We recommend two days predeparture to aclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour.
Lake Titicaca , the cradle of Incan civilization, and the origin of the Inca Empire is the largest lake on the South American continent. It is reputed to be the highest navigable lake in the world (about 3810 m/12,500 ft above sea level), extending from southeastern Peru to western Bolivia. The lake is 196 km (122 mi) long with an average width of56 km (35 mi). The lake has waves, testament to its size and not surprising the waters are cold. At that altitude and fed from snow-clad Andes the lake does not invite swimming. It is the remnant of an ancient inland sea and the blue waters make a beautiful contrast to the parched altiplano.
You get to Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian side from Puno, the capital of Peru's altiplano which is the folkloric center of Peru and gateway to Lake Titicaca. Puno itself is not attractive but the schedule of dances including the Devil Dance perfomed during the feast of the Virgen De Candelaria and other festivals attract visitors year round.
According to Incan mythology, Manco Capac and Mama 0cllo, also known as Mama Huaca, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca on the sacred rock gate on Isla Del Sol to found the Inca Empire. The sister island Isla de la Luna is not as well visited but is also a holy place as it housed the convent of the virgins of the sun. The entire lake was a holy place. Also connected with the legend of Lake Titicaca is the Lemurian Solar Disc which governed the thousand year cycle of Incan time.
According to legend, when the Spanish forces reached Cuzco, the Incas took the two-ton gold chain of Inca Huascar from the temple at Koricancha and threw it into the lake. It has never been found although some years ago Jacques Cousteau mounted an expedition to explore the lake with a mini-submarine.
The best known islands on the lake are the floating reed islands which are maintained by adding fresh reeds to the surface even as the ones on the bottom decompose. The reeds are used for many things including the reed boats and sails in daily use on the lake and the totora rafts used in the voyages of Thor Heyerdahl, Ra I and Ra II, which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the 1970s, were built on Suriqui Island.
From the Bolivian side of the lake, travelers can take the hyrdrofoil tour to see the Lake Titicaca Highlights and learn more the cultural and archaeological significance of the lake. Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna lie in Bolivian waters and visitors who want a touch of Ancient Bolivia usually fit in a trip to Samapaita which was more than a mere outpost of Inca civilization.
An easy excursion is to the small village of Copacabana, famous for the miracles of the patron saint of Bolivia, the Dark Virgin of the Lake. The miracles began in the 16th century after the village became home to an image of the Virgen de Candelaria. Another image of the Virgin was taken to Brazil in the 1800's and established in what is now a very well known beach of the same name.
Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies as well as a favored tourist destination. If you go, plan to visit in the summer months but take warm clothing. The days may be pleasantly sunny but the nights can be very cold. Remember, please, that the Lake is still sacred to the Aymara people who live there.
Itinerary
Day One:
Today we begin our sojourn, starting out from Cusco and for a seven hour drive aboard private coach heading southeast over the high Andes that mark the border between the Departments of Cusco and Puno. The landscape along the way is dotted with small colonial villages and archaeological sites. The City of Puno itself lies against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Once in Puno we proceed to check into our hotel and have lunch. This is followed by a short rest and then a visit to the pre-Inca cemetery of Sillustani, known for it funerary towers built of finely cut and dressed andesite ashlars Includes hotel (L, D)
Day Two:
After an early breakfast we shall be transferred to the lakeside port of the city of Puno and put aboard one of the boats bound for the floating reed islands of the Uros. Here still survive remnants of what once was a large civilization. The survivors make a living by manufacturing handicrafts. After appreciating their lifestyle and customs, we continue navigating for three hours until arriving at the island of Amantani. Here we put in for the night, lodge in the local inhabitant’s homes, dine and wine with them.
Hotel (B, L, D)
Day Three:
After enjoying breakfast surrounded by the luminous view of the high peaks surrounding the lake, we continue our trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. Here there are pre-Inca ruins to visit and a population of less than two thousand people known for the quality of their hand woven textiles and their music. Following a good lunch, we return to the city of Puno and our lodgings at the hotel. Plus Hotel (B, L, D)
Day Four:
Today we return to Cusco by Bus or Train, according to your preference. In both cases we pass through beautiful scenic landscape and the familiar colonial villages dotting the countryside. Lunch on the road.
Note: This section can be added to your Cusco - Machu Picchu trip.
Note: It is also possible to fly from Lima to Juliaca, a large town only a few kilometers’ distance from Puno (where we will pick you up) and after completing this segment continue on to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Included
Meals
Transportation
Bus
Boat
Private guides
Hotels (Lodging)
First aid.
Radio communication.
What to Bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
Sandals for River use (Teva types).
Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season)
Reading material.
Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
Bathing Suit.
Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
A bandana for neck protection.
A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
Camera and plenty of film.
Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).
Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:
Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com
Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938 
