Let yourself be captivated by the Andean magic and mysticism of Amantaní, one of the largest islands in Lake Titicaca, where every corner is a source of energy and every moment a reason to celebrate and learn alongside its inhabitants.
General Information:
Altitude:
3,950 m (12,000 ft) above sea level
Climate:
Max. 20°C / Min. 5°C (41°F)
Recommended Length of Stay:
2 days / 1 night
What to Do:
- Interactive textile exhibition
- Participation in agricultural and livestock activities
- Hike to the Pachatata and Pachamama ceremonial centers
- Boat ride
- Traditional fishing
- Horseback riding
What services are available?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Tourist Information
Description
An almost circular island with an approximate diameter of 3.5 km, located in Lake Titicaca, 40 km east of Puno, opposite the Capachica Peninsula, at 3,817 meters above sea level. Its highest point is Cerro Llacastiti at 4,130 meters, followed by Cerro Coanos at 4,115 meters. It is divided into 10 communities: Pueblo, Santa Rosa, Lampayuni, Villa Orinojon, Sancayuni, Occosuyo, Colquecachi, Incatiana Alto, Sancayuni, and Ocopampa. Located in the Suni region, it has a cool temperate climate, with high temperatures from September to December, low temperatures from May to July, and rainfall from January to April.
A great variety of wild shrubs grow there, including muña, kantuta, sage, and tola. Aquatic species are also present. Suche, ispi, karachi, trout, silverside, birds; grebes, ducks, chocca, totorero, flamingos, sandpipers, amphibians such as toads, and microscopic species. Among its natural attractions are two viewpoints to appreciate Lake Titicaca in its entirety and some pre-Hispanic remains.
From the top of the ceremonial centers of Pachatata and Pachamama, one can appreciate the beautiful view of the lake and its splendor, and contemplate some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The island is reached via the docks of Cancollo in the Occosuyo region, Tocosi in the Sancayuni region, Capillano in the Central region, and Orcosuyo in the Incatiana region. In January, on the day of Saint Sebastian, people climb the Pachamama (Llaquistiti) and Pachatata (Coanos) hills to perform the "Pago a la Tierra" (Offering to Mother Earth).
June 29th is the feast day of Saint Peter the Fisherman. April 9th is the anniversary of Amantaní, celebrated with three days of light dances. Pentecost, the festival following Easter, sees children on Inkatiana beach collecting small, round, flat pebbles on Saturday. On Sunday, they take these pebbles home to exchange for potatoes and other goods. The pebbles are considered good luck and are kept with the seeds.
On June 24th, the feast of Saint John, sheep are branded to increase fertility. Starting August 1st, marking the beginning of the agricultural season, a group of musicians travels the island collecting seeds for three days. Afterward, food is prepared for everyone at the temple. Sacred sites from the pre-Incan Pukara, Lupaka, and Incan cultures are also present, such as... The Chatajon cemetery cave, a rock with flat surfaces and prominences called Inkatiana or the Inca's Seat, the Pachamama Ceremonial Center (Llacastiti Hill), and the Pacha Tata Ceremonial Center (Coanos Hill). Currently, the island is dedicated to community-based rural tourism, as most families have adapted their homes to receive tourists and share their experiences and customs with them.
