Lake Titicaca
Copacabana, La Paz
Linking the borders of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, and at 12,510 feet (3,813 meters), it's also the highest navigable lake in the world. From the colorful town of Copacabana to windswept islands, Lake Titicaca dazzles with proud culture, reflected peaks of the Andes Mountains, and hearty meals of fresh-caught trout.
The basics
The Bolivian gateway to Lake Titicaca is the historic city of Copacabana, which can be reached from La Paz as part of a day trip or overnight journey. Here, steep streets lead straight to the edge of the water, where visitors gather for platters of lake trout served in open-air restaurants. To get some perspective on Lake Titicaca's glorious scenery, however, it's worth heading out on the water.
Among the most popular options are boat rides to Sun Island (Isla del Sol) and Moon Island (Isla de la Luna), with hiking trails, Inca ruins, and traditional villages. Sleeping in a Sun Island village is an unforgettable experience, as well, offering the chance to meet local families where they live and work—and the stargazing is unbeatable.
Things to know before you go
Intense sun and unpredictable weather mean that temperatures can vary dramatically in a single day, so bring layered clothing.
Many boats to Sun Island feature an open-air top deck with fabulous views, but a brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must if you want to ride up top.
Lake Titicaca's high elevation can be taxing, especially if you've just arrived in Bolivia, so plan to move slowly and drink plenty of water.
How to get there
The 95-mile (154-kilometer) trip from La Paz to Copacabana takes roughly four hours, and options include private or group tours, buses, and minibuses. However you travel, you'll likely disembark while crossing the Strait of Tiquina. Vehicles travel by car ferry, while passengers board a smaller boat and rejoin drivers on the other side. If you're visiting Lake Titicaca with a private driver, it's possible to combine the journey with a stop at Tiwanaku.
When to get there
Bolivia's winter dry season runs from May through October, when clear, cold weather comes to Lake Titicaca. November through March brings rain and warmer temperatures, and trails can be muddy, but tours to Lake Titicaca operate year-round.
Traveling to Peru via Lake Titicaca
If you're continuing to Peru after your time in Titicaca, it's possible to take a bus from Copacabana to Puno, the main town on the Peruvian side of the lake. Tours from La Paz to Puno offer the convenience of coordinated ground transport, boat trips, and activities to maximize your sightseeing time during the journey.
How do you tour Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca sits between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east, so you can tour from either country. From the Peruvian city of Puno, purchase Lake Titicaca tickets for boat tours departing for the Taquile Island (Isla Tiquile) and Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) and the more remote Amantani Island (Isla Amantani). On the Bolivian side of the lake, cruises depart Copacabana for Inca ruins at Sun Island (Isla del Sol).
What do you wear to Lake Titicaca?
Pack a fleece, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof jacket for a trip to Lake Titicaca, whose elevation of 12,507 feet (3,812 meters) can mean freezing nights. Sunlight is intense at this altitude, so it's also a good idea to pack a wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunblock.
What is the best month to visit Lake Titicaca?
Ample sunshine means Lake Titicaca's dry season, which runs from April through October, is the best time to visit, but expect bright days and very cold nights at this altitude. However, to experience one of Lake Titicaca's best parties, opt for a February trip during the La Candelaria festival that includes dancing, fireworks, and parades.
Do you need a guide for Lake Titicaca?
Exploring Lake Titicaca is all about getting out on the water, which is why many travelers opt for guided boat tours. Cruises from Puno make the scenic crossing to the Uros and Taquile Islands, while boat trips from Copacabana bring visitors to the Inca ruins of Sun Island (Isla del Sol).
What do you see on a Lake Titicaca tour?
A boat tour of Lake Titicaca might feature the manmade "islands" made with reeds where the Uros people live, then explore the Inca ruins and hiking trails of Sun Island (Isla del Sol). Brightly colored traditional textiles are a highlight of visiting Taquile Island, which has handicraft markets and weaving workshops.
How much does a Lake Titicaca tour cost?
Tours of Lake Titicaca range widely in price. Half-day cruises from Puno to the Uros Islands start at $25. Prices go up for longer trips and multi-day excursions, whose possible highlights include overnights on floating islands, village homestays, traditional weaving workshops, and guided hiking tours to ancient Inca ruins.
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