Lake Titicaca & Puno

The Lake Titicaca is huge: 8,372 km² (15× Lake Constance), 190 km long, up to 80 km wide, and 280 m deep at its deepest point. It lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia, with each country owning half. For the Incas, it was the most sacred lake in the world — according to legend, the sun god and the first Incas, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, rose from its waters.

Puno

The port and provincial capital Puno (3,827 m) on the western shore is the gateway to the Peruvian part of the lake. The city itself is not a beauty — dusty, noisy, bustling — but it has an authentic energy that large tourist centers lack. Puno is especially famous as the folklore capital of Peru: In February, the Fiesta de la Candelaria takes place here, one of the largest folk festivals in South America with thousands of dancers in colorful costumes.

• Plaza de Armas: The cathedral (1757) in Peruvian Baroque, surrounded by cafés and restaurants. Lively in the evenings.
• Calle Lima (pedestrian zone): The main shopping street with alpaca shops, cafés, and travel agencies.
• Mirador Kuntur Wasi: A viewpoint with a condor sculpture and panoramic views over Puno and the lake.

Practical Information

• Arrival: Tourist bus from Cusco (10h, recommended!), direct bus (6–7h), or flight to Juliaca (45 min from Lima) + transfer (1h).
• Altitude: 3,827 m! Arrive acclimatized from Cusco (3,400 m) or plan a rest day.
• Stay: 2 days are enough for the Uros + Taquile. With an overnight stay on Amantáni, 3 days.

★★★ Islas de los Uros

There are places that seem like they are from another world — and the floating islands of the Uros definitely belong to them. Around 60 artificial islands made of totora reeds float in the western part of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by the descendants of the Uros people, who are older than the Incas.

The construction of an island is a constant process: Huge blocks of reed roots form the foundation, on which layers of dried totora reeds are laid — up to 3 meters thick. The islands spring underfoot like a waterbed. Every few weeks, new layers of reeds must be added as the lower ones rot.

The Uros build everything from reeds: houses, boats (the famous "Balsas"), furniture, even watchtowers. The reeds are also food — the white, moist core tastes slightly sweet.

Tourism vs. Authenticity

The Uros islands are touristy — there's no sugarcoating it. Visits follow a pattern: arrival, explanation of island construction, sightseeing, souvenir shopping, reed boat ride. Nevertheless: The islands are genuinely inhabited, families actually live here (even if some only come during the day). For a more authentic experience, aim for one of the less visited, more distant islands — explicitly ask for this when booking.

30–45 min by boat from Puno. Boat tour incl. Uros + Taquile: 30–50 PEN (8–15€). Departure from Puno harbor, daily from 7:30.

★★★ Isla Taquile

Taquile is the opposite of the touristy Uros islands: a real, vibrant community of around 2,200 Quechua-speaking residents who have preserved their traditions like few other places in Peru. UNESCO has declared the textile art of Taquile an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The special thing: On Taquile, the men knit — and masterfully so. The colorful knitted hats (Chullo) reveal marital status: red = married, red-white = single, patterned = authority. The women weave delicate belts and fabrics, whose patterns tell stories.

The ascent from the pier to the village square (537 steps, 30–45 min) is strenuous at 3,950 m — go slowly! At the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view over the lake to the snow-capped peaks of Bolivia. On the village square, there are simple restaurants with lake trout and quinoa soup.

2.5h by boat from Puno (or 30 min from Uros islands). Usually visited as a combined tour with the Uros.

★★ Isla Amantáni

The larger, less visited neighboring island is perfect for those who want to stay overnight with a host family. The approximately 4,000 residents live from agriculture and textile crafts. There is no electricity (only solar), no Wi-Fi, and no cars — just the lake, the stars, and the silence.

The overnight stay with a host family is one of the most touching experiences Peru offers: cooking together, stories by the fire, traditional dances in the evening, and the indescribable starry sky at nearly 4,000 m altitude. In the morning, the sunrise over the lake — unforgettable.

At the summit of the island (4,130 m) are two pre-Inca temples: Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). The ascent takes 1–1.5h, but the view at sunset is worth the effort.

Copacabana & Bolivia

From the Peruvian shore of Lake Titicaca, it is only a short crossing to Copacabana in Bolivia — a charming pilgrimage site with the Basilica of the Virgin of Copacabana. From here, you can visit the Isla del Sol, the mythical birthplace of the Inca Empire.

• Border crossing Kasani/Yunguyo: 2.5h by bus from Puno. Border formalities are straightforward (visa-free for Germans).
• Isla del Sol: 1.5h by boat from Copacabana. Inca ruins, hiking trails, and spectacular views.