Trip Extension Overview
Mythical birthplace of the ancient Inca civilization, famed Lake Titicaca is the remnant of an ancient inland sea that has sustained Andean cultures for centuries. At an altitude of over twelve thousand feet, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest fresh water lake in South America. Fed by the snows of the Andes, it is a starkly beautiful lake that contrasts vividly with the parched altiplano, great for photographers but inhospitable to swimmers.
On this Peru tour extension, you will visit the floating Uros islands as well as picturesque Taquile Island on the Peruvian side of this vast lake that extends into western Bolivia.
Trip Features
- 3 Days
- $655 per person
-
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate -
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, Scenic Boat Ride -
HIGHLIGHTS
Puno, Uros Islands, Taquile Island
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Embark over the altiplano (high plains) onboard a bus for a full day of high altitude views. Reach Puno, along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to hotel. Travel Cusco to Puno via bus at no extra charge or upgrade to a short flight to Juliaca for an additional $150.
10-hour bus ride itinerary:
7:15 a.m. Departure from Cusco
8:10 a.m. 1st visit: Temple Andahuaylillas Sistine Chapel of America (35 min.)
10:20 a.m. 2nd visit: Archaeological Site of Raqchi. (45 min.)
11:20 a.m. Sichuani Buffet Lunch (50 min.) + Photo opportunity
1:00 p.m. La Raya 4335-m (14,222 ft.) Highest altitude point (10 min.)
2:30 p.m. 3rd visit: Lithics Pucara Museum (35 min) + Photo opportunity
2:55 p.m. Archaeological Site of Kalassaya (10 min)
5:15 pm. Arrival in Puno
This is a rough time schedule. Bus is a comfortable motorcoach with a bathroom onboard.
Lake Titicaca, the cradle of Incan civilization, is the largest freshwater lake in South America, extending from southeastern Peru to western Bolivia. The 122-mile long 35-mile-wide lake has waves, testament to its size. Fed by the snow-clad Andes, the lake does not invite swimming. It is the remnant of an ancient inland sea, and its vivid blue waters make a beautiful contrast to the stark altiplano.
In the morning take a short drive to the dock at Puno harbor for an 8 AM departure by boat to the famous floating Uros Islands for a quick visit. Continue the journey by boat to reach tranquil Taquile Island, housing a community of male weavers and spinners in a Mediterranean-like setting. In the late afternoon, return to Puno to shop. Puno is known as the best place to buy alpaca wear. (B, L)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before seeing one last amazing sight on the outskirts of Puno. On Lake Umayo at Sillustani are some mysterious pre-Inca ruins called chullpas (funerary towers) that were built here by the warrior Colla tribe as burial chambers for their elite. The stonemasonry of these gigantic cylindrical tombs, some as tall as 40 feet, is exquisite, and many archaeologists and historians find them more complex and superior even to Inca engineering. After exploring this area, you’ll fly back to Lima from the altiplano town of Juliaca for your connecting international flight. (B)
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