PUNO & LAKE TITICACA TOUR

2 Nights – 3 Days

“Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world at over 3830 masl and worth the additional exploring to really get know the special cultures and interesting lifestyle that has lasted for centuries.“

A totally different world exists on the lake, the incredible man-made island of Uros composed entirely of Totora reeds that grow in the lake. The people of Uros have managed to make a sustainable living on this island for thousands of years, even before the Inca Empire rose to greatness. Many of their original and ancestral traditions are carried on today and the intricately woven island, boats and homes of Totora reeds are renowned all over the world for their meticulous perfection and durability. In addition to Uros Island, there is another small, but well-known island on Lake Titicaca called Taquile. The rocky topography of the island is home to pre-Columbian ruins and has become a popular visit due to the allure of the closely united community who even run their own tourism on the island and specialize in handmade textiles and knitted materials of high quality.

Local family on lake Titicaca Peru
Columbus Ecuador is a Quito-based destination management company (DMC) specializing in tailor-made tours across Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. They design customized travel experiences that combine Galápagos cruises, nature and eco-tours, and cultural journeys, offering different service levels (luxury, first class, mid-range, and budget). Tailor-made travel / customized tours / Galápagos cruises / Eco-tours / nature experiences / Cultural trips to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) / Local destination experts / Personalized service and full travel support / Wide range of accommodation options / Columbus Travel
Puno indigenous community
blowing on a conch shell - Altitude in Cusco: How to Prepare and Enjoy Your Trip
llamas & alpacas andes peru
handicraft on dishes nazarenas
Sunset Lima Peru

3 Days Titicaca Lake

ITINERARY

You’ll depart Cusco on the “Inka Express” towards Puno. The journey will feature stops along the “Route of the Sun”. At Puno you will be transferred to your selected hotel.
Andahuaylillas church: This Baroque church is referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its dazzling display of murals and interior gold-leaf decor, produced by a blend of Spanish design with indigenous culture.
Raqchi: This is the temple of Wiracocha, known as the giver of all life by the Inca. The temple is monumental with 100 meters in length and 26 meters in width, reaching 14 meters in height. The temple is divided in two and still retains the base of eleven giant columns. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold.
Museum of Pukara: This small stone museum is proudly run by the locals of Pukara with ancient carvings, pottery and tools believed to have been used from 400 BC to 800 AD.

Experience the magic of Lake Titicaca visiting the islands of Uros and Taquile. The island of Uros is home to a close-knit community on a man-made island. The Uros people live interwoven with the “Totora” reed, growing in the shallows of the lake. With this they’ve built their homes, boats and island. This way of living is a tradition since before the Inca Empire. It is not a way of life, but a work of art leaving an impression for a lifetime.
You’ll also visit the island of Taquile. The community is one of the most peaceful, they live in perfect harmony with their environment. They direct their own tourism with no influence from the mainland. They wear their traditional dress and maintain a strong sense of pride and individuality, making the visit all the more interesting. You’ll have lunch here and return to Puno after.

Today you will be transferred to the town of Juliaca from Puno for your return flight to Lima.

Prices 2025

Prices Per Person

 HOTEL ACCOMMODATION FIRST SUPERIOR STANDARD
Starting From US$395 US$352 US$344
  • All prices are subject to availability. Rates must be reconfirmed prior to booking.
  • Rates not applicable for holidays Easter, Inti Raymi (week of June 24), Independence Day (July 28 and 29), All Saints’ Day (November), Christmas and New Years (from December 23 to January 1, 2025).

INCLUDED:

  • Accommodation at quoted hotels or similar.

  • Private services with a local English-speaking guide.

  • Meals as detailed in each program

  • Vistadome train OR Machu Picchu Train subject to confirmation

  • Services and entrance fees as detailed in each itinerary

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Air transportation

  • Meals and services not specified in the program

  • Personal expenses

  • Tips

What our customers say

Jeff Zackon

Trip Advisor - Columbus Ecuador is a Quito-based destination management company (DMC) specializing in tailor-made tours across Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. They design customized travel experiences that combine Galápagos cruises, nature and eco-tours, and cultural journeys, offering different service levels (luxury, first class, mid-range, and budget). Tailor-made travel / customized tours / Galápagos cruises / Eco-tours / nature experiences / Cultural trips to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) / Local destination experts / Personalized service and full travel support / Wide range of accommodation options / Columbus Travel

Hi Sofia

Over and above the review I would like to make the following comments:

  1. We had a fantastic time.
  2. Your organization of the trip and attention to detail was exceptional.
  3. The staff of Columbus Travel that we encountered were all courteous and prepared to assist beyond the call of duty. I must single out Pablo with his wealth of knowledge and personable approach.
  4. Both excursions from Quito were top rate, especially the delicious lunch served at the Hacienda we visited on the Otavalo trip.
  5. Swissotel was excellent. The staff were also willing to assist at all times.

Thank you for organizing. I will certainly be recommending your services to my friends planning a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Jeff Zackon
April 2023
Read more “Jeff Zackon”

Sharon Berg

Trip Advisor - Columbus Ecuador is a Quito-based destination management company (DMC) specializing in tailor-made tours across Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. They design customized travel experiences that combine Galápagos cruises, nature and eco-tours, and cultural journeys, offering different service levels (luxury, first class, mid-range, and budget). Tailor-made travel / customized tours / Galápagos cruises / Eco-tours / nature experiences / Cultural trips to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) / Local destination experts / Personalized service and full travel support / Wide range of accommodation options / Columbus Travel

Dear Pablo,

Now that I’ve been home a few days, it’s time to write and say thank you for arranging a wonderful trip to Ecuador for us.  The few days spent in Quito were interesting and we learned a lot about Ecuador and its history.  We were happy that changes we wanted to make to the itinerary were done to our complete satisfaction. The visit to the mercado Santa Clara was very special.  We enjoy seeing all the unusual fruits and vegetables we don’t have in Israel.  Visiting the Oswaldo Guayasamin Chapel of Man was wonderful and I think it should be on most itineraries.  Arranging for us to visit the home and studio of Trude Sojka is very much appreciated.  The cooking class was fantastic.  Our visit to Yumbos chocolate was a delicious treat and should also be on most itineraries.  I think it’s safe to say that most people like chocolate and Ecuadorian cacao is supposedly the best in the world.  Jonathan bought a beautiful Panama hat at Bigalli.  Miryam and Patricio were great.  If you are allowed to give restaurant recommendations, I’d suggest sending everyone to La Gloria. The food there was amazing!

The Galapagos cruise was a big success.  The boat was very comfortable and spotless, and the crew was helpful and efficient.  We were blessed with Fabian Sanchez, our excellent naturalist guide.  There was a good mix of hiking, panga tours, snorkeling, and kayaking. 

Every day was full of activity and we had a wonderful group of fellow travelers.  For many of us it was a trip of a lifetime. 

Sharon Berg
February 2024Read more “Sharon Berg”

Linda B.

Trip Advisor - Columbus Ecuador is a Quito-based destination management company (DMC) specializing in tailor-made tours across Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. They design customized travel experiences that combine Galápagos cruises, nature and eco-tours, and cultural journeys, offering different service levels (luxury, first class, mid-range, and budget). Tailor-made travel / customized tours / Galápagos cruises / Eco-tours / nature experiences / Cultural trips to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) / Local destination experts / Personalized service and full travel support / Wide range of accommodation options / Columbus Travel

I dealt with Sofia, who was superb, patient, informative, efficient, and lovely. Thank you.

Linda B.
January 2023
Read more “Linda B.”

Belinda

Trip Advisor - Columbus Ecuador is a Quito-based destination management company (DMC) specializing in tailor-made tours across Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Peru. They design customized travel experiences that combine Galápagos cruises, nature and eco-tours, and cultural journeys, offering different service levels (luxury, first class, mid-range, and budget). Tailor-made travel / customized tours / Galápagos cruises / Eco-tours / nature experiences / Cultural trips to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley) / Local destination experts / Personalized service and full travel support / Wide range of accommodation options / Columbus Travel

Fantastic trip; a great tour guide and driver. Accommodations were excellent and very unique. The food options were delightful. I would highly recommend Columbus Travel.

Belinda M
Jun, 2020

Read more “Belinda”

Fixed Banner