Kayaking Lake Titicaca
Kayaking atop the world's highest lake, a unique cultural experience staying alongside a local family on Isla Taquile, and a visit to an authentic floating Uros Islands makes this extension unforgettable.
From: $955 | 4 DAYS | PERU
Kayaking Lake Titicaca Trip Highlights
- Kayak to remote indigenous civilizations with views to snow-capped Andean peaks
- Stay in a small family lodge and get to know the people and culture of Isla Taquile
- Explore the authentic and little-visited Uros Titinos floating islands.
- Enjoy a home-cooked meal with our friend Valentin and his family who are empowering their indigenous community through tourism
- Watch the sun set over the mountains and this starkly contrasted landscape. Don’t forget to stay up for unreal stargazing!
Itinerary Overview
Kayaking in Lake Titicaca is both majestic and mythical. At over twelve thousand feet, the highest navigable lake in the world juxtaposes the sweeping dry altiplano, acts as frontier to Bolivia, and blends to horizon at the feet of Andean peaks. It is also home to a variety of colorful and unique indigenous communities whose strong traditions will intrigue and impress as you kayak through the mythical cradle of the Inca civilization.
DAY 1 • Cusco – Lake Titicaca
Leaving Cusco you will fly over the altiplano and into the mountains. Visit the charming town of Lampa and after a short and scenic drive, arrive at your lakeside hotel for a relaxing evening. Enjoy stunning views of the highest navigable lake in the world.
DAY 2 • Kayaking Lake Titicaca – Taquile Island
Heading out early by van from Puno, you’ll drive along the lake to the isolated Llachon Peninsula passing through traditional villages. Start kayaking from the point and cross the azure waters to Isla Taquile. After a few hours paddling around the island you disembark and hike through the island villages to your homestay lodge with views to Bolivia’s Cordillera Real mountains where you meet Alejandro and his family. Enjoy the evening visiting remote ruins and getting to know an indigenous lifestyle mostly unchanged for centuries.
DAY 3 • Uros Floating Islands
Continue kayaking or hiking around the island in the morning. Returning to Llachon you’ll enjoy a typical lunch with before taking a local-style boat to the authentic and little-visited Uros Titinos floating islands. On islands comprised of reed vegetation, these communities subsist off the lake’s bounty. Return to Puno in the evening.
DAY 4 • Puno – Lima
Head out from Puno visiting the Sillustani burial towers overlooking Lake Umayo and continue on to the airport for your flight back to Lima and onward.
Is It For Me?
This is an ideal active extension for people coming from Cusco. Sea kayaking in Lake Titicaca adds another dimension and helps you have more intimate contact with Peru’s indigenous communities and their timeless traditions. No prior experience necessary.
Knowmad has vast knowledge and operations in Peru; this is a private trip and we are happy to modify excursions, accommodations, and the flow of the itinerary to perfectly suit your travel style and interests.
Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894
Important Info
COSTS
Listed prices are approximations. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.
- From $955 per person / 2 travelers
Additionally, regional airfare is estimated at $200 (Puno/Lima—subject to change).
- $240 single supplement – rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodations. If you request single accommodations you are required to pay the single supplement.
TYPE Flexible Date Private Departures. You choose the date, your travel companions and one of our adventures. This is great for families, groups of friends and couples.
MODERATE TRIP More active trips that may feature hiking at elevation, kayaking, horseback riding and more. Suitable for most people in good health, these trips may also venture into remote territory and more rugged terrain. Activities include kayaking, hiking, cultural opportunities, and history.
dEPaRtUREs Year round; can be set up to match your dates.
LENGTH 4 days – 2 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night rural lodge homestay; can be combined with other travels or full-length trip via Lima.
BEGINCusco, Peru ENDLima, Peru
Air Travel
intERnatiOnaLAirfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.
REgiOnaLRegional flights are not necessary for the Cultures of Titicaca itinerary as a tourist-shared bus* will take you from Cusco to Puno.
* Flights from Puno to Cusco may be arranged at an extra cost according to your preference. If booked by Knowmad Adventures, internal airfare for this trip (Cusco/Puno, Puno/Lima) averages $440, however this is an approximation and the airfare is subject to change upon booking. If you would like to arrange your own regional flights, please consult us prior so we can verify the departure and arrival times.
What's Next?
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.
Weather & When to Go to Lake Titicaca
This trip takes place mostly in the Peruvian highlands. Throughout the year the average temperature is in the mid-50s °F (10-12 °C) and does not fluctuate greatly. Evenings are cooler. There are primarily two seasons: wet and dry. December through March sees much more precipitation than other times of the year and is the less visited season. As Peru has three distinct climate zones, if you are interested in combining this trip with a visit to the jungle or the coastal areas please inquire for more weather details.
Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.
Accommodations
Our trips feature comfortable accommodations that complement their surroundings. We seek out intimacy and character, but never sacrifice cleanliness and security. We also find the best value for quality. In general, our physically moderate to vigorous trips feature hotels classified as 3+ to 4 stars, while less physically demanding trips feature 4+ to 5 star hotels.
As South American travel specialists, we’re experts and have inspected hundreds of properties. Knowmad is happy to suggest upgrades and alternative hotels based on your preferences to ensure your trip is perfect for you. Photos below are from this itinerary’s preferred accommodations. For more specifics, call or write to request more info, or download the detailed trip itinerary.
The accommodation featured in this itinerary is as follows:
DAY 1 Cusco – Lake Titicaca
You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your morning flight to Juliaca*, the airport nearest Lake Titicaca. Visit the charming town of Lampa and after a short and scenic drive, arrive at your lakeside hotel for a relaxing evening. Enjoy stunning views of the highest navigable lake in the world.
* For additional cost, you may also take a tourist-shared bus from Cusco to Puno. This is a 10-hour transfer filled with scenic countryside and interesting stops along the way. There is also a luxury train with on board entertainment. Inquire for pricing and more information.
DAY 2 Kayaking Lake Titicaca – Taquile Island
Heading out early you’ll leave Puno driving along the lake to isolated Llachon Peninsula and passing through traditional villages. Start kayaking from the point and cross the azure waters to Isla Taquile. After a few hours paddling around the island you disembark and hike through the island villages to your homestay lodge with views to Bolivia’s Cordillera Real mountains where you meet Alejandro and his family. Enjoy a typical meal of delicious products harvested locally and to learn of the islands lifestyle and traditions. Visit remote ruins in the evening and get to know an indigenous lifestyle mostly unchanged for centuries.
- B, L, D – rural homestay lodge, inquire for details
DAY 3 Uros Floating Islands
Continue kayaking or hiking around the island in the morning. Returning to Llachon, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before taking a local-style boat to the authentic and little-visited Uros Titinos floating islands.
These islands are actually totora reed vegetation piled atop itself forming the islands which float amongst the lake and support small bands of Uros people. It is believed that they have lived on the islands for centuries after fleeing the stronger Aymara civilization. The lives of the Uros people are interwoven with these reeds, which are partially edible and are also used to make their homes, boats, and crafts. Return to Puno in the evening.
DAY 4 Puno – Lima
Head out from Puno visiting the Sillustani burial towers overlooking Lake Umayo and continue on to the airport for your flight back to Lima and onward.
Extend Your Adventure
Amazon Jungle
Just a short flight from Cusco, spotting troops of monkeys, colorful macaws and countless bird species, giant sloths, caimans, and maybe even a jaguar or puma in the Amazon Jungle is a traveler favorite. We have scoured the jungle lodges of Peru and can advise you on which experience fits you best while guaranteeing the best value.
Machu Picchu
This incredibly vast archaeological site – lost to the world until well into the twentieth century – is perched amidst Andean peaks and lush cloud forest making it as breathtaking as it is intriguing. Arrive by train or by a day’s hike on the Inca Trail.
Lima
Want to spend more time exploring this great city? Besides getting you a great value for hotels and airport transfers, we can line up a fantastic cooking lesson and culinary city tour, full and half day sightseeing adventures, surrounding ruin visits and much more.
Let The Journey Begin
Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.
The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.
