Island of Taquile

The city of Puno is considered the heart of Peruvian folklore, and no other place highlights that fact than the island of Taquile. Located on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, the island’s remote location has allowed locals to continue their traditions and customs without too much Western influence. Impressive landscapes of lakes and mountains and spectacular weaving traditions await you in Taquile.

Geography

Geography of taquile Island The island of Taquile is apparently on top of the world. In the middle of the Peruvian half of Lake Titicaca, the shores of Taquile lie 3,950 m (12,959 ft) above sea level, while its highest point reaches 4,050 m (13,287 ft).

Despite its impressive elevation, the island’s size is quite modest: 2.21 square miles (5.72 km²). However, it remains the second largest Peruvian island in the lake after the island of Amantani. This famous island is 45 km (28 miles) from the region’s largest city, Puno, on the shores of the lake. It takes about 3 hours by boat to reach Island of Taquile from Puno.

History and culture

Culture of the Island of Taquile The island of Taquile was part of the vast Inca Culture until the Spanish conquered the territory during the 16th century. The Incas called it Intika, and the Quechua locals, descendants of the Incas, still call it that today. The name Taquile comes from the Spanish nobleman Pedro Gonzales de Taquila.

The Spanish imposed cultural restrictions on the island’s inhabitants. For example, they were not allowed to wear traditional Inca clothing, but had to wear peasant-style clothing. However, due to the island’s remote location, especially in a time without motor boats, many other local customs remained intact. Today’s islanders, who number around 2,200, continue generations of tradition of subsistence farming and fishing.

Perhaps what Taquile Island is best known for today is its weaving tradition. Weaving is an integral and important part of local culture in many parts of Peru. It is a way for indigenous people to represent their history and society with geometric and natural shapes and colors. The weavers of the island of Taquile, in particular, have an interesting tradition in which both men and women operate the loom.

Tourism in Taquile took off in the 1970s and transformed its weaving traditions. With such international interest in their woven products, locals adjusted their patterns and colors for an international market. For example, the traditional background color of Taquileño fabrics is red. However, many began using purple as their primary background color to appease their new international buyers. Additionally, to meet growing demand, local weavers now purchase factory-spun yarn rather than hand-spinning the wool themselves.

If this makes you hesitate to purchase items woven on the island to take home as a Peruvian souvenir, don’t worry. They still make all of their products using traditional local techniques, including a four-point loom. In fact, the Taquileños are among the few indigenous communities in Peru that renounce Western clothing and preserve their traditional clothing.

The patterns and colors may have evolved over time, but the meaning is still present in his work. Even UNESCO has recognized its incredible local art by recognizing Taquile and its Textile Art as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2005.

Best time to visit

Best time to visit of taquile Island Lake Titicaca has a rainy season from November to March. These months correspond to the southern hemisphere summer, meaning air temperatures will be warmer overall. However, the region experiences greater rainfall, with the heaviest rains occurring in January and February.

The best time to Visit Titicaca Lake is during the dry season, from May to October. Although air temperatures will be a little cooler, you will most likely have sunny days during your visit.
July and August are the driest months and also correspond to the high season. The Puno region remains an “off the beaten path” destination with relatively few visitors.

Taquile Tour

full-day Titicaca lake tour Taquile welcomes approximately 40,000 tourists each year. Most people visit the island on a full day tour of Lake Titicaca, but you can also stay overnight on Taquile.

Standard full-day Titicaca lake tours will include a visit to the Uros floating islands and then a visit to Taquile before returning to Puno. Once docked in Taquile, you must climb some stairs to reach the most populated area of the island. This can be a difficult climb for older travelers, as well as those who are not sufficiently acclimated to the altitude.

In the main town of the island, you can explore the main plaza (or plaza de Armas) and local shops. All the shops, restaurants and homestays in Taquile are collectively controlled by the villagers themselves. This allows all inhabitants of the island to benefit from local tourism.

After lunch, enjoy a traditional dance performance. The Island of Taquile is especially known for its woven and knitted products. Throughout the island it is very common to see men weaving at a dizzying pace. Your local guide will explain the history and cultural significance of their native crafts and clothing.

While experiencing the local culture is an absolute delight in Taquile, another main attraction of the island is its stunning natural landscape. Touring the island inevitably involves traveling paths through its mountainous terrain. You will pass local houses, flocks of sheep, as well as pre-Inca ruins and arches that beautifully frame the lake. Those who wish to take a high-altitude hike can walk to the island’s viewpoint.

Altitude sickness
Taquile sits at a very high elevation (12,959-13,287 ft/ 3,950-4,050 m) and is quite hilly. Because of this, it is very important to be acclimated to the altitude. This can be done by first acclimating in Arequipa (7,700 ft/ 2,340 m) or Cusco (11,150 ft/ 3,399 m) before moving on to Puno. In most instances, you will first make your way to Puno by train, plane, or bus—and spend the night before visiting the lake the next day.

The dock on one side of the lake includes 500 steps up to start your Taquile visit. This can be a lot even if you feel that you have adjusted to the altitude. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks when you need them. If you begin to feel sick, try to get your hands on a mug of coca or muña tea or some coca candies.

Ready to visit Island of Taquile? Let us help you get there! Contact our experts for a customized travel package.