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Isla Taquile

Island in Peru

Photo: Brad340 at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Isla Taquile is an island in the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It is also called "island of the knitting men" because that's what men do - knit! This has a very long tradition and is deeply embedded in the culture: If a man wants to marry a woman, he first has to prove that he can work hard by knitting a hat out of which he can drink.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Boats from Isla Amantani stop for a few hours at the island. There are also direct boats from Puno, usually part of a tour that stops at the floating islands on the way, which arrives at 11:30 and departs by 14:00.

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Getting around

The only mode of transportation on the island is on foot via steep walkways.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Inca Manco Capac International Airport

Juliaca · International · JUL

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Read before you go to Isla Taquile

Articles and travel topics about Isla Taquile and Peru.

Nature & adventure

Peruvian national parks

Peru has some of the world's most spectacular national parks, protecting a range of different ecosystems including rain forests and cloud forests, remote beaches where sea turtles nest, dense jungles, and active…

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Food & drink

Peruvian cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied in the world.

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Itineraries

Inca Trail

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous 45 km (28 mi) trek in Peru. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

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Itineraries

Inca Highlands

The Inca Highlands, the center of Inca civilization in Peru, features numerous attractions, notably the world-famous Machu Picchu (the "Lost City of the Incas") and the Inca Trail which leads to it.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandThe island of Taquile is governed by a council of elders whose members are elected.

Get inBoats from Isla Amantani stop for a few hours at the island. There are also direct boats from Puno, usually part of a tour that stops at the floating islands on the way, which arrives at 11:30 and departs by 14:00.

Get aroundThe only mode of transportation on the island is on foot via steep walkways.

SeeFor a full exploration of the island you need to stay the night.) of the little town. It's the highest point and gives a nice overview over the town. There is also a temple still used to bring sacrifices to Pachamama.

DoThe local culture is very specific to the island and very fascinating. If you speak Spanish, have a local explain it to you. If you don't speak Spanish, hope for a good tour guide.

BuyLocals sell textiles and other souvenirs typical of this area at booths and in a big market hall at the main square. Bargaining is frowned upon.

EatOn the plaza there is a community restaurant and some families run ad-hoc restaurants in their backyard. Profit is used to help the community.

Drink

SleepAs of March 2025 there are some accommodations than can be booked online. The rest of this section is likely out of date.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Isla Taquile" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Taquile Island", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Brad340 at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

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