The use of a local aromatic herb makes wallaqi one of the most characteristic flavours of Lake Titicaca cuisine.
The unmistakable aroma and healing properties testified by the locals make this tasty dish very special.
Wallaqi is a typical dish of the villages around Lake Titicaca, especially in the area of Puerto Perez. It’s a fish soup prepared with karachi or qarachi, a local fish 10-15 cm long, covered with thin scales in the head area, and with a sweet and incomparable taste.
According to the local people, this small fish has healing properties, with the power to cure headaches. Nowadays, wallaqi is prepared not only with karachi, but also with other fish, such as trout or mauri.
The wallaqi’s characteristic flavour is given by the use of a locally sourced herb, known as muña or koa, which grows on the high hills surrounding the lake.
Only the locals can help you discover the authentic cuisine and typical dishes of Puerto Perez, like wallaqi: write to us to organise your next experience on the shores of Titicaca.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, fit for windy weather conditions, comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and to bring binoculars and a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Municipality of Puerto Pérez, department of La Paz.
Transportation
By public transport
With minibuses from the interprovincial terminal of the city of El Alto to Quehuaya, travel time approximately 4 hours. The departure time of the minibuses is at 10:00 a.m., booth 17.
The ticket price is Bs 10 per person. Consult about changes in schedules or prices in the terminal.
Community transportation
From the city of El Alto in the Rio Seco area, in front of the interprovincial terminal, local transport departs to Quehuaya. The departure time 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The ticket price is Bs 15 per person.
By private transport
From the city of La Paz take National Route 2 towards Batallas; take the deviation towards Pucara towards Lake Titicaca until the Community of Quehuaya. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.