Taquile Island is one of the many islands that has the highest lake in Peru, Lake Titicaca. This charming place has been inhabited for thousands of years, its inhabitants speak Quechua and their lifestyle has changed little or nothing over the years. The people of Taquile Island are experts in textiles and their technique is inherited from generation to generation. Taquile Island is home to a population of just over 2,000 people, descendants of an ancient community that, to this day, retains many of its ancient customs.
This island is located in Puno and has a total area of 11 square kilometers. The island is considered one of the 15 most beautiful islands on lakes in the world and that every tourist should visit at least once in their life.
The main attraction of the island is concentrated in experiential tourism, based on contact with the customs and tasks of the people who inhabit it. Living with the people of Taquile will allow you to learn about the different myths and beliefs that their people have. If you want to know the festive spirit of the Island of Taquile and live with its people during the days of celebration, you can visit the town, especially during its Folkloric Fair that is celebrated between the last week of July and the first week of August, and where different interpretations of traditional dances are presented.
Taquile Island is located in Lake Titicaca, as is Amantani Island. Both belong to the district of the same name in the department of Puno. The island is located at 3,950 meters above sea level and 35 kilometers from the city of Puno.
To get to Taquile you must buy your boat ticket at the Taquile booth located in the Port of Puno. The time it will take you to travel will be approximately 3 hours. Generally, the boats leave between 8 and 8:30 in the morning. If you are looking for a place to eat in Taquile, there is the Community dining room, whose income is directed to the well-being and improvements of the services of the island, as well as the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Taquile Island is home to a population of just over 2,000 people, descendants of an ancient community that, to this day, retains many of its ancient customs. Its inhabitants speak Quechua and their lifestyle has changed little or nothing over the years. The town of Taquile is an essentially agricultural community that takes advantage of the benign climate of the territory and the water resources of Titicaca to improve its production.
The main attraction of the island is concentrated in experiential tourism, based on contact with the customs and tasks of the people who inhabit it. Living with the people of Taquile will allow you to learn about the different myths and beliefs that their people have.
If you want to know the festive spirit of the Island of Taquile and live with its people during the days of celebration, you can visit the town, especially during its Folkloric Fair that is celebrated between the last week of July and the first week of August, and where different interpretations of traditional dances are presented.
The tradition of weaving on the island of Taquile dates back to the ancient Inca, Pukara and Colla civilizations, thus keeping certain elements of pre-Hispanic Andean cultures alive. It was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
The textiles of Taquile Island are made by hand or on pre-Hispanic pedal looms. The most characteristic garments are the chullo, a knitted hat with ear flaps, and the calendar belt, a wide belt that represents the annual cycles associated with ritual and agricultural activities. The calendar belt has attracted the interest of many researchers as it represents elements of the oral tradition and history of the community. Although the artistic design of the Taquile Island Textiles has introduced new symbols and contemporary images, the traditional style and techniques are still maintained.
Taquile has a specialized school to learn local crafts, which contributes to the viability and continuity of the tradition.
Explore the Manu Amazon Rainforest & Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy the best adventures in Peru, exploring amazing inca trail routes and the best amazon wildlife with our local tour guides, in small groups.
Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cusco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. From the depths of the Colca canyon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.
The wonders of Peru await you as you hike through the Manu Amazon rainforest, traverse the plains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and stroll the cobbled streets of Cusco on this 15-day trip from Lima. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, travel the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a stay in a traditional community on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca.
The top sights of Peru will leave all the family thrilled by the scenic grandeur, ruined temples, colonial cities, amazing inca trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca Lost City, once buried under the tropical forest which surrounds it.
Feel the magic and the energy of Cusco and Machu Picchu, then continue to where the legend began – Lake Titicaca, to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the peace and tranquility on the shores of the Lake.
Dive deep into the culture and landscapes of Peru with this adventure to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and more. Search for wildlife along jungle trails and rivers in the rainforest from a comfortable lodge then head up into the Andes to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire.