Taquile Island, situated on Lake Titicaca, lies about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Peruvian town of Puno, reachable through a 3-hour boat experience. It is famous for its complicated weaving and knitting strategies.
Remote and idyllic, Taquile boasts a populace of almost 2,000 islanders, in general, inhabiting its higher reaches, allowing them to preserve their traditions with minimal Western influence.
Astonishing lake and mountain vistas, coupled with the impressive weaving historical past, look ahead to visitors to Taquile. The island is decorated with archaeological remnants, presenting glimpses of beautiful lakeside panoramas towards the backdrop of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains of Bolivia.
Map of Taquile Island
| Name | Taquile Island (Spanish: Isla de Taquile) |
| Country | Peru |
| Province | Puno |
| Coordinates | -15.770261750986007, -69.68411513646434 |
| Area | 5.72 km2 (2.21 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 |
| Population | about 2200 |
History and Natual
Taquile Island was once part of the Inca Empire till the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The call Taquile is derived from the Spanish nobleman Pedro Gonzales de Taquila.
Despite several regulations imposed by the Spaniards, which included prohibiting the islanders from wearing conventional Inca apparel and mandating peasant-style attire, the island's remoteness allowed many nearby customs to stay intact. Today, the population holds their age-vintage traditions of subsistence farming and fishing.
Taquile Island is now most well-known for its weaving subculture. While weaving is integral to many neighborhood cultures in Peru, Taquile stands out because both women and men interact with each other in loom paintings.
In the 1970s, worldwide people in Peruvian textiles spurred the development of tourism on Taquile Island. The locals tailored their patterns and hues to cater to the worldwide marketplace, with many switching from traditional purple to crimson because of the historical color of their weavings. To meet growing demand, local weavers now purchase manufacturing facility-spun yarn rather than hand-spinning wool themselves.
Most citizens of Taquile are devout Catholics. The island has a radio station powered by a generator, and at the same time, as a few islanders use solar panels for power, Taquile stays distinctly undeveloped.
How to Get to Taquile Island
Typically, to adventure to Taquile Island, one needs to first fly to the capital of Peru, Lima. Direct flights are available from major cities in North America and Europe. Subsequently, you would want to transfer from Lima to Puno, an adventure of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by air. Then you will take a 45-minute by car to arrive in Puno.
There are two transportation options from Puno to Taquile Island:
- One is the public boat to Taquile Island, priced at around 60 soles (about $16). This public boat is leisurely and takes roughly 3 hours to reach Taquile Island.
- The 2nd choice is to choose a visitor boat departing around 7:00 a.m. The cost degrees from $ 40 to $60. These boats reach Taquile Island in approximately 1.5 hours, presenting sizeable time savings.
I recommend joining the full-day or half-day tours of Taquile and Uros. These tours provide new comfortable speedboats that take you directly to the islands, allowing ample time for independent exploration. Afterward, fly to the pre-Inca ruins of Sillustani and enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating site.
Best Things to Do on Taquile Island
On Taquile Island, you'll be greeted with an abundance of excellent handicrafts, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural historical past. You'll witness both young and elder boys weaving hats, recognized in Peru as "chullo," a one-of-a-kind headwear worn by married and single guys alike, every decorated with precise attire.
Men traverse the island, spinning wool or weaving their signature gentle, red wool hats, paired elegantly with black trousers, white shirts, and charming vests, exuding an elegant aura.
Meanwhile, the island's women don wide skirts and intricately embroidered blouses. Traditional apparel is showcased in the museum and craft shops at the principal square.
I recommend staying for a single day on Taquile Island, which will permit adequate time to discover its seashores and pre-Inca ruins, provide breathtaking vistas of the Andean peaks, and provide quantities of the Bolivian Cordillera Real.
Here, amidst ruins still revered as talismans, remnants of the pre-Inca civilization, you can pay homage to the mountain gods, the "Apus" of the Andes, praying for health or favorable circumstances. At such altitudes, nearing about 4,000 meters above sea degree, you'll locate yourself atop the mountain peaks, immersed in a serene ambiance.
Stays on Taquile Island
Accommodations on Taquile usually reflect rustic rural allure, regularly built with adobe bricks. Spend an afternoon on this quaint island walking along cobblestone paths, dipping into the chilly lake waters, observing the rhythm of nearby lifestyles, and discovering the correct spot to witness the sunset. You'll immerse yourself in a truly unique cultural revelation.
- TAQUILE LODGE - Un lugar de ensueño boasts an exceptional location with unique views, including breathtaking sunsets over the lake visible from the windows. Some rooms feature sea-view terraces with outdoor dining areas. Additionally, there's an indoor recreation area, and guests can unwind in the garden. Situated on the edge of a cliff, it offers a tranquil and majestic vista of Lake Titicaca!
- Taquile Hospedaje Mario is just 170 meters from Taquile's main square, offering stunning mountain views, a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant. Each room features a balcony with a lake view. The host can also guide you to the highest points on the island, where you can witness the most impressive vistas.
- Taquile Familia Celso offers elegant and clean accommodations, making it an ideal retreat for those who prefer a quiet stay. Located just four blocks from the main square, it provides easy access to beautiful lake views.
- Taquile Sumaq Wasi - Casa de Felipe e Ines, situated in Huillanopampa, features a charming garden. Enjoying scenic surroundings, it's conveniently close to the square, allowing for leisurely daytime strolls along the island's alleys and pathways.
Best Time to Visit Taquile Island
Lake Titicaca experiences a rainy season from December to March, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere's summer. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, but rainfall is frequent, peaking in January and February.
The best time to visit Lake Titicaca is during the dry season, from May to September. Although temperatures are more relaxed, you are likely to encounter sunny days and clear blue skies.
Despite July and August being peak tourist months for Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Puno region remains relatively "off the beaten path," with fewer visitors.
