Hotels in the Andean Highlands
by Marina Garcia Burgos y Maria Soledad Ramirez
Revista IN, July 2009

TITILAKA

Traveling to Lake Titicaca is like seeing heaven with your own eyes. At over twelve hundred feet above sea level, the blue waters of the lake are of almost otherworldly purity, fusing along the horizon with pristine Andean Sky. We arrive at the city of Juliaca, where a comfortable 4x4 truck waits to take us to the hotel Titilaka . During the nearly two hour ride, we relax in our seats and enjoy the scenery. The altitude is not something to be taken lightly; soroche (altitude sickness) can bother visitors. The most efficient remedy is coca leaf tea, a concoction that is waiting for us in the truck. Arriving at the hotel is an unforgettable experience. Designed by celebrated Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the building’s simple lines harmoniously combine native elements and state-of-the-art technology (the hotel uses radiant floor heating). The décor also bears the stamp of the local Aymara peoples. The skills of these age-old experts in the craft of weaving can be seen in the hand-woven rugs and hand embroidered cushions that lend the suites and lounges a truly original beauty. The food is yet another pleasure here. The menu is written daily on one of the dining room's beautiful Venetian mirrors. Using trout, alpaca, quinoa, totora, olluco and elderberry, among other ingredients from the region, the chef creates a magnificent New Andean cuisine. But the experience at Titilaka goes beyond the hotel and its breathtaking view. Guests can also participate in a range o f excursions and experiences, like taking a yacht to see the islands that dot the lake or having a picnic in a stone forest and visiting the unusual city of Lampa (where we found a replica of Michelangelo's Pietá, made from a mold taken from the original), all more than enough reason to include the hotel as an essential stop on your travel agenda.

Napa Valley
Jan 6, 2009
We were at the Titilaka Hotel on December 29 for two nights. This hotel spoiled me with the best hotel service I have ever experienced. Titilaka Hotel will be for me the standard measure for any other hotel in the future. We arrived at the Julica airport where our guide Marlene and her driver were waiting for us. She indicated that she was taking us to a specific location to board the hotel’s private boat. She would take us from there to the Uros Islands for a brief visit before taking us to our hotel. From that moment to the very end of our stay at five in the morning on the 31st of December, Marlene became devoted to our well being. Everything about the hotel is impressive, the location, the décor, the food, the staff. But it was our guide Marlene’s knowledge of the culture and traditions of the area that made a deep and special connection in or souls.

jgm13 3 contributions
Arlington VA
Jun 15, 2009
As we were driven in the dark from Juliaca airport through Puno to Hotel Titilaka I wondered where we were going. In the morning I understood. Right on Lake Titicaca. The hotel is all glass, floral arrangements, candles, unusual art, and comfortable furnishings and the best service anywhere. The waiters and staff are friendly and efficient. For one night we were the only guests in the 19 room hotel. Our dinner table was set with candlelabras and their many pillar candles were lighted just for the two of us.

Now to Armando, our tour guide. He is the brother of Julio mentioned in an earlier review. Meeting his family living on the floating island was a treat. Although language was a barrier with them, we knew they were smart, a proud family and happy. Fun to witness their traditions. And this was the real deal. Armando's father had captained the small power boat that took us to the islands. He returned us to Puno , then rowed himself back to his floating island home in the dark!

Peru was amazing and Hotel Titilaka was a perfect ending to a great trip.