Lake Titicaca is the ancient birthplace of the Incas, a place that is as beautiful as it is harsh, a legendary region where travelers from the modern world have the rare opportunity to witness a civilization frozen in time. On the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world fisherman can be seen making a living from the icy waters, farmers herd llamas and alpacas, harvest potatoes and other crops in rocky soil, and craftsmen hand-weave fine, bright colored threads. As hard as the Spanish conquestators tried to squelch the indigenous culture, the islands of Lake Titicaca are evidence of a thriving pre-Inca culture that continues to maintain its ancient heritage.

The best known of the islands is Islas de los Uros, and its worldwide recognition is easily warranted. It is one of the few floating islands in the world that is made entirely out of reeds of cattails or tatora, including the small huts and boats. Even though the island is very isolated, recent tourism has brought its influence of Western culture. You'll find some of these primitive houses equipped with solar panels that provide electricity as well as a floating Catholic Church, as many of the natives have converted to Christianity. The easiest way to get to the island is on a tour from Puno or by negotiating with the locals to take you across the lake.

Isla Amantani is the larger of the islands and many travelers are lured here because of the Inca ruins that rest atop a pyramid-shaped mountain. The temples of Pachaman and Pachatata date back over a thousand years. After climbing the well-paved path you'll be able to understand how the Incas appreciated a beautiful view. At the top of the ruins the views of the surrounding lake and mountains, especially at sunset or sunrise, are simply breathtaking. You can get here by catching a ride on one of the boats leaving daily from the docks at Puno starting at 7:30am. G

This is one of the most visited of the islands and is especially revered because of its lush, green pastoral landscape. The island is filled with houses, old footpaths, ancient stone walls, and lake views that give it a quaint, rural charm. The locals seem to appreciate it too, since the 2,000 Quechan-speaking residents rarely leave. If you want to stay the night there are a few small hospedajes and restaurants on the island. Situated 21 miles east of Puno, the Island can be reached by boat at Puno.

The Island of the Sun is the revered birthplace of the Incas, the place where god Viracocha created the sun and the Inca civilization. Although the island can be visited in one day the several ruins warrant a few days of exploration.

The sister island to Isla del Sol and its female counterpart is Isla de la Luna, or Island of the Moon. This small island also played an important role in the creation of Inca civilization. After god Viracocha created the sun it is believed that he went to Isla de la Luna and created the moon. Because the island is so small a day trip is recommended, which can be easily organized from one of the larger islands.

Connected to Puno by a causeway, the Isla Esteves is best known for the luxurious but sorely out of place Hotel Libertador. Many tourists find this island to be a good base for excursions of other islands, especially if they desire to have the best of the modern world as they are immersed in this ancient culture.

Serving as the main island of the region, Puno has a rich, vibrant culture and an efficient tourism infrastructure, making it a great place to visit and a good starting off point for excursions to other islands. Enjoy the daily dance festivals, which have made this village famous and the hand-woven textiles and handmade artwork.

Just across the lake is Bolivia, which holds the center of Inca civilization: the islands of the Sun and Moon. There are several options for reaching Bolivia, including taking a bus around the island to Copacabana and then hiring a boat from there. You can also take a cruise from Puno all the way to Copacabana, the peninsula close by the Sun and Moon islands.

Map of Lake Titicaca

  Lake Titicaca Overview

  Islands:
    Uros Islands
    Amanti Island
    Taquile Island
    Island of the Sun
    Island of the Moon

  Puno
    Puno Lodging

  Travel to Bolivia