Taquile Island (Isla Taquile)
Huillanopampa, Peru
Tiny Taquile Island in the middle of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, has a dramatic, rocky topography topped with windswept pre-Columbian ruins. The island has become a tourist haven due to its famous knitwear and textiles, designated as elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Basics
Taquile Island (Isla Taquile) controls tourism through its communally owned Munay Taquile Travel Agency; all tour boats leaving from Puno and the homes of locals who welcome travelers to stay overnight must go through this operator. While on island, observe the artisans creating their famous knitwear and textiles. The tradition here starts when kids are young, and the handiwork is divided between the sexes: Women do the weaving while the men take care of the knitting.
Things to Know Before You Go
Taquile Island is ideal for culture, heritage, and textile enthusiasts.
Be sure to check boat itineraries, which are subject to change.
Pay boat fees with local Peruvian nuevos soles, and be sure to bring change and small bills.
It’s possible to stay overnight in a family home, eating traditional cuisine.
While there are no hotels, there are a few small family-owned restaurants.
How to Get There
Taquile Island is in Lake Titicaca, which is located on the border between northern Bolivia and southern Peru. It’s about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Puno, Peru, where daily boats leave for the island around 7:30am; expect about a 2.5-hour ride.
When to Get There
Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island are accessible year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit in terms of weather is from February through November, when days are spring-like with virtually no rain. December and January are usually quite wet. The lake is 12,507 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level, which means nights can get chilly any time of the year.
Authentic Island Tourism
When tourism came to Lake Titicaca in the 1970s, shortly after the indigenous government won full ownership of the island, the quiet, agriculturally oriented lives of locals began to change dramatically. Camera-wielding outsiders descended upon the small island, snapping photos of the locals without asking permission. This behavior led the council of elders to keep control over transportation, lodging, food service, and on-island tours.
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