An authentic way to approach an ancient and essential human activity such as fishing.
Go for a sail on Lake Titicaca with the fishermen of Santiago de Okola, sharing with them some unique moments and enjoying unforgettable views.
Santiago de Okola is a small rural community on the shores of Lake Titicaca with about ninety households belonging to the Aymara ethnic group. Santiago de Okola is not only known for its agricultural produce but also for being one of the most active fishing communities in this part of the lake. The villagers are real fishing experts and can easily be found on the shores of the lake repairing their nets or going out with their boats to fish.
Fishing has always been a mainstay of the economy of the highland region, allowing the local population to survive and thrive and the traditional fishing techniques, based on nets or hooks, have hardly changed through the centuries.
Lake Titicaca is populated by numerous species of fish. Local species include the karachi, of which there are several subspecies, the ispi, the mauri, the boga and the suche. Among the fish brought here from elsewhere are trouts and big-scale sand smelt, which have become the stars of the local cuisine.
Members of the Santiago de Okola village are ready to share a unique experience with you: contact us for more information and get ready to discover Lake Titicaca like a local.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing and fit for windy weather conditions, and to bring a bathing suit, comfortable shoes, a sleeping bag, a hat, sunglasses and a camera.
Where
Comunidad de Santiago de Okola, municipio de Puerto Carabuco, departamento de La Paz
Transportation
By public transport
From El Alto in the Interprovincial terminal with the company Sindicato Transporte Altiplano; the departure time available from 5:00 a.m.; the price of the ticket is Bs 15 per person one way.
By private transport
From La Paz by National Route 2 to Huarinas; from there on highway 16 to Santiago de Okola. Average duration of the trip: 2 or 3 hours.
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.