Experiential Tourism in Titicaca

On the banks of the great Lake Titicaca several successful enterprises of community rural tourism have been developed. A new way of travelling which is becoming more popular every time, in which local traditions are wisely combined with a deep knowledge of culture and landscape.

One day, over a decade ago, Valentín Quispe – a young community member of the Capachica peninsula – got tired of seeing how the tourist buses went straight for their payment without leaving any significant benefit for the local community. So he decided to join efforts, and together with other local families in the area, he established the Llachón Tourism Promotion Association in order to provide accommodation and offer tours to travelers who visited that privileged area of the high plateau. The challenge was big – to move from an economy of subsistence to one of managerial character – but thanks to the characteristic tenacity of the Andean man, they succeeded in settling the project which today is one of the most successful ones in the Puno region.

Thanks to Valentin’s leadership, several support organizations provide advice to the Llachón community members, and strengthen the capacities of the project through learning and training in hotel administration and tourist guiding.

In addition to the imposing landscape of the lake, the visitor will find in Llachón an invaluable opportunity to share with community members their practices of subsistence, such as fishing and cultivation of tubers. For that, it is necessary to wake up before dawn, to accompany Valentin’s friends in their farm works and to work side by side with them. The reward comes at noon with a delicious lunch served over colorful woolen tablecloths, consisting of native potatoes just harvested, broad beans, cheese and roast beef. We assure you, you will not have such an excellent meal even at the top of the Eiffel tower.

Taquileño by profession
A person generally defines his or her profession as the work he or she does for a living. One might be a carpenter, a farmer, or a business person. The profession of the Taquile people (Taquileños) is just to be themselves.



The Taquileños – Quechua people surrounded by Aymaras - are owners of an enterprise of experiential tourism which is over twenty years old and which has served as an example for other communities, like Anapia and Llachón. Their rigid community organization has allowed the Taquileños to maintain their customs and habits and to defend themselves from the great impact represented by the tourism invasion. ....(*)

(*) the complete article could be found in Orgullo del Perú Magazine issue Nº 30.