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Map of Lake Titicaca Homestay including Peru

Travel to Peru and take a journey on Lake Titicaca

Sail close to the clouds on Lake Titicaca and meet the descendants of ancient civilisations that inhabit its islands. Feel the spongy reeds of the 'floating' Uros islands beneath your feet, learn about unique local cultures and customs at a homestay, and relish the vistas over seemingly infinite waters from the brilliant Taquile Island. This is the world’s highest navigable lake, sitting at a soaring 3,812 m above sea level. On this unique and inspiring trip, encounter the fascinating people and beautiful locations that characterise this evocative place.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Puno, Peru
Finish
Puno, Peru
Destination
Peru
Style
Basix
Theme
Short Breaks
Code
GGHW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the islands of South America's largest freshwater lake with local guide

  • Discover the ingenious floating islands that were hand-built by the indigenous Uru locals of Lake Titicaca

  • Spend the night with a local family on an island homestay – an incredible way to get to know a people and their culture

  • Experience the traditional culture of the Taquilenos and browse their beautiful handwoven apparel

  • Spot the exotic wildlife that flourishes in this lush region, keeping your eyes peeled for the Titicaca water frog

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the 'Medical and Health Information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on this. This is a Short Break Adventure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader, our local representative fills this role and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

Itinerary
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Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture where traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. This morning you will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 8am.

Transfer to the pier where you’ll meet your Intrepid local representative. After a safety briefing, collect just the items necessary for your overnight homestay – the remainder of your luggage can be stored at the hotel.

Here, high up in the Peruvian mountains, lie the mystical blue waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. From the shoreline, the water stretches out almost as far as the eye can see, its expanses just waiting to be explored. With the fellow travellers in your group, take a slow motorboat to the intriguing Uros floating islands (approximately 40 minutes). Enjoy an hour to explore this unique place and learn about a traditional lifestyle that’s been around since pre-Inca times. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats that can last up to 12 months. Back on board the boat, sail to your homestay in a local community (approximately 2.5 hours). To get a closer look to the lifestyle in the island you will be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay on a community island. Make the most of your visit by trying to chat with the host family in Quechua, or help out with their daily activities. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends. Enjoy a simple but delicious meal and then bed down in one of the local homes.

Notes: Hotel details are required no later than 15 days before departure to organise the pickup. Due to the early start, one night’s pre tour accommodation will be required. As you will be heading to a homestay today, we recommend picking up some snacks and perhaps a small gift for the family. We also recommend you take a torch and spare batteries as there’s no electricity on the island, except for some private solar powered generators. Wet wipes can be useful, too, as there is no shower.
Included Activities
  • English speaking guide
  • Lake Titicaca boat trip and Uros Island
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, board the boat again for a visit to Taquile Island (approximately 1 hour). Here knitting is strictly the domain of men, while women focus on the spinning. This is the place to get your hands on some beautiful knitwear. You will hike uphill for an hour to reach the main part of the island, and enjoy great views across the lake. You’ll enjoy your lunch here (perhaps quinoa soup and muna – Andean mint – tea) with an amazing view. You will return down 500 steps to the boat that will take you on the three-hour journey back to Puno. Arrive back at Puno pier around 4-5pm, where your Lake Titicaca adventure comes to an end. If any further accommodation or transfer is needed, let us know in advance so proper arrangements can be made.

Notes: After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Leave your feedback here - www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Included Activities
  • Taquile Island visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Minibus

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

  • English speaking guide
  • Lake Titicaca boat trip and Uros Island
  • Taquile Island visit

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Lake Titicaca Homestay trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travelers in the group might change during the trip.
This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travelers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
2. This trip starts in the morning at approximately 7am, we recommend you arrange 1 nights pre-tour accommodation for this trip.
Please ensure you notify us of the hotel details no later than 15 days prior to departure.
3. This trip will finish in the late afternoon, please do not arrange any flights out of Juliaca Airport prior to 8pm.
4. Age restrictions apply to this trip - minimum age 5.
5. The closest airport to Puno is Juliaca airport, approx. 30 minutes drive from Puno.
6. Name and passport number are required at time of booking. Delays to provide this information may result in third party booking fees.
7. For your Short Break Adventure you will be picked up from your Puno hotel. Please let us know what hotel you need to be picked up from at least 15 days prior to your trip start day.
8. Starting from 23rd Jan, the Peruvian government has enforced new regulations around movements in the country and access to public indoor venues by requiring anybody over 40 to show evidence of a booster shot. This includes catching domestic flights, trains, and going to restaurants, museums, banks, shops etc. We strongly advise you to book and complete your booster dose if you haven’t got it before your trip so that this new regulation won’t impact your experience and enjoyment in travelling in Peru.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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