lake Titicaca)
|
| 3-star |
La Hacienda Puno (downtown), Casa Andina Puno (downtown), or similar. |
| 4-star |
Casa Andina Private Collection (standard room, oxygen available), Sonesta Posadas del Inca or similar. |
| 5-star |
Libertador Lago Titicaca, Casa Andina Private Collection (suite, oxygen inc) or similar. |
| Deluxe |
Hotel Titilaka (full board), or similar. |
* Subject to confirmation at time of booking
3 days , from £1108
| Occupancy Type |
3-Star |
| Double | £1108 |
| Single | £1663 |
Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).