The Best Time to Visit Lake Titicaca

The Best Time to Visit Lake Titicaca is in November and in February. This is when the weather is the nicest and warmest and these months are the best months to explore and the best time to visit Lake Titicaca.

Places to Visit in Lake Titicaca

When you’re visiting Lake Titicaca, you should spend at least one night in the area, and take your time visiting the towns, islands, and ruins nearby. Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable lake in the world, and so it’s well worth it to spend some time sailing around this massive lake, enjoying the sunrise or the sunset.

The Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol an inhabited island with some small farms and a village, plus Inca ruins. There are some walking trails throughout the island, which provide a wonderful opportunity for scenic vistas of the coastline and the blue lake beyond. On a day trip of the island, the boat will drop you off on one side of the island, and then you have the afternoon to hike along the 10 km walking paths to the other side of the island, where the boat will pick you up. Make sure to see the Temple of the Sun (Templo del Sol), at a height of 3190 meters. Sunsets here are incredible.

The Isla de la Luna

This island was home to the Temple of the Virgins. Now there is a small village, some farms, and the ruins of the temple.

The Island of Taquile

You can walk around this island and spend the night in a local family’s house. There is a mirador with amazing views of the lake, a community restaurant, and a small temple. The inhabitants have retained much of their distinctive culture, and festivals and cultural events are a common occurrence. Perhaps of all the island inhabitants, the “Taquileños” are most highly regarded for their knitting skills. The men knit intricate woolen caps, vests, and other articles of clothing and decor.

Island of Amantani

Another island with great views, a local community, opportunities for homestays, and some hiking. There is a museum and temple, and places to purchase handmade goods. Amantani is a relatively quiet and peaceful place, but every night the locals hold a lively party, complete with music, dancing, costumes, and lots of beer. Visitors who spend the night with a host family are encouraged to dress up in colorful costumes and participate in the dancing

Floating Islands of Uros

These are unique floating islands made of totora reeds, which are handmade by the locals. The intricate handmade islands, reed boats, and other reed materials are an amazing sight to see. The islands of Uros are a wonderful opportunity for visitors to meet indigenous people, see their vibrant clothing and weavings from alpaca wool, play with local kids, and see the amazing handiwork of the reed craftsmen.

Add to Your Lake Titicaca Cruise

Tiwanaku Ruins Near La Paz, Bolivia

If you are interested in Bolivian history and archaeology you must visit Tiwanaku. Lake Titicaca Catamaran Cruises make it easy to see the Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) ruins near La Paz, Bolivia. The Tiwanaku was the most powerful pre-Inca culture in Andean history. Their legacy is left in the ruins of Tiwanaku, where huge stone structures, gateways, and temple courtyards are still standing after thousands of years. On the Gateway of the Sun, one of the most famous remaining structures, relief iconography is still prominent. The area is now a Bolivia UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sillustani Ruins Near Puno, Peru

Also worth visiting while on a Lake Titicaca catamaran cruise is the ruins of Sillustani, stone funerary towers (chullpas) near Puno. These towers were built by the Colla people, who came after the Tiwanaku and before the Inca. The Aymara-speaking people who live in the Lake Titicaca region are descendants of the Colla. From the towers, you have a view of Lake Umayo and the surrounding altiplano.