The mighty Lake Titicaca straddles the border of Bolivia and Peru and is surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, often cloaked in an ethereal mist. Plan your time at Lake Titicaca with Scott Dunn:
Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake, best known for its unique floating man-made islands. On the water, you can explore Lake Titicaca on private boat tours, traveling between its islands and lakeside communities. On land, create your own adventure with guided hikes, visits to ancient sites and hands-on cultural experiences led by locals.
With Scott Dunn, your time on the lake is carefully planned around what you want to experience. We connect you with expert guides, arrange meaningful cultural encounters, and help you select the right stays for your Lake Titicaca vacation. Best of all, we handle all the logistics, so the planning process is stress-free from start to finish. From well-known highlights to hidden gems, Scott Dunn Peru specialists are here to personalize your vacation into a one-of-a-kind journey. Hear what our experts have to say about this destination:
"An unusual part of Peru is Lake Titicaca. This is off the beaten path, not something that everyone does when they go to Peru. You can go by flight or by taking a 10-hour train. Taking the train is a very different experience that allows you to really see the full landscape of Peru. The hotel Titilaka is an experience in itself and the best way to experience the lake. Here you can have a unique and non-touristic tour of the floating islands. This is where locals have created their own pieces of land using piled up reeds right on the lake! As they are constantly floating they must add in reeds monthly to stay afloat."
Julie Norton, Travel Specialist
Visit Lake Titicaca for communities and traditions older than Machu Picchu itself. If the ancient ruins haven’t convinced you of the rich, ingenious people of the Incan Empire, then the Uros and floating Islands will. Learn how these communities live atop floating reed islands and the traditional crafts and cooking techniques they still use today.
The communities of Lake Titicaca are shaped by traditions that have remained largely unchanged for generations. The Andean people refer to the lake as "The Sacred Lake" and legend has it that the first Inca rose from its depths and went out to found the Inca Empire. From the reed-built islands of the Uros to the communities of Taquile and the folkloric traditions of Puno, the lake offers a unique way to explore Peru’s heritage.
Staying on Lake Titicaca is as much about the setting as it is the experience, with luxury stays that fit perfectly with your vacation plans.
Take to the water on Lake Titicaca, where each journey reveals new ways to experience its landscapes and communities.
Discover must-see sights and experiences when you visit Lake Titicaca. Scott Dunn will tailor your vacation around what interests you, handling details behind the scenes so all you have to do is enjoy it.
The Uros Islands are among the most well-known communities on Lake Titicaca, made up of around forty floating islands constructed entirely from totora reeds. These islands are continuously rebuilt and maintained using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations, with a way of life that predates the Incas.
The islands are open to guided tours traveling between them by traditional reed boats. Along the way, you’ll see daily life on the lake and learn how locals continue to live here in close connection with their surroundings.
Taquile Island offers sweeping views across Lake Titicaca, with walking trails that lead through terraced hills, stone archways and quiet villages. The island is known for its textile traditions, which you can experience through hands-on weaving demonstrations and workshops led by local community members.
You can also browse and purchase handcrafted pieces such as colorful chumpis (sashes) and chuspas (pouch bags) in the artisan market at the island’s main square.
Amantaní is one of the more remote islands on Lake Titicaca, if you are looking for an experience off the beaten path. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, with no roads or vehicles, the island is best discovered on foot.
Popular activities include guided hikes that lead to the ancient sites of Pachamama and Pachatata, set on the island’s highest peaks and dedicated to Mother Earth and Father Earth. The walk is steady and rewarding, ending with beautiful views across the lake.
Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca and serves as the main gateway to the lake, but it’s also worthwhile to visit on its own. Puno is known as Peru’s folkloric capital, the city is known for hosting lively festivals dedicated to music and over 300 types of traditional dance.
Explore the city and make sure to visit streets like Jirón de Lima to shop at local markets and sample regional cuisine. Interested in history? Take a short drive from Puno to visit Sillustani burial towers, an impressive archaeological site overlooking Lake Umayo that offers a glimpse into pre-Inca funerary practices.
The Llachón Peninsula is something of a hidden gem on Lake Titicaca and is home to a more rural perspective on the Capachica Peninsula. Visitors can take popular hiking trails for guided walks, cycling or even horseback riding. Other popular activities include hands-on experiences like traditional cooking classes offered by locals.
Epic Peru & Bolivia
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, La Paz & Uyuni
$11,800 pp
When visiting Lake Titicaca, it’s helpful to remember that Peru’s seasons run opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with winter from June to August and summer from December to February. Peru has distinct wet and dry seasons to keep in mind when planning sightseeing and stays around Lake Titicaca.
Busy season at Lake Titicaca tends to follow Peru’s general peak tourism season. Later June into July and August are some of the most popular months to combine the lake with destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu.
One of the most popular ways to travel to Lake Titicaca in Peru is by arriving in Puno. Travelers can fly into Juliaca Airport, followed by a short drive to the lake. You can also get tickets on the scenic train from Cusco or get to Puno by car. It is also possible to visit from the Bolivian side via Copacabana.
Yes, you can travel to Bolivia from Lake Titicaca, as the lake borders both Peru and Bolivia. When you plan your vacation with Scott Dunn, our travel experts take care of the logistics so you can spend time enjoying the journey.
Scott Dunn also offers seamless multi-country itineraries that combine Peru and Bolivia, including tours like Epic Peru & Bolivia and Ultimate Altiplano: Chile, Bolivia & Peru.
You can find accommodation around Lake Titicaca ranging from modern lakeside lodges to more remote, luxury tented camping stays. For family vacations to romantic honeymoons, Scott Dunn travel specialists can help you find the right option for your travel style and group.
Altitude sickness can affect travelers visiting high-altitude destinations in Peru, including places like Lake Titicaca, which are situated at elevations above 2,400 meters. Here are some tips to help prevent and manage altitude sickness:
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