When I Went: September 2014
Was That the Best Time of Year to Go? Yes, it was the tail end of the dry season. The weather was a bit cold, but that was to be expected at that time of the year. September is also more preferable than the peak months (June to August).
Why I Went: I always thought the name Titicaca was fun to say. Then I read more about its history and it intrigued me even further. I wanted to visit the floating islands of Uros and experience what it was that drew the Incas there.
Who Went With Me? I traveled solo.
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I Stayed Here: I used a travel agent to book this trip. It was from South America Travels Online (SATO) and this portion took a total of four days and three nights. Two of them were spent in Puno, the closest and largest city by the lake at a hotel called Quelquetani, and one was a home stay in the island of Amantani. Families on the island open their homes for tourists for a small fee. The rate includes meals, lodging, a group tour, hike, and accommodations for the night.
Don’t Miss: Lake Titicaca and its islands are the main attractions here. If coming from Peru, you have the option to visit the floating islands of Uros, Amantani, and Taquile. If you have more time and would like to cross the border to Bolivia, definitely pay a visit to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna.
Eat Here: Mojsa is located right in front of the main square in Puno. Make sure to have a reservation if you come during dinner time. This place gets rather packed. The menu is limited but it offers enough meat and vegetarian options to choose from. It also makes a decent roasted cuy (a must-try Peruvian delicacy).
If I Went Again: I would cross the border to Bolivia and visit Isla del Sol. The island is believed to be where the Inca empire was found.
How Did You Get There From Dallas? Puno is in the southeastern part of Peru and Lake Titicaca is shared between the countries of Peru and Bolivia. The easiest way to reach Lake Titicaca is to fly to Lima and then connect to Juliaca. From there, you will need to take a bus or hire a private transfer to Puno. Juliaca is an hour away from Puno.
Other Tips For Fellow Travelers: If you have the time, consider the overnight stay on the island. It is a great way to get to know the locals, learn about their culture, and explore the island. Commuting to the majority of the islands takes hours so if you want to visit multiple ones, you will run on a very tight schedule. The boat timetables are also very strict, particularly on Taquile.
