Lake Titicaca and Suasi Island 4 days / 3 nights

Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, extends over an area of 8.300 sq km, and is situated at 3.812 metres above sea level, halfway between the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands. The thin air, the deep blue of the lake, the fauna of the highlands - among them the vicuña - and the native populations are some of the highlights. The folklore of the populations is considered the richest in Peru, with many religious celebrations throughout the year. Lake Titicaca is the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire, where Manco Capac and his sister-wife began their quest to found the capital of the Inca Empire.

Near the remote shores of the lake stands Suasi Island, a private 43-hectare island. Here, our friend Martha Giraldo established in 1996 a private ecological reserve in the private island she inherited from her grandmother. A local of Lake Titicaca area and a sociologist by training, she for many years had wanted to create a showcase of culture and ecology of the Altiplano, with its unique traditions, native populations, flora and fauna.

As part of the project, she built Albergue Rural Suasi, an attractive eco-lodge --built with natural materials -stone and adobe-and thatched with local high-altitude grass or "ichu"-- located on a hilltop, with stunning Lake views from every room. Casa Andina, a hotel company who has added comfort and promises to keep strict ecological guidelines, now professionally manages the lodge. The Lodge remains a lovely and charming retreat for the discerning traveler, and enhances any visit to the Lake. It is an ideal place to relax, and perfect for those interested in drawing, sketching or photography.

All rooms are tastefully appointed, with down -feather duvets on the beds for warmth, boasting gorgeous lake views and en-suite facilities. They all have perfectly functioning 24-hour hot water fueled by solar power. The landscaped gardens are a dream, and there are many activities such as kayaking around the island, hiking to observe the wild vicuna and the amazing views or just relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Puno

We meet at Juliaca airport and drive in our private transport towards Puno. On the way, we stop at the Chullpas de Sillustani, an archaeological area only 34 km (21 miles) from the city of Puno and one of the most important necropolis in the world. Built by the Collas, the chullpas are gigantic funerary monuments, which stand at 4,000m (13,123 ft), in a plain surrounded by the beautiful Umayo Lake. Upon arrival in Puno, we check in to our chosen hotel.
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Day 2 Puno - Lake Titicaca Islands - Suasi Island

Today we board a boat to travel to Suasi Island, one of the most special places on Lake Titicaca. From every corner of this small private island we can appreciate the vastness of this impressive lake. The island is 106 acres and hosts the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel, the only on the island. The hotel has been built with local materials such as stone, adobe and totora reeds and has a charming and cozy rustic architecture. On the way to Suasi, we first stop at the amazing Uros Islands, which are man-made from totora reeds, where the inhabitants continue to live as their predecessors have done since pre-Columbian times. We then disembark at Taquile Island, inhabited by a well-organized Quechua community known for its fabulous textiles, among others. Upon arrival in Suasi, we check in to our room with lakeside views.

Suasi Island is a fabulous spot to relax and enjoy: its views, the restaurant’s gourmet food and the activities on offer. These range from canoeing around the island, to short hikes to lookouts during the day or at sunset, walking along the beach or just relaxing at the sauna or massage room. Martha Giraldo, the welcoming owner of the island lives next to the hotel and has a charming little museum in her house that can also be visited.
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Day 3 Suasi Island - Puno

We enjoy the morning at Suasi Island before we depart by boat to Puno. Accommodation at the selected hotel. Rest of the day free.
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Day 4 Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, train station or bus station for the continuation of your trip.
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