Human Encounters in Titicaca Lake

We depart in the morning from the hotel by private vehicle to the village of Chuquiñapi located off the beaten path on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the José Ferrari Monastery located in the middle of the Andean countryside overlooking the Lake. After lunch at the monastery, we drive to the island of Sunata south of Chuquiñapi (20 minutes). From here we start an easy hike. After exploring the small island of Sunata, we go north along the banks of the Lake, returning to the monastery on foot. From there, you can continue hiking or relax and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Dinner is at the monastery. Return to hotel.

For this second day around the Titicaca Lake, we will head towards the Lake and take a catamaran out for a sail. Views of the massive glaciers of the Royal Cordillera are amazing. We return to the monastery at the end of the morning and help the community prepare lunch. After lunch, departure to to the village of Santiago de Okola. We will be warmly welcomed by the families of the community of Santiago de Okola. In the afternoon, go hiking following the shore of Lake Titicaca, to the Tortuga Island, located on the other side of the bay. Very nice and pleasant walk on the shores of the lake. We can observe many kinds of birds like ducks, Andean geese, or even pink flamingos. The Tortuga Island can now be reached by foot. Our guide will explain that when he was young, this was not possible. The lake level has decreased a lot during the last few years. So, we will walk to the top of this small island, and enjoy one more time the view upon the bay. Return along the same route. Diner in the families of the community.

After breakfast, we will walk to the “Sleeping dragon” which overlook the bay. Discovery of the rupestrian paintings, located below the dragon head. The hike starts with a gentle slope leading to the Tunupa cave. Then, once at the top (Alt. 4095 m), the scenery is gorgeous. The view on the lake, a real inner sea, and the bay is totally clear. Then, there’s a sporting descent on the other slope... You can’t miss this very beautiful hike! Return to the village and meeting with a village weaver to learn about the traditional weaving techniques. Weaving is not actually easy, and it requires patience and skills. Weaving an “Aguayo”, a traditional Andean fabric, may take up to one month. To conclude this immersion, we will savour an Apthapi, the traditional lunch in the Andean countryside. Families of the village bring and prepare together local specialties: patties, fritters, quinoa biscuits, corn, potatoes, or deep-fried little fishes from the lake, all shared in a friendly atmosphere. By the beginning of the afternoon, we will go back to La Paz in private transport.