Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side holidays
Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side holidays at a glance
At 3,821m above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and one of South America’s most important cultural and natural landmarks. It stretches across the border between Peru and Bolivia, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real on the far horizon, with adobe villages and fertile fields running right down to the water’s edge.
According to Inca legend, it was from these sacred waters that the Sun God was born, making the lake one of the most important sites in Andean mythology. Today, visitors are drawn by the same rich culture, striking scenery and living traditions that made this place sacred in the first place.
The Peruvian side of the lake is centred around Puno, the main gateway for visitors. Close by, the unique man-made reed islands of the Uros people offer one of Peru’s most unusual cultural experiences, while the rugged, terraced islands of Taquile and Amantaní give visitors the chance to spend time with communities where traditional customs remain very much part of daily life.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Lake Titicaca offers some of the most authentic cultural encounters in Peru. Spending time with local communities allows visitors to connect with traditions that have been preserved for generations.
When to visit Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Lake Titicaca can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions vary between seasons due to the region’s high altitude.
These are the months with most rainfall – expect some on at least half of all days. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and there should be plenty of sunshine. Increased cloud cover keeps the nighttimes relatively mild.
Showers gradually become less frequent as the rainy season in the Andes draws to a close, leaving landscapes green and fresh. Easter can be a particularly vibrant time to visit.
This is the start of the drier, cooler season. Days are increasingly clear, with plenty of sunshine; night-time temperatures drop noticeably at this altitude.
This is the driest time of the year, with rain unlikely; you can expect clear skies and plenty of bright sunshine, but take care, as the Andean sun is very strong. With little in the way of cloud cover, night-time temperatures drop markedly and can go below freezing.
These months tend to be bright and sunny, though expect the occasional showers as the dry season draws to a close. Temperatures still drop at night, but become gradually less severe. Although still a popular time to visit, the area tends to be a little quieter than in July and August
The rains gradually increase, though tend to come in bursts, meaning plenty of sunny intervals too. Temperatures are pleasant, though still cool at night.
Top Things to do in Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Lake Titicaca offers an extraordinary blend of culture, history and scenery. Whether you’re exploring the famous floating islands, staying with local families or learning about ancient Andean traditions, every experience provides a deeper connection to one of South America’s most fascinating regions.
Visit traditional Aymara villages on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake.
Visit a traditional village, walk with llamas and visit the stone burial towers of the ancients on this cultural tour around Lake Titicaca.
Experience the local culture by staying with a family on an island surrounded by the sapphire expanse of Lake Titicaca.
Visit tiny islands bobbing on the surface of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by an indigenous community who build their floating homes out of reeds.
Accommodation in Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels in Puno to welcoming community lodges and island homestays. Many properties make the most of the spectacular lake views and offer easy access to boat excursions and cultural experiences, whether you prefer lakeside comfort or a more immersive stay with a local family.
A good base for guided tours of Lake Titicaca in the centre of Puno, this simple budget property has friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
Atmospheric first class hotel with a magical island location on Lake Titicaca, connected to the shore by a narrow causeway.
Modern hotel on the scenic shores of Lake Titicaca, with a warm and homely feel.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Group Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Andean Flamingo: Andes laid bare
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Uyuni salt flats · Atacama Desert · Santiago and the vineyards
17 days from £5,636
Condor: Peru in depth
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (south)
20 days from £3,851
Galapagos Hawk: Peru and Galapagos
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Guayaquil
15 days from £7,009
Hummingbird: Ocean to ocean
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Buenos Aires · Sucre and Potosi · La Paz and the altiplano · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima
21 days from £5,861
Jacana: Crossing the continent
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Asuncion and the heartland · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Rio de Janeiro
19 days from £4,583
Pato Andino: Panorama of the Andes
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Salta · Atacama Desert · Uyuni salt flats · La Paz and the altiplano · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima
20 days from £5,222
Pelicano: Essential Peru
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu
14 days from £4,087
Swift: Ultimate highlights of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
10 days from £2,790
Tailor-Made Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Active Peru and Bolivia: trekking Andean peaks to tropical rainforest
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · La Paz and the altiplano
17 days from £4,140
Peru Odyssey – 21 Days of Discovery
Places visited: Lima · Paracas, Ica and Nazca · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (south)
21 days from £6,230
Signature Andes: Highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
Places visited: Lima · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Uyuni salt flats · Atacama Desert · Santiago and the vineyards
16 days from £5,510
Signature Peru: Classic highlights of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
15 days from £3,940
Value Peru: Sacred Valley of the Incas to Lake Titicaca
Places visited: Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
12 days from £1,950
FAQs about visiting Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca is visited throughout the year, not least because it is on the main route between southern Peru and Bolivia. The dry season, when sunny days can be expected, runs May-Oct but in June and July it can be below freezing at night. Rain falls Jan-Mar and the lake becomes grey and choppy, but still atmospheric.
- What language is spoken in Lake Titicaca?
The main language spoken in Lake Titicaca is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Lake Titicaca?
Peru: Nuevo Sol; Bolivia: Peso Boliviano. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from banks in Puno using a UK credit or debit card. Money exchange offices exchange US dollars cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor). In Copacabana, Bolivia, there’s a bank which offers advances on a Visa card and casas de cambio which exchange US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Commission rates are generally higher than in the major towns and cities.
- What's the time difference between Lake Titicaca and the UK?
The time difference between Lake Titicaca and the UK is GMT -5 hours (Peru); -4 (Bolivia).
- Which other places combine well with Lake Titicaca?
Cusco, Peru 6-9 hours by road or 10 hours by train; La Paz, Bolivia (155km).
- How do I get to Lake Titicaca?
Travel to Puno (Peru), by train from Cusco (10 hours) or by road (6-9 hours). Fly to Juliaca from Lima or Arequipa, 1 hour and 30 mins respectively; from here it’s a 45 minute drive to Puno. It’s a couple of hour’s drive and short ferry ride to Copacabana from La Paz (3.5 hours).
- What are the festivals and cultural events on Lake Titcaca?
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: Puno and Copacabana, early Feb. Dance competitions, re-enactments of local Aymara legends, masked processions, much drinking and generalboisterousness.
Semana Santa (Easter): Candelight processions in Puno, pilgrims walking the stations of the cross in Copacabana.
Foundation of Puno: Puno, 5 Nov. Impressive pageant, and enactment of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo emerging from the waters of the lake.
Independencia: Copacabana, first week of August. Animated music, parades, fireworks, boozing.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.