3-day lake titicaca: cusco to puno

This 3-day trip takes you from Cusco to Puno and the beautiful islands of Lake Titicaca, where you'll discover some of Peru's most ancient cultures still alive and well.

At 3,865 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to the Quechuas and Aymares, peoples who pre-date the Incas by 1000 years. You'll get to see how they live as well as take in the stunning beauty of the landscapes that surround them.

The trip begins with a spectacular bus journey over the Altiplano from Cusco to Puno. Along the way you'll stop at various beauty spots where your guide will introduce you to southern Peru.

After a hotel stay in Puno, your first stop on Titicaca will be the floating islands of the Uros, islands made of a reed called totora that really do float. The Uros have been living entirely on these islands for many centuries, you'll get to visit their islands, speak to them about their way of life, and even enter their totora houses.

Next, you'll sail to the island of Amantani where you'll be introduced to the people's ancient agricultural traditions and hike to a part of the island called Pachatata to watch the sun set over the lake. You'll spend the night in a family homestay, where you'll share in their traditions of food and music.

Next day you'll sail to the island of Taquile, where you'll see the colours of the traditional clothing of the locals and learn what they represent in their culture. As well as this, you'll walk to a lookout point for stunning views of the Andes over the lake. After returning to Puno you'll get to relax with another hotel stay.

This immersive experience takes you all the way from Cusco to the unique traditions and breathtaking landscapes of Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary:

Day 1

6.15am pick-up in Cusco

Bus to Puno

Visits to Andahuaylillas, Rhachi, and Puka Pukara (entrances not included, total $16)

Lunch buffet in Sicuani (included)

Stop-off at La Raya viewpoint

5pm arrival in Puno

Night in Sol Plaza Hotel (double room, private bathroom)

Day 2

7.45am pick-up from hotel

Boat journey to Floating Islands of the Uros

Visit to Uro people

Boat journey to Amantani

Lunch (included)

Walk to Pachatata for sunset

Walk to homestay

Dinner, music and dance with family (included)

Day 3

Breakfast with family (included)

Boat to Taquile

1 hour walk to lookout point

Walk back to boat

Return journey to Puno (arriving around 4pm)

Night in Sol Plaza Hotel

Trip is free for children under 5