Overview
Lake Titicaca lies on the Peruvian-Bolivian border at about 3,812 m and is often described as the world's highest navigable lake. On the Peruvian side, the city of Puno is the base, with boats to the islands.
The Uros people live on floating islands built of totora reeds, and the islands of Taquile and Amantaní offer homestays with local families, terraced fields and sunset views. Inland, the funerary towers of Sillustani stand above a lake near Puno. The altitude is high, so many visitors take it slowly.
Highlights
- The Uros floating islands made of totora reeds
- Taquile and Amantaní islands, with homestays and terraces
- Sillustani funerary towers on a lakeshore
- Sunset and star views over the lake
Best time to visit
April to October is the dry season, with sunny days and cold nights, and it is the best time to visit. June has the Puno Week festival, and winters can be very cold at night. The wet season, December to March, brings afternoon rain.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Juliaca (JUL), about an hour from Puno, from Lima or Cusco, or take the scenic train or a tourist bus from Cusco. Boats to the islands leave from Puno harbour. Many visitors combine Titicaca with Cusco and Arequipa.
What to expect
Easy, but the altitude is the challenge: at 3,800 m, headaches and tiredness are common. Island stays are simple, with basic facilities. Take warm clothes for the cold nights.
Practical tips
- Spend a day or two acclimatising before taking an island trip.
- Choose homestay and tour options that benefit the local communities directly.
- Carry sun protection, as the sun is intense at altitude.
- Bring warm layers for the evenings, even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Lake Titicaca?
About 3,812 m above sea level.
Can I stay on the islands?
Yes, on Taquile and Amantaní, where families host guests in simple rooms.
Are the Uros islands real?
Yes. They are floating islands made of reeds and have been inhabited for centuries, though they are now also visited by many tourists.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
