Lake Titicaca - Peru - page 394

South-Shore Towns
The road to Bolivia via Lake Titicaca's southern shore passes through bucolic villages
noted for their colonial churches and beautiful views. Traveling this route is an easy way
to get a relatively untouristed peek at the region's traditional culture. If you can coordinate
the transportation connections, you can visit a few of the following towns in a daytrip
from Puno or continue on to Bolivia.
For public transport to any south-shore town, go to Puno's terminal zonál . Combis
leave when full. The route includes Ichu (S1, 15 minutes), Chucuito (S1.50, 30 minutes),
Juli (S4, one hour), Pomata (S6, 1½ hours) and the Bolivian border at Yunguyo (S6.50,
2¼ hours) or Desaguadero (S7.50, 2½ hours). Direct transport to the towns closer to Puno
are more frequent, but combis to most towns leave at least hourly - more often for closer
destinations.
TITILAKA
Secluded on the rugged shoreline of Lake Titicaca, luxury hotel Titilaka (in Lima 1-700-5105 ;
www.titilaka.com ; Lake Titicaca; s/d with full board from US$301/530; ) is a destination in itself. The
look is whimsical Euro-Andino, with a palette that ranges from neutral to flirty (think blushing rose and purples).
Touches of exquisite folk art combine with the sculptures and black and white photography of well-known Peruvi-
an artists. Huge picture windows drink in the serene landscapes in every direction. Rooms sport king-sized beds
warmed by hot water bottles, deep tubs, iPod docks and window ledge seating. There are games for kids, a spa
and gourmet restaurant. The staff is groomed to please. Private guided tours give guests an intimate view of the is-
lands. While most guests go for the three-day packages, the nightly rate includes full board and local excursions
like walks and kayaking. It's one hour south of Puno.
ICHU
Ten kilometers out of Puno, this rural community spread across a gorgeous green valley is
home to a little-known ruin with superb views. It's a great place for a hike.
Leave the Panamericana at Ichu's second exit (after the service station) and head inland
past the house marked 'Villa Lago 1960.' Walk 2km, bearing left at the junction, aiming
for the two small, terraced hills you can see in the left of the valley. After bearing left at a
second junction (you'll pass the school if you miss it), the road takes you between the two
hills. Turn left again and head straight up the first one. Fifteen minutes of stiff climbing