Visit Puno during the Candelaria Festival in February that honors the patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria. Explore Lake Titicaca, a geographic landmark at the crossroads of the Andes and the Andean plateau and the world's highest navigable and South America's largest lake. Spend a full day in Puno witnessing this folkloric festival with its traditional dances, costumes, music, and story-telling.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
A morning flight from Lima (or a bus from Cusco to Puno) takes us to the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca. Legend has it that the first Inca rose out of its azure waters. Transfer to your hotel and then explore the town in the afternoon.
Depart this morning with your guide to thet the floating islands of the Uros people. Peru's floating islands are built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow along Lake Titicaca, and these reeds are interwoven to make homes, boats, and crafts.
In the afternoon, visit Taquile Island. Climb the steps to the plaza at the center of the island for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Return to Puno and relax this evening on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
The exact origins of the Candelaria festival are debated, but its significance and vibrance continues with dance and music groups from Peru and Bolivia converging on Puno, a melting pot of native culture: the two largest Andean ethnic groups --the Quechuas from the north, the Aymaras from the south. The festivity is related to the traditional farming cycles of planting and harvesting (worshipping Pachamama or Mother Earth), as well as with the region’s mining activities.
We spend a full day watching the parades that focus on storytelling in the form of costumes, masks, and music. Your guide is there to help explain the sights and sounds and to translate, and you will have great seats along the procession route that the dancers follow to pay their respect to the Virgin. The devils dance is one of the main themes and is based on a story of a group of miners who when trapped in a cave, saw images of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Day 4: Return Lima (or Cusco)
1 Breakfast
Catch a flight to Lima today. For travelers choosing this Lake Titicaca extension prior to your visit to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu PIcchu, transfer by bus to Cusco.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Peru Tours, Trips & Hikes.
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Notes
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Contact us for internal flight costs and overland transportation to join this extension. This tour can be added on to the front or back of the Machu Picchu by Train or Machu Picchu Pilgrimage tours.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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2 weeks ago
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Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
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1 month ago
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Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
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