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Birdwatching in Puno and Lake Titicaca
In the department of Puno, most of the bird
species that live in the Lake Titicaca National Reserve
can be spotted in any of the bodies of water (lakes, pools
or streams) that abound in the country's upper Andean reaches.
However, birdwatchers will find it hard to come across a finer
spot than this vast lake, which stretches across 8,380 square
km. The common Titicaca grebe, a species
which lives around the lake, is easily spotted along the shores.
An interesting archaeological site which is also a haven
for birdwatchers is that of the Sillustani
burial towers. This site, built on top of a hill that looks
out over Lake Umayo, gives visitors the chance
to glimpse most of the bird species that thrive on the highland
plain, as well as unique mammal species such as the wild
guinea pig (Cavia tschudii), a rodent that lives
amongst the boulders that litter archaeological sites in the
area.
Climate: Temperatures
range widely during the day and at night. The best time to
visit the area is from May to October, when days are sunny,
it seldom rains and daytime temperatures reach 25°C. Nights
meanwhile, are always cold (although almost never below freezing).
Access: There
are regular commercial flights to the city of Juliaca, an
hour by road from Puno. Dozens of boats run from the port
of Puno around the lake, touching at the various islands.
Sillustani is 20 km from Puno on the road to Juliaca.
Services: Infrastructure
(food and lodging) abounds around the lake.
Remember to read our "Recommendations"
for your trip to Peru, as well as other important issues in
our "Tips"
section.
If you need any details or want more information, please
use our "Contact
us" orange
form.
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