If you’re looking to unwind your mind and soul to the peacefulness of Lake Titicaca, then you should visit the Taquile island, a beautiful formation situated 40 kilometers away from the Folkloric Capital of Peru. The island offers the perfect setting for those eager to disconnect from the outside world and experience a nearly unspoiled culture.
As most attractions within the world’s highest navigable lake in the world, Taquile depends almost entirely on tourism, which is why the island has been adapted to welcome over 40,000 visitors per year, though not many stay longer than a few hours.
If you’re planning a trip across Peru, consider including Lake Titicaca in your travel itinerary. If you still feel like you need a little incentive to do so, here we’ll give you all the details so you start planning one of the most beautiful vacations of your life.
Long before the Spanish conquered Peru, the Taquile island was already inhabited and was one of the Inca empire colonies on the lake, which is why it is also known as Intika. The island sits above 3,950 meters above sea level and the highest point of the island in the area reaches 4,050 meters of altitude.
There are five archeological remains in the island, all spreaded across the entire region. When Spaniards arrived to these lands, they imposed their beliefs and customs on the islanders, banning any native tradition and forcing them to wear the peasant dresses, which they later altered according to their Andean expression.
Taquileans run their society based on the Inca moral code “Ama sua, ama llulla, ama quella,” which means “do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy.” As we mentioned before, their economy is almost entirely based on tourism though agriculture and fishing are part of the community’s assets.
The Taquile people are known for their traditional textiles, where men are in charge of knitting and women make yarn and weave. The fine taquile textile art was recognized as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Life in Taquile is very simple and offers the perfect setting for those looking to relax and disconnect from the outside world. Taquileans are used to foreigners and are eager to show their ancient traditions to anyone willing to learn from them.
For those asking themselves how to visit the Taquile island, there are different ways to do so. Depending on the type of experience you’d like to have or your time disposition, you can visit this man made attraction with these options:
1. Lake Titicaca Half-Day Tour
In case you’re limited on time but still want to see the best of Lake Titicaca during your short stay, here’s an option that can help you with that.
The Lake Titicaca Half-Day Tour will take you through the vast deep-blue waters of the world’s highest navigable lake, allowing you to explore the Uros islands and Taquile.
The experience can be arranged for a morning or afternoon schedule, giving you time to explore the city and two of the main attractions in the lake in one day.
2. Lake Titicaca Full-Day Tour
For those with a bit more time in Puno, here’s a boat tour that will take you through the cultural expression of Lake Titicaca in one day.
The full-day tour to Lake Titicaca will allow you to get immersed in this natural wonder and its attractions without missing any detail at all. On this occasion, you’ll be able to get to know the renowned artisan expression of Taquile Island, the impressive Uros islands and one of the largest islands on the lake, Amantani.
3. Lake Titicaca Homestay
There’s a more intimate experience that takes you on a full immersion in the cultural heritage of the lake. On this occasion you can stay in one of the islands and learn about their daily lives.
In the Lake Titicaca Homestay experience, you’ll get to explore Amantani, Taquile and the Uros islands. You’ll be able to know about the traditions and customs of the place, as well as taking part in the routinary activities such as fishing, collecting totora reed and much more.
Would you like to experience Taquile at its fullest? Contact our travel specialists and make your way through the vast lake titicaca like a local expert.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have a great experience across Peru. If you’re eager to know more about what to do in the ancient country of the Incas, check our travel packages and start planning the trip of your life.
