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Island · Puno, Puno
Isla Taquile
Stone island on Lake Titicaca, about 35 km from Puno, with a Quechua community known for its textile art, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Inca terraces and views of the Cordillera Real.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Isla Taquile
Taquile is an island about 5.5 km long on Lake Titicaca, roughly 35 km from the port of Puno. It is inhabited by a Quechua community of about 2,000 people, who organize life and tourism collectively, with their own rules. There are no cars on the island, and stone paths connect the houses, the agricultural terraces of Inca origin, and the plazas.
Taquile is known for its textile art, recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Men knit the chullos, the wool hats, and women weave the bands and belts, the chumpis, with patterns that record the agricultural calendar and community life. Clothing indicates marital status: the red hat of married men, for example, is different from that of single men.
Visits usually climb from the port up to the main square at the top along a stone path with arches, and pass by the craft cooperative, where textiles are sold at prices set by the community. From the top of the island you can see the blue lake, the Capachica peninsula and, on clear days, the snow‑capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. Lunch, in community homes, is typically quinoa soup and lake trout.
The climb from the port to the square is long, with hundreds of steps at about 3,900 meters altitude: go slowly. Families also host visitors overnight in simple homes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
The day trip from Puno takes 8 to 10 hours, with 3 to 4 hours on the island.
Best time
From May to September, the dry season, when the lake is usually calmer and the sky clearer. In July, the feast of Santiago brings dances and music to the square. Leave Puno early.
How to get there
By boat from the port of Puno, in about 2 to 3 hours depending on the boat. One‑day agency tours usually stop at the Uros on the outbound trip.
Tip
Climb slowly and bring water: there are hundreds of steps at high altitude. Buy textiles at the cooperative in the square, where the proceeds go to the community.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isla Taquile
Why are Taquile textiles famous?
For their technique and designs, which record the community's calendar and life. Taquile's textile art was recognized by UNESCO in 2005.
Is the climb in Taquile difficult?
It's long, with hundreds of steps from the port up to the plaza, at about 3,900 meters. Go slowly and bring water.
Can you stay overnight in Taquile?
Yes. Community families host visitors in simple homes, providing meals. Book through an agency or with the island association.