An impressive natural border will captivate your clients high in the Andes, it is the one-and-only Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. It stretches between Bolivia and Peru and sits at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. Get immersed in stunning landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and indigenous communities for a journey steeped in culture and natural beauty. Whether exploring the floating Uros Islands, hiking on Taquile Island, or discovering the mystique of Sun Island, your clients will enjoy the best Andean highlights in Bolivia and Peru sides.
Best Time to Visit Lake Titicaca
The ideal time to visit Lake Titicaca is during the dry season, from May to October. Expect sunny days, cooler nights, and clear skies, perfect for hiking, boat trips, and visiting local communities.
How to get to Lake Titicaca?
You have many transportation options by air, bus, or train to reach Lake Titicaca. All the options have different levels of service that can be adjusted according to your budget and comfort preferences.
From Bolivia
- Take a bus or private transport from La Paz to Copacabana (3h30 – 4h). If you are coming from Puno you can take a bus or private transportation to the border town of Kasani, then cross the border to Copacabana.
- There are direct bus services from La Paz to Puno, which take approximately 6 to 7 hours. These buses typically cross the border at Desaguadero, which is the main land crossing between Bolivia and Peru for this route.
From Peru
You can reach Puno from the main cities in Peru, which is located on the west shore of Lake Titicaca, near the Bolivian border. As it serves as the main access point to Uros, Taquile, and Amantani Islands on the Peruvian side.
- From Lima: You can take a 1h30 flight to Puno.
- From Cusco: You can take a bus that takes approximately 7 – 8 hours to reach Puno. Also, you can take a scenic and luxurious train journey that takes around 10h30, or a one-hour flight from Cusco airport to Juliaca airport in Puno.
- From Arequipa: Travel by bus for approximately 5 – 6 hours.
Top Highlights at Lake Titicaca
Highlights on the Bolivian side
- Discover Copacabana & Sun Island: Embark on a full-day or 2-day journey to Copacabana and Sun Island, believed to be the birthplace of the Inca civilization. First, walk around the charming streets of Copacabana and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Then, take an exciting boat ride to Sun Island where you can explore ancient ruins such as Pilkokaina Temple or Chincana. Also, join a short walk to the Fountain of the Incas, featuring natural spring water.
Highlights on the Peruvian side
- Explore the Uros Floating Islands: The Uros people live on man-made islands built from totora reeds. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into their centuries-old traditions. The islands are easily accessible from Puno and are a must-see on any itinerary.
- Visit Taquile Island: Famous for its handwoven textiles, it is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Besides, visitors can learn about its unique community organization and its ancient weaving traditions.
- Stay Overnight on Amantani Island: For an immersive experience, stay with a local family on Amantani Island. Enjoy authentic Andean meals and breathtaking views over the lake. This overnight stay is ideal for travelers seeking cultural immersion and tranquility.
Essential Tips for a trip to Lake Titicaca
- Get acclimatized to high altitudes: At over 3,800 meters, altitude sickness can be an issue. Therefore, spending a day in Puno or Copacabana before doing demanding activities and staying hydrated is recommended. Drinking coca tea can help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
- Choose the right tour for your clients: There exist plenty of options to discover the region from half-day tours to an overview of the community lifestyle, culture, and main attractions to multi-day tours for deep interactions with the locals, hikes, and opportunities to explore lesser-known parts of the lake.
- Also, you can complement your journey with tours in other emblematic places of Peru and Bolivia for a full experience. Head to the iconic Machu Picchu, Cusco, or the Sacred Valley in Peru, or combine your trip with a visit to the extraordinary Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
- What to pack for a trip to Lake Titicaca? Even on sunny days, temperatures can be cool and it can get quite chilly in the evenings. For that reason, it is recommended to dress in layers and bring warm jackets and sweaters. Other essentials you need are comfortable shoes for hiking, a reusable water bottle, a lightweight rain poncho, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Bring cash for small purchases of souvenirs, entrance fees, and tips.
If you are looking to offer clients an authentic Andean experience, Lake Titicaca is a top destination. Whether planning a luxury tour or a budget-friendly cultural trip, partnering with us, your reliable tour operator in Peru ensures a seamless experience. Contact us to craft the perfect itinerary!
Published in February 2025
