Introduction
Vast and spectacular, Lake Titicaca straddles the southern border of Peru and landlocked Bolivia – a region of rolling highlands and barren altiplano framed by the soaring peaks of the Andes. The lake's sapphire-blue waters are most famously home to the reed boats and floating islands of the Uros people, while the gateway city of Puno is Peru's folkloric capital, melding ancient Aymara and Quechua civilisations with colonial influences.
Lake Titicaca
Believed to be the birthplace of the sun by the Incas, the world’s largest navigable lake is a mirror of its bright blue skies and the majestic front to ruined cathedrals, unique islands and picturesque landscapes. Our Peru holidays take in the best of this stunningly beautiful region. Cruise out onto the lake itself to visit traditional reed villages, where a unique pre-Incan culture lives on in heritage communities, stilted houses and vibrant textile art, and head to spectacular viewpoints that showcase sweeping panoramas of the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands.
Puno
As gateway to Lake Titicaca, there's every chance you'll spend some time Puno during your stay in the region. And, despite it lacking the obvious beauty and heritage of Cusco, or indeed the Spanish-colonial gems of Lima, it's a fun and vibrant city to explore. It's ramshackle charm is a reflection of its citizens – laid back, upbeat and often clothed in the most colourful of traditional dress. Indeed, the locals' penchant for a party is reflected in the dazzling nature of its folkloric parades, which are celebrated in style with pre-columbian dancing and costumes. The most famous of these – the Festival de la Virgen de la Candelaria – takes place during the first two weeks of February.