Written by:
peru.travel
Friday, August 7, 2020
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In the heart of the Altiplano, the floating islands rise as a unique opportunity to experience traditions and customs that have belonged to Peru since ancient times. Crossed by cobbled roads, with archaeological centers and a living culture that transcends time, visiting this beautiful destination is a dream that you can make come true.
Located in the border of Peru and Bolivia, this wonder of nature awaits its visitors at any time of the year. Next, we share some tips and details that you should consider to make your stay the most pleasant as possible.
How to get there?
There are two ways to get to Lake Titicaca if you are coming from Lima. The first one is by air: a two hours flight to the city of Juliaca. From there you have to complete the route by land. The second one is by bus -with a 22 hours travel-. If you are coming from Cusco, the trip can be made by train, which would take approximately 10 hours.
The port of Puno, located 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, is the starting point for the tour to the islands. Here, you will find a large number of agencies that offer tours at all prices. It is also possible to book your tour in advance on the internet. Once at the dock, you will have to pay a "lake boarding fee" of 6 soles, and upon arrival at each island, an entrance ticket of 8 soles.
Many visitors choose to experience the full-day excursion to the islands Uros and Taquile, which lasts 12 hours and costs around 50 soles. You can also consider to take the two-day tour and stay one night on one of the islands; this will allow you to witness the traditions of these communities and have a much richer experience.
The Uros Islands are an archipelago of 40 artificial islets where about 300 families, descendants from one of the oldest cultures in South America, live. In each islet you can find between five and seven families that are dedicated to hunting and artisan fishing. On the other hand, Taquile Island is inhabited by communities of peasants who continue to live and dress traditionally. It is well known for the great talent that its inhabitants possess in the art of textiles, even being recognized by Unesco as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
It takes approximately three hours to get to the beautiful Amantani Island, a place inhabited by communities dedicated to agriculture, textilery and stone carving. Also, they are always willing to receive visitors in a very hospitable and affectionate way, offering them to share their homes and show them their way of living and their vision of the world. Among its natural attractions, there are two viewpoints where you can appreciate the majesty of Lake Titicaca and some pre-Hispanic remains, as well as the ceremonial centers of Pachatata and Pachamama.
What to bring?
You should note that the weather is usually very cold most of the year, both during the day and at night, ranging from 41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why it is important to bring a good waterproof coat and wool pants. In the islands, you can acquire the traditional chullos: Andean wool hats woven by hand with bright colors and designs.
Be aware that there are no food stores on the islands, so you should bring a bottle of water and some kind of snack with you to calm your hunger. For the same reason, it is good to bring personal hygiene items as well. Also, remember to bring extra batteries for your photo and video camera. Finally, if you decide to stay with a local family for the night, it is a good gesture of appreciation to bring them a gift such as school supplies or perishable food.
Prepare your body for the altitude
Since Lake Titicaca is located at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters above the sea level, it is essential to prepare yourself physically during the days prior to your trip so that you do not suffer any kind of discomfort during your stay. You could try to acclimate your body with cardiovascular exercises so that you can reach this place with good lung capacity without respiratory difficulties.
As you can see, visiting and enjoying the Titicaca Islands is a wonderful experience that you cannot miss. Take into account all of these tips, pack your bags and embark on this adventure that will undoubtedly remain engraved in your memories.
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