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Explore
the small villages located along the shores of Lake Titicaca and visit
some of their most important pre-Inca temples and Colonial churches.
Navigate Lake Titicaca in a private fully equipped boat visiting the
intriguing floating island of the Uros and other islands of Lake Titicaca
like Taquile island famous for it's rich culture and textiles. Walk
the trails of the inimitable pre-Inca burial site of Sillustani and
enjoy its grand views of Lake Umayo.
ITINERARY

DAY 01
PUNO
Afternoon arrival by train or bus from Cuzco or by
air from Lima or Cuzco/Arequipa. Meet ARE representative for transfer
to Puno hotel to relax for the rest of the afternoon. The city of Puno
is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca the highest navigable lake in
the world at 12,555 feet above sea level. Puno is the folkloric capital
of Peru because of its rich autochthonous dance heritage with over 300
dance forms from the estimated 1,500 actually practiced in all of Peru.
Overnight in Puno hotel.
DAY 02
PUNO - UROS - TAQUILE ISLAND
Early breakfast at hotel. You will travel by boat
(45 minutes) to the floating islands of the Uros. Lake Titicaca is home
to the unique floating island of the Uros constructed from interwoven
totora reed. Many centuries ago the Uros constructed the floating island
to isolate and protect themselves from their rival Incas and Collas.
There are no pure blooded Uros left in Peru as they have intermarried
with Aymara speaking natives that predominate the area. The primary
economic activities are fishing, agriculture, crafts woven from totora
reed and most recently, tourism.
Later you will travel to the island of Taquile.
The island covers an area over 5 square km and is home to some 300 families.
Taquile commands spectacular views of Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera
Real of Bolivia. The island is covered with Inca terraces that are still
cultivated today and the inhabitants maintain strong ties to their traditional
ways of life and unique sense of group identity. Visitors can travel
to the island for a day trip or are welcomed to stay in simple and rustic
accommodations provided by a host family.
You will have a rare opportunity to freely observe
life on the island as it unfolds and it is a common sight to see men
knitting elaborate-designed hats as they walk to their fields or rest
at the main square. Women work on traditional looms to produce fine
textiles that are sold at their cooperative store near the central square.
Men and women dress in their colorful traditional clothing. Afternoon
return to Puno. Overnight at hotel in Puno B,L
DAY 03
PUNO
After breakfast, you will travel to the pre-Inca
complex of Sillustani located on a hilltop overlooking lake Umayo 18
miles from the city of Puno. Sillustani is one of the most particular
of pre-Inca complexes in all of Peru. The cylindrical and square shaped
hand carved granite funeral towers are called "chulpas" and were built
by the Collas people to bury their nobles. As is customary with pre-Inca
and Inca beliefs, the noble Collas were buried with their personal belongings
and food for their journey to the next world. Some of the "chulpas"
reach over 36 feet in height. Later, you will drive to the airport for
flight out. B
TRIP PRICING

Pricing below assumes double occupancy. Single supplement will apply for individuals not sharing accommodations. CALL US FOR GROUP PRICING!
Call for Pricing
TRIP DIFFICULTY: Journey
requires moderate walking at high altitude (12,555 feet). Travelers
with health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure
should consult their physician before traveling
INCLUDES: All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy. Meals as specified
in the itinerary, B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner. All transfers and boat trip to islands.
NOT INCLUDED: International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa
fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due
to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks,
insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages,
reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.
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