The Sun Island at Lake Titicaca

Explore the mysteries of the ancient indigenous cultures and sceneries of the altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. Explore some of the fascinating islands of Lake Titicaca and interact with the locals. Visit the floating islands of the Uros before going on to Taquile Island where you will explore your surroundings on foot and learn about the traditional Quechua lifestyle through homestays with local families. Be enchanted by the unique beauty of the Island of the Sun in Bolivia which used to be an important religious center. Explore the mystical site of Aramu Muru rumored to be an interdimensional gateway.

Day 1

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by public tourist bus to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca with visits of several places of interest on the way: the colonial church of Andahuaylillas with its elaborate frescoes and works of art by the Cusco school of paintings, the Inka pilgrimage site of Raqchi with the remains of the Wiraqocha temple and  thousands of granaries and the fascinating museum of Pukara on the way. We will take our lunch in Sicuani and also stop briefly at the highest point of the journey, the pass of La Raya at 4,313 m, flanked by the snowy peak of the Chimboya mountain (5,489 m).  Overnight in selected hotel in Puno. B & L.

Day 2

Today we rise early and travel by motorboat to the Island of Taquile.  On the way, we will also visit the floating reed islands of the Uros whose inhabitants depend on the resources of the lake and the sales of their handicrafts for their livelihood. We will reach the island of Taquile around noon and walk to the home of our host family. After a delicious indigenous lunch, there will be opportunities to explore this beautiful island on foot. Quechua homestay. Full board.

Day 3

Today we will explore this picturesque island on foot and walk to the highest point where there are Pre-Incan shrines. We will have our lunch with our host family followed by a weaving demonstration performed by our extended host families. You may purchase colorful woolen garments directly from the producers afterward.  Quechua homestays. Full board.

Day 4

After breakfast, you may go for another exploratory walk on the island. After lunch, it is time to take our leave and bid our hosts farewell. We go back to Puno by boat. Overnight in hotel in Puno. B & L

Day 5

Today we travel by public tourist bus to Copacabana across the border with Bolivia. From here we continue our journey by private boat to the Island of the Sun, one of the most important former pilgrimage centers of the Andes. A steep climb through Inka terraces will take us to our beautiful Eco Lodge which affords spectacular views of the lake, the island of the moon and the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. Overnight at Eco Lodge in the community of Yumani. B & D

Day 6

After breakfast we hike back down to the docks of Yumani, passing the fountain of eternal youth before taking a private boat to the other side of the island. From here we explore the ancient sanctuary and Inka ruins of Chinkana by foot before walking along the mountain ridge of the island back to our lodge enjoying spectacular sceneries on the way. We spend the night at the Eco Lodge in the community of Yumani. Full board.

Day 7

After breakfast, we take a private boat back to Copacabana, visiting the island of the moon on the way. After checking into our hotel in Copacabana we may explore the center of the town with its famous Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana as well as the Cerro Calvario, passing the 14 stations of the cross on the way up. This used to be a major pre-Colombian shrine and it affords spectacular views of the lake and the town. Overnight at selected hotel in Copacabana. B & D

Day 8

The morning is free at your disposal. Enjoy a stroll along the lake shore or explore the local markets. In the early afternoon, we leave for Puno, visiting the bizarre giant doorway of Aramu Muru on the way, rumored to be an interdimensional portal. We spend the night in a hotel in Puno. B & D

Day 9

In the morning, we leave Puno for our transfer to Juliaca airport (for your onward flight to Lima or elsewhere). We will visit the magnificent Kolla tombs of Sillustani on the way and visit a local farmer and his family and learn about the lifestyle and conditions on the Altiplano.  B.  End of all services.

Included:

• Bus journey from Cusco to Puno (public tourist service)
• Bus journey from Puno to Copacabana (public tourist service)
• Private bus journey from Copacabana to Puno
• Private transfers
• 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Puno
• 2 nights of indigenous hospitality with a Quechua family on Taquile island
• 2 nights at Eco Lodge in Yumani
• 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Copacabana
• Boat journeys
• Meals as described in the program.
• Entrance fees
• Excursions
• English speaking guides

Not included:

• internal flights
• extras not mentioned in the itinerary
• cold and alcoholic drinks
• tips and gratuities

Prices per person in USD:

1 person USD 4,740.-

2 people USD 2,630.-

3 people USD 2,105.-

4 people USD 1715.-