journey to the heart of titicaca

Upon arrival at Juliaca International Airport, travelers will be met and transferred to the hotel in Puno. During the journey, they will be able to enjoy the views of the high plateau and receive a brief introduction to the local culture. This day is intended for acclimatization, as the city of Puno is located at an altitude of approximately 3,820 meters above sea level. It is recommended to rest to avoid altitude sickness and drink coca water, which helps in the acclimatization process. (L / D)

In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the port of Puno, from where you will take a traditional boat to the Uros Islands. These floating islands, built with totora reeds, are inhabited by the Uro-Chimu community. During the visit, travelers will meet a local family who will guide them around the island, explaining the process of building the floating islands and the daily activities of the community. They will also be able to participate in traditional activities, such as making totora reed crafts and a raft ride. After visiting the Uros Islands, you will take the boat to Taquile Island. Upon arrival, you will take a walk across the island, first gently ascending and then descending towards the center of the community. Along the way, travelers will learn about the islanders' textile traditions, which have been recognized by UNESCO, and observe the symbolism that appears in their textiles. Participants will also enjoy a traditional dance and will be able to contemplate panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. In Taquile, a typical lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where travelers will be able to taste traditional dishes from the island. After lunch, the boat trip will begin to the community of Luquina Chico. Upon arrival in Luquina, travelers will enjoy a unique cultural experience at the "Fisherman's House," where they will be able to watch the sunset over the lake and participate in the traditional activity of painting the Pucará bull, an important symbol of the region. In the afternoon, a walking tour will be made through the village, visiting the homes of local families, who will provide a warm welcome. Travelers will share a cultural activity with the host family, such as preparing a typical meal or making crafts. At nightfall, dinner will be served at the family home, and then a small meeting will be organized with a campfire to share stories and myths about the Andean constellations, guided by an astronomy expert. The night will end with a rest at the family home, to prepare for a day of activities the next day. (B / L / D)

Early in the morning, travelers will walk a few minutes to the port of Luquina, where they will board a boat bound for Karina Beach. Along the way, they will be able to enjoy the sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Upon reaching the beach, a meditation walk will be undertaken, with yoga and breathing postures, taking advantage of the vital energy of the lake. This is a unique experience to spiritually connect with the natural environment and the history of the region. After the meditation, a light picnic breakfast will be offered, consisting of coffee, infusions and sandwiches. Travelers will have the opportunity to participate in a brief kayaking instruction, and if wind and weather conditions permit, a kayaking activity will be undertaken towards the community of Luquina. If conditions are not suitable for sailing, a walk towards Luquina will be chosen, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Once in Luquina, travelers will have a brief time to rest and collect their belongings before embarking again towards the port of Chucuito. Upon arrival in Chucuito, you will visit the archaeological site of Inka Uyo, an important Inca ceremonial center, known for its megalithic structures and its connection to the cult of fertility. After the visit to the archaeological site, you will go to a local restaurant in Chucuito, where you will be served lunch with typical dishes from the region. After lunch, you will take a short drive to the town of Ichu, where you will hike to the ceremonial center of Thunuwiri, another important archaeological site in the region. After the visit, travelers will descend back to the starting point. The next section will be a hike along the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient system of Inca roads that linked the different territories of the empire. This hike will be approximately 15 kilometers, during which travelers will have the opportunity to observe the lake landscape, local fauna and rock formations, which sometimes emulate totemic figures. This moderately difficult route, with altitudes between 3,800 and 4,000 meters above sea level, will last approximately 2.5 hours. At the end of the hike, travelers will arrive at the town of Jayllihuaya, where they can rest before taking transportation to Puno. The return to the city is planned for the afternoon, and upon arrival in Puno, they will proceed to stay at the hotel to rest. (B / L / D)

On the last day of the program, travelers will have time for breakfast and will subsequently be transferred to Juliaca International Airport for their departure. (B)