Lake Titicaca Tours

Lake Titicaca tours with South American Luxe

Lake Titicaca lies on the high plateau between Peru and Bolivia, at about 3,810 metres, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. For the Incas it was the birthplace of the sun; today its islands are home to Aymara and Quechua communities, the Uros live on floating islands made of reeds, and the deep blue water stretches to the snow peaks of the Bolivian Andes.

We include Lake Titicaca in our journeys from Peru to Bolivia. You arrive in Puno aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train from Cusco, spend a full day on the lake with a local guide, and continue overland to La Paz with a visit to the ruins of Tiwanaku, with transfers and the border crossing arranged.

What you see on our Lake Titicaca tours

The islands of Lake Titicaca

• The Uros floating islands: islands, houses and boats built of totora reeds, a short ride from Puno. The families explain how they rebuild the islands, layer by layer, all year round.
• Luquina Chico: a rural community on the Chucuito peninsula, with terraced fields, a traditional lunch and very few visitors.
• Taquile: an island of stone paths and Inca terraces, known for its textiles, recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The Bolivian side: Copacabana and Isla del Sol, sacred in Inca legend, which can be added on the way to La Paz.

How many days do you need at Lake Titicaca?

Altitude at Lake Titicaca

Puno is at about 3,830 metres, higher than Cusco, and the Titicaca train crosses La Raya at around 4,300 metres. That is why we plan the lake after Cusco and the Sacred Valley, when you are already used to the altitude. Take the first evening slowly, drink plenty of water and try the coca tea the hotels offer. See the Cusco and Sacred Valley hubs for the first days of the route.

When to visit Lake Titicaca

The lake can be visited all year. From May to October the days are dry, sunny and clear, with very cold nights; from December to March brings afternoon rain and green landscapes. Even in the dry season it is cool on the boat, so bring layers:

Climate normals 1991–2020 for Puno, at 3,825 metres, from SENAMHI, Peru’s national weather service. In early February, Puno celebrates the Virgen de la Candelaria, one of the largest festivals in South America, with thousands of dancers in costume. See the best time to visit Peru.

Where to stay at Lake Titicaca

Stay on the shore or on an island to wake up to the lake; Puno itself is a practical base for the station and the port. These are some of the hotels of our journeys:

Before you go

• The train: the PeruRail Titicaca runs on selected days of the week. When it does not fit your dates, a tourist bus with scenic stops takes its place.
• The border: carry your passport on the day to La Paz; the crossing at Desaguadero includes immigration on both sides, and we change vehicles there.
• Sun and cold: the sun is strong at this altitude and the wind on the lake is cold. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a warm layer, even in summer.
• Flights: the nearest airport is Juliaca, about an hour from Puno. Domestic flights are quoted separately, and we can book them for you.

Lake Titicaca in a longer journey

Lake Titicaca is the bridge between Peru and Bolivia. Our Peru & Bolivia Discovery (16 days) and Peru & Bolivia Highlights (14 days) travel from Machu Picchu and Cusco to the lake, La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats, and longer journeys such as the Peru, Bolivia, Argentina & Brazil Grand Escape (24 days) continue to Buenos Aires and Iguazú. Read our Lake Titicaca travel guide, compare the luxury trains in Peru and see our Bolivia itineraries.