Puno & Lago Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, at 3,810 meters above sea level on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world and one of the largest in South America. For the Incas it was the sacred lake where, according to mythology, the Sun, the Moon and the first humans emerged: Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo.

The Floating Islands of the Uros are the lake's greatest attraction. Built entirely from totora (an aquatic plant), these artificial islands are home to the Uros communities who have lived on the water since pre-Inca times. A visit to the islands includes a demonstration of how these incredible floating structures are built and maintained.

Taquile Island, 45 km from Puno, is famous for its traditional textiles declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The men of Taquile weave with extraordinary skill and use textiles to communicate their marital status and social position. Sleeping in the home of local families on the island is a transformative experience.