Review: Titilaka Lodge (Lake Titicaca, Peru)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Last summer, I enjoyed a terrific holiday in Peru. You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: KLM (old) Business Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima
• Review: Central, world’s best restaurant 2023, Lima
• Review: Cirqa Hotel, Arequipa
• Review: Puqio Lodge, Colca Canyon
• Review: Titilaka Lodge, Lake Titicaca (today)
• Review: Titicaca Luxury Train, from Puno to Cusco
• Review: Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
• Review: Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley
• Review: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
• Review: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
• Review: Inca trail to Machu Picchu
• Review: Fausto Hotel, Lima
• Review: KLM (new) Business Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

Today:  Review of Titilaca Lodge (Lake Titicaca, Peru)

• Hotel website: Titilaca
• Location: Google maps

The mere mention of Lake Titicaca is enough to conjure up a dramatic, mysterious world. At an altitude of 3,812 meters (12,507ft) in the Andes, on the border between Peru and Bolivia, this cradle of Inca civilization is still home to one of the oldest communities in South America. Titilaka Lodge – Relais & Châteaux retreat – is tucked away in this unique landscape, totally off the beaten track on its own private peninsula, in a refurbished building. The rooms, each with a splendid lake view, are decorated in a contemporary style with touches of local heritage, in symbiosis with the luxuriant natural setting. Go beyond the magic of the lake and venture through ancient trails, acquaint yourself with traditional communities, and explore the Uros Floating Islands as part of the complimentary excursions.

Titilaca Lodge features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Peru.

Have you ever stayed at Titilaka? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Titilaka Lodge is the only luxury hotel on Lake Titicaca, the famous freshwater lake located on the border between Peru and Bolivia in the southern Andes. Located at 3,812 m or 12,506 ft above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the second largest lake in South America. Man-made islands and ancient ruins are just the beginning of Titicaca’s mystique, and the region’s deep, rich collection of cultures has turned it into one of Peru’s most exciting destinations. Taking a boat ride on this incredible body of water offers splendid views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real rising over the deep blue waters. The islands on the lake, as well as being very beautiful, provide a wonderful insight into the traditional life of the inhabitants, with many of these living in a similar fashion to their ancestors hundreds of years ago.

• Titilaka is located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca, totally off the beaten track on a tranquil private peninsula shared only with the local Aymara community. Just outside the village of the same name, about a one hour drive from Puno (the lake’s largest city), Titilaka Lodge is surrounded on three sides by the pristine lake, offering fabulous panoramic views. The lodge faces the Taquile and Amantani islands to the north; the Bolivian Cordillera Real to the east, and Lake Titicaca stretching from east to west. At the northern tip of the peninsula lies the dock, departure point for local and excursion boats. The southern part of the peninsula, just a short stroll from the lodge, features a lovely sandy beach; although the waters of the lake are too cold for a swim, the lodge has a small activity center here, offering non-motorized water sports (e.g. kayak, paddle boarding, etc …).

• Surrounded by stunning scenery and pristine geography, Titilaka Lodge is housed in a 3-story building. While simple and rather unremarkable on the outside, the lodge features light-filled, sophisticated and contemporary interiors. The hotel’s elegant decor playfully mixes local decorative design touches with a modern, urban architecture, and bursts with beautiful bespoke art works, high-end Peruvian textiles and recycled furniture. The open-plan ground floor features a reception area, several lounge areas, a small boutique and – the hotel’s piece de resistance – a magnificent dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge and dining areas give way to expansive outdoor terraces, equipped with shaded cabanas, lounge chairs and a Jacuzzi.

• Titilaka Lodge offers 18 lake-view rooms, each with outstanding views of Lake Titicaca and contemporary furnishings complemented by local textiles and fresh flowers. Distributed over three levels and connected by central hallways, each room is fully equipped with pima cotton linens, extra pillows, heated floors, stocked mini-bar, i-pod dock, blackout curtains, organic bathroom amenities, coffee table, desk and ample closet space. The open plan bathrooms feature stand-alone bathtubs, walk-in showers and organic bathroom amenities. There are four room categories to choose from: the Explorer and Dawn Rooms all face the sunrise and come with uninterrupted lake views while the Dush Rooms have a view of the sunset and the countryside; the most expensive room type (Corner Room) boasts a view of both the sunrise and the sunset.

• All food and drinks are included in the rate when staying at Titilaka Lodge. And although all-inclusive is often associated with a mediocre food concept, that’s not the case at Titilaka, which serves some of the best food in the whole region. Combining seasonal produce and honouring local heritage, the superb cuisine features traditional Andean Ingredients with a delicate twist showcasing the authentic essence of the lake. The menus – which change daily on a rotating basis – draw heavily on local cuisine and specialties like lake trout (there’s a trout farm only a five minute walk away) but also feature international options like salads, which are a bit of a rarity in the Andes. Although most guest will enjoy their meals in the lodge’s stunning main dining room, guests can also have their meals on one of the terraces, in their room (there’s no surcharge for room service) or during full-day outings with posh picnics.

• CALTUR is the Peruvian government certification for tourism quality, which incorporates both environmental and social standards; Titilaka has qualified every year. The lodge keeps a low carbon footprint by using hydroelectric power and natural gas. The lodge also has a social commitment, which is focussed on supporting the sustainable economic development of the villages on Lake Titicaca. Three-quarters of our staff come from local communities and they source ingredients locally as much as possible, providing the families with an important market for their products, from food crops to Andean textiles. Titilaka also works hand in hand with a non-profit organisation that supports the communities around the lake, making a donation on behalf of every guest. Guests will also have a chance to give back personally by making their own donation or visiting a local village.

• Titilaka Lodge bills itself as an ‘experience lodge’, offering a wide range of adventurous excursions led by bilingual expert guides. Guests can choose between 14 excursions in Peru and 2 into Bolivia (the latter come at an additional cost) to explore the region’s distinctive gastronomy, nature, history and culture. The not-to-be-missed boat excursion (the only speed boat activity offered) is to visit the floating reed islands of Uros and additional island Taquile, with a gourmet picnic lunch. Other excursions include a visit to traditional weaving artists, a kayak tour at sunrise, or spotting Aymara constellations after sunset. As a part of the lodge’s sustainability pledge, many excursions were set up in collaboration with the local communities, creating an authentic experience for our guests while providing the communities with a stable income. Excursions are arranged on a shared-basis, with the option to upgrade and privatize transfers and guiding

• Just like its sister lodge Cirqa in Arequipa, Titilaka Lodge is a members of Relais & Châteaux. Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is the premier designation for independent luxury restaurants and properties around the world. Today, the collection has grown to more than 580 landmark hotels and restaurants operated by independent owners around the globe who share a passion for providing guests the most unique and memorable experiences possible. In order to meet the exacting standards of Relais & Châteaux, each property or restaurant must pass a rigorous inspection process while at the same time express unique traits that value the ethos of the organization.

• Titilaka is managed by Andean, the Peruvian luxury travel company who which largely sets the standard for high-end boutique stays throughout the country. As an industry pioneer in the design and development of owner-managed hotels and carefree travel, Andean takes guests on journeys from the historic vibrancy of the city to the timeless serenity of Peru’s unspoiled side. Each experience is complemented by seamless serendipity, remarkable local cuisine, nourishment for the soul, and an understated elegance that is uniquely Peruvian. Andean offers a neat circuit known as the Southern Peru Travesia: Arequipa, the Colca Canyona and Lake Titicaca. The company also has two hotels in Lima for a city stay before and after your international flights.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

• Titilaka Lodge’s 18 rooms are spread over three floors, which are connected by stairs (there’s no elevator). In case you have difficulties walking or are worried about climbing stairs, it’s advised to request a room on the ground floor.

• The complimentary excursions are all shared with other guests unless you pick a private program, which comes at an extra charge. Also, the lodge offers the option of a day excursion in the nearby country of Bolovia, but this excursions comes at an extra charge since it involves a third-party tour operator and crossing the border.

• Guests should be aware of altitude sickness when visiting Lake Titicaca. As the area is located at an altitude of 3,812 m or 12,506 ft above sea level, some travelers might encounter symptoms like headache, nausea, tiredness, and shortness of breath. However, Titilaka’s team is always able to assist and make you comfortable in case you would suffer from altitude sickness (oxygen can be provided when necessary).

• Wellness & health facilities at Titilaka are limited, since there is no pool and no gym on site. However, the boutique property does offer a hot tub – located on a terrace just below the lobby – which is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Also, there one spa room with two massage tables, and a few standard treatment offerings. Just note that the spa therapists come in from the city of Puno, so you’ll need to give at least a three hours’ notice when booking a treatment.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 10/10
• Design: 8/10
• Pool: n/a
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: n/a
• Service: 9/10
• Wow factor: 8/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good 8,2/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Titilaka via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people, per room, once per stay).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Titilaka (and/or receive many free perks).

• Itinerary tip: Titilaca is an extension to Puqio by Andean (Colca Canyon) and Cirqa by Andean (Arequipa) along the southern Peru route, the first offering of its kind in the region. You can contact Andean to create a customized trip for you in this awesome region of Peru.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Although it is possible to visit Lake Titicaca any time of year, it’s advisable to travel between April and November, when most days offer clear and sunny weather, resulting in spectacular views.

HOW TO GET THERE

Titilaka provides shared transfers to and from the lodge. You can either fly into Juliaca Airport (approximately two hours from the lodge), you can arrive by train at Puno (one hour from the lodge), or arrive by private transfer (for example from Cuzco, Arequipa or the Colca Canyon).

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos of Titilaka. To view more photos (including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a boat excursion on Lake Titicaca), click here.

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