The gateways to Lake Titicaca, a.k.a. Puno and Copacabana, are for many people either the first or last stop on their trip visiting Peru and Bolivia. Even though the Lake is spread over a huge area, these two touristy hotspots, conveniently located at just 3-4h bus ride from each other, are the most famous centres to start organising trips to the surrounding region.
Both cities might not be on your dream destinations list in terms of architectural beauty (not what peruvian and bolivian cities are usually known for anyway) but there range of activities present at each place, can turn your stay into a pleasant couple of days by the side of the lake.
1# WALK ON THE FLOATING ISLANDS (PUNO)
Just off the coast of Puno you can find the indigenous communities of Uros who keep living, like their ancestors, on floating islands made completely of totora reeds. Imagine more than three-thousand people living off only fishing and trading (agriculture is not really a viable option), crazy uh?!
Getting there – To visit the islands you can take short half-day tour from one of the many tour agencies in town. The boat ride lasts 30min and includes a bilingual guide.
Price – Expect to pay from 15 to 20 soles the tour to Uros Islands. If you decide to go by yourself only the boat costs 10 soles plus the entrance to the community which is 8 soles pp.
A village on the Uros Islands
2# EXPLORE TAQUILE (PUNO)
Instead of stopping at Uros, avid explorers can go on a full-day tour and include the island of Taquile in their boat trip. Contrairly to Uros, Taquile is not floating but its just your average island inhabited by a small population. Islanders live a very basic life where even electricity and water are luxuries, that said there are few local homestay where tourists can also pass the night for an “all-in” rural experience.
Getting there – Visiting the island is usually included in the classic full-day tour and takes about 2 more hours boat ride from the Uros islands. If you’re planning to stay the night, make sure to organise it a couple of days before as it’s not something tourist usually do.
Price – For the full-day tour expect to pay around 90 soles and if you’re planning to stay for the night, no less than 150 soles. Getting to this island by yourself its not easy nor suggested hence is better done with tour companies.
3# VISIT SULLISTANI (PUNO)
Another good half-day option is to visit the burial grounds of Sillustani. This pre-incan site right on the Umayo Lagoon (west of lake Titicaca) has unique funerary towers that extend above ground and are a unique sight. There are not many left in good conservation but the few good ones are surely worth a trip from Puno.
Getting there – You can easily get to Sillustani on your own but the easiest way is to book a tour through one of the many agencies. Usually the tour is organised in the afternoon because many people opt for Uros islands (morning) + Sillustani (afternoon) instead of the full day Uros+Taquile.
Price – The tours to Sullistani can cost you anything between 20 to 40 soles depending on which company you go and what kind of transport you’re gonna use.
4# BUSTLING SUNDAY “FERIA” (PUNO)
If you happen to be around Puno on Sunday then make sure not to miss the weekly Feria (market) found at just four blocks away from the pier. There you can buy anything you can ever imagine, taste a lot of different foods but overall enjoy a truly typical peruvian atmosphere.
Getting there – From the pier just walk 10min all straight toward the city center and you won’t miss it! If you’re taking a taxi there just say the driver to bring you to the “Feria” should cost you more than 7 soles from the hostel area.
Price – Visiting the feria is completely free!!!
View from the top of Isla del Sol
5# VISIT ISLA DEL SOL (COPACABANA)
Back on the bolivian side of the lake, there are also nice islands to visit. In Copacabana the usual day tour is to Isla del Sol, a huge island that features a lot of ruins, temples and gorgeous landscapes. Nowadays, most of the island is closed off to tourists due to some past disagreements between the communities but the trip is still worthy.
Getting there – To get to the island you can buy one-way tickets (20-25 bolivianos) or return (35-40 bolivianos) from a number of boat companies. The trip to Isla del Sol takes about 2h30min but if you’re planning to stretch your journey up to Isla de la Luna account for 1h more.
Price – On top of the boat fare, every tourist setting foot on the southern part of the island has to pay a community tax of 10 bolivianos.
6# GET UP TO MIRADOR EL CALVARIO (COPACABANA)
Just next to the pier of Copacabana you can also walk up a trail to get to the top of a mirador overlooking the bay. The walk is relatively short but will surely take your breath away! Needless to say that the views from the top are gorgeous! Make sure to avoid walking up in the heat hours to avoid sunburns!
Getting there – Once at the pier, take a right toward the big hill and once at its base you’ll see a path heading up to the top. It’s very easy to spot!
Price – Thankfully is completely free!
7# ENJOY THE SUNSET WITH A COLD BEER (COPACABANA)
The pier area of Copacabana has developed over the years to become the hotspot for touristy restaurants and locals to grab a beer after a long day out. Surprisingly enough, most of these places have open-air terraces or balconies from which you can enjoy some beautiful sunsets over Lake Titicaca.
Getting there – Just head down to the pier and on the steep road leading there, that’s where the most nice places to sip something are.
Price – Sunset is usually happy hour time so expect to find offers like 2×1 at around 20-30 bolivianos!
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