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 Anapia is one of 5 islands situated southeast of Puno in the small section of Lake Titicaca, in the section called "Winaymarka". It is situated in Peruvian territory, just at the border with Bolivia. The native population of Anapia, aware of the importance of its culture and traditions and the beauty and uniqueness of its environment, have developed a programme of community based tourism, which has only been running for a couple of years but so far has been quite successful. It has so far provided substantial income redistribution among community members with improvements in education, environmental awareness and strengthening of local culture.
 The 280 native families that inhabit Anapia are ethnic Aymaras, descendants of the traditional inhabitants of the Altiplano or highland plateau that stretches between Peru and Bolivia around Lake Titicaca at an average altitude of 3800m. This area is barren except in and around the Mythical Lake, which brings life at an altitude where otherwise there would be none.
For the traveller, visiting Anapia is a unique way to come in contact with a traditional lifestyle that is long lost in most parts of the world. The local people here still speak Aymara and stick to their life long traditions, in music and dance, weaving and agriculture. They efficiently run tourism providing simple but clean accommodation, and delicious meals --including the traditional "Huatia". Activities include as sailing around the island, visiting the neighbouring island of Yupisque inhabited by wild Vicuna; as well as sharing in the daily activities of the community such as fishing, agriculture and looking after livestock.
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Access: from Puno to Yunguyo (frontier with Bolivia) 2 hours/136 km on a good paved road. From Yunguyo take a detour on an unpaved road to Punta Hermosa for 20 km/30 mins. Once on the shore you will board a local boat (55cc) that will take you to Anapia in 1 ½ hours. On arrival visitors are welcome by the local hosts and led to their homestays. Homes have electricity , beds with clean sheets, jars with water for personal hygiene in rooms and toilets. However, no hot water or showers are available.
The visit inlcudes sailing to the island of Yupisque to see the 100 vicunas living there, lunch in a beautiful lake beach where Anapia women will prepare the Huatia. (potatoes cooked in a natural oven made of clay and buried in hot soil. The potatoes will be served with fresh Lake fish. Food in Anapia is seasoned with herbs and accompanied with herbal tea made of muna, sage, coca, or cedron.
April 2004
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| We suggest you allocate 3 to 5 days for a visit of this area.
We can design tailor made itineraries to this and other destinations in Peru.
The following set itineraries cover Lake Titicaca:
Itinerary 2: (9 days) Cuzco, Machu Picchu by Luxury Train, Lake Titicaca, Lima Visit
Itinerary 3: (11 days) Rainforest, Cuzco & Machu Picchu by Luxury Train, Lake Titicaca and Lima Visit
Itinerary 4: (13 days) Arequipa & Colca, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco & Machu Picchu with overnight, Lima visit
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