You Will Be Traveling to a Truly Unique Destination. Thus We Have Created a List of Background

USER’S GUIDE

You will be traveling to a truly unique destination. Thus we have created a list of background information, suggestions and tips to help you prepare for a unique experience.

LAKE TITICACA

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Lake Titicaca is the world´s highest navigable lakefor large vessels, at 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) above sea level in the heart of the Andes Mountains of South America; between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east. The lake covers some 3,200 square miles (8,300 square km) and is 50 miles (80 km) across at its widest point, with an average depth of 107 meters.

The origin of the name “Titicaca” remains unknown. It has been translated as “puma rock”, allegedly because its shape resembles that of a cougar, a mammal typical to the Americas. Locally, the lake goes by several names. According to the legend, Lake Titicaca gave birth to the Inca civilization. Before the Incas, the Aymara people considered the lake and its islands to be holy.

The most well known islands on the lake are the floating Islands of Uros, a group of 42 or so artificial islands made of floating reeds. These islands have become a major tourist attraction. They draw many excursions from the lakeside city of Puno. Taquile, another well-known island, is a hilly island located 35 kilometers east of Puno. It is narrow and long and was used as a prison throughout the Spanish Colonization. The island is also home to amazing living cultures, pre-Inca ruins and agricultural terraces.

The region of Puno is also famous for its typical dances, which are practiced all year round. They fill the streets and attract photographers from all over the world. The dancers all dress up in very colorful, lavish outfits. The most popular of these festivals is the feast of the “Virgen de la Candelaria” in February, featuring the famous Devil Dancers.

THE HOTEL: TITILAKA

Our property is a modern experience lodge located in a remote peninsula, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It offers a luxurious refuge from which to explore the treasured natural, cultural and historical resources of this remote mystical region. Wrap-around terraces create a privileged vantage point for breathtaking sunrises and peaceful sunsets in this serene, life-giving cradle of Inca civilization.

Eighteen fully serviced lake-view rooms feature individually controlled heated floors and spa bathrooms, with large oversized tubs and massage showers plus an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Each king or double beds is equipped with high-count cotton sheets, feathered duvet covers.

Here you will find a haven for re-energizing after a day of excursion by boat, mountain bike, hiking or car – the choice is yours. Explore the Andean communities on the islands of Taquile or Uros; visit the archaeological sites of Chullpas at Sillustani and the splendid colonial churches in the towns of Juli, Pomata and Lampa; or simply absorb the spirit of the region.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Uncover the wealth of local culture, history, nature, and neighboring communities around the lake and lodge through our wide array of activities and outings. These bespoke excursions are designed to meet your interests and capabilities, and can range from short to full day land or lake outings.

We offer two key full-day outings, which include the main attractions on land and on the water, as well as a number of shorter visits to complement these. Except for the crossings to Bolivia, which require previous booking and excursions to and from the airport, all daytrips and activities are available daily. Based on your interests and abilities, our experienced guides will help you prepare an optimized travel plan for your stay with us.

All excursions and activities offered are included in our rates, except for those requiring border passage to Bolivia, which can be identified with the ‘$’ symbol.

Excursions are organized into three difficulty levels, according to the physical demand specified in the summary chart.

Excursions Summary / Duration / Difficulty
Level / Schedule
1-3 hrs / 4-5 hrs / 7-9hrs / AM / PM
MAIN EXCURSIONS

Islands of Lake Titicaca Excursion

/ X / I - II / X

Aymara Route Excursion

/ X / I - II / X
EN ROUTE EXCURSIONS
(to and from the Juliaca airport)

Excursion to Lampa

/ X / I / X / X

Excursion to Sillustani

/ X / II / X / X
SHORT EXCURSIONS

Colonial Temples Visit

/ X / I / X / X

Colla Route Trek

/ X / II - III / X

Birdwatching

/ X / II / X / X

Marketplace Visit (only Saturday and Sundays)

/ X / I / X

Local Festivities (according to Festivities Calendar)

/ X / I / X / X
NEARBY ACTIVITIES

Boat House– Nautical Sports

/ X / I - II -III / X / X

Cycling Platería

/ X / II - III / X / X

Aymara Constellation Observation

/ X / I / X

Rafting Through the Reeds

/ X / I / X / X

Strolling Across the Altiplano

/ X / I - II / X / X
BOLIVIA CROSSINGS ($)

Island of the Sun Crossing

/ X / II / X

Tiahuanaco Crossing

/ X / II / X

Titilaka offers Concierge Services to accommodate special request or arrange unique activities. From Andean rituals to sailing around Lake Titicaca, our Experience Concierge can helpyou make the most of your stay.The Experience Concierge team has in depth local knowledge and expertise to personally assist you throughout your visit, rising to every challenge and exceeding expectations. For special arrangements, to obtain a local calendar or detailed description of the excursions, you may contact nytime before your arrival in Titilaka: Mobile + 51 1 98 111 5520.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Life and meals at the hotel are carefree and flexible. Guests may dine in their room, at the main dining room, on the terraces or picnic style on outings. Guests are offered daily specials and a selection of a la carte options. Full breakfast is served from dawn until noon, including local breads, cheese, fruits and egg options.

Lunch and appetizers are served from noon until 3pm, and afternoon tea is offered prior to the excursions. Cocktails and dinner are served from 7pm. If the weather permits, sundowners are served in the lounge, on the beach or at the outings. The bar service is available throughout the day.

PAYMENTS AND CASH

Please note that at Titilaka, all payments for additional services should be made in cash or with American Express, MasterCard, or Visa credit cards. ATM cash dispensers are not available at Juliaca Airport and the hotel has limited cash available for money exchange. We recommend traveling with enough cash in local currency.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Altitude Sickness or Soroche

Lake Titicaca is located 3,450 meters above sea level.Higher than 2,000 meters of altitude it is possible to suffer "Soroche" characterized by headache, dizziness and nausea. To avoid these symptoms, we suggest that you plan your trip and gradually adapt to the altitude visiting Arequipa or Cusco before Titilaka. On your first day atTitilaka follow these tips:

- Avoid excessive exercise

- Drink plenty of water (more than 3 liters per day)

- Do not drink alcohol or coffee (or do so moderately)

At the hotel, we offer Coca teas that are ancient natural remedies to alleviate and prevent these symptoms. In addition, we have a full time nurse who will monitor your oxygen level throughout your stay and administer additional oxygen if needed. Nearby hospitals and additional medical assistance is available in 50 minutes in the city of Puno.

Water Quality

Although Peru has made vast improvements concerning water quality, it is still not safe to drink the tap water. We process and filter the lake water for the hotel use, however we do not recommend drinking it. Please use bottled water which is available at the bar, in your room and at all excursions and transfers. If you want to help us reduce pollution in the area, we encourage you to bring your reusable water bottle.

Sunburn

If you are travelling to the highlands of Peru, sunburn is of major concern because of the altitude andhigh level of radiation. Be sure to wear plenty of sun block, preferably over 45 SPF, and a hat at all times.

Dehydration

Because of the highlands’ dry climate, dehydration and dryness may become a problem. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids and to apply lip balm and moisturizer continuously; both are found in your room.

CLIMATE & WEATHER

The weather in Puno,due to its geographical location and its high altitude,changes continually. Days are worm and evenings cold. The region has a yellow and the green seasons. The summer or green season from December until March offer warmer evenings, green pastures and occasional rains. The winter is dry with sunny days and clear cold evenings.

PUNO / Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec
Av. High (°F) / 66 / 66 / 67 / 68 / 68 / 67 / 67 / 68 / 68 / 70 / 69 / 68
Av High (°C) / 19 / 19 / 19 / 20 / 20 / 19 / 19 / 20 / 20 / 21 / 20 / 20
Av. Low (°F) / 44 / 44 / 44 / 41 / 37 / 34 / 34 / 34 / 39 / 42 / 43 / 43
Av. Low (°C) / 7 / 7 / 7 / 5 / 3 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 4 / 6 / 6 / 6
Av. Wet days / 16 / 12 / 10 / 7 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 2 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 14

COMMUNICATIONS

Titilaka offers full connectivity, including international phone service, complimentary wireless internet access as well as cellular phone coverage. We recommend contacting your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Puno-Peru

ELECTRICITY

All electrical appliances run on 220 volts. The hotel provides electric transformers and adaptors.

WHEN TAKING PICTURES

We strongly recommend these guidelines while taking pictures in Peru:

Ask for permission before filming or taking photos of individuals. In some parts of Peru, filming and photography can offend, frighten or intrude others. Other times, people in traditional dress hanging around heavily touristic areas expect you to pay them if you take their photo.
Don’t treat people as part of the landscape. They may not want their picture taken.

In rural areas, ask for permission before taking pictures through doors or windows into private homes.

PACKING LIST

Weather in Puno changes very rapidly; it is advisable to wear light clothing during the day when it is sunny (shirts / T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, shorts)and warm winter clothes for thedusk outings (sweater, jacket, fleece, pants long). We also recommend using special walking shoes or hiking boots, acap or hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when outside the hotel.

The hotel is heated and casual, so feel free to useconformable clothing indoors. If you need to wash something, Titilaka offers a 24 hour room and laundry service.

Every bathroom is equipped with hair dryers.

You may want to bring your I-pod, every room is provided with an I-pod dock.