The mazes of totorales reeds near Pariti Island provide travellers with one of the most striking views of Lake Titicaca.
An unforgettable perspective on the most famous lake in Bolivia, in the midst of the pristine nature of the reed banks and the colourful sails of the small boats.
The totora is an aquatic plant, a subspecies of bulrush, that grows commonly in the waters of Lake Titicaca, reaching up to four meters tall. The spongy consistency of the stem gives it an excellent buoyancy: in ancient times the reeds were used by the local people to manufacture their famous cane rafts. A versatile plant, today the totora is used as domestic fuel and to make handicrafts sold by the local community.
Only small boats can make their way through the thick forest-like maze of the totorales reed banks. The colourful sails of the boats that ply the waters of the lake are themselves an attraction in this picturesque landscape.
The many species of birds that populate the lake help make this a very special landscape: taking photographs that reflect the magic and complexity of this ecosystem is a favorite activity for visitors.
Enjoy the wonderful landscape around Pariti island. Contact us for a boat trip through the mazes of totorales reeds, like as travellers of past times, to experience a unique connection with nature and its immensity.
Services
- Local guides available in Spanish
- Lake transport
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, fit for windy weather conditions, comfortable footprint shoes, cap, hat, sunglasses and to bring a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Lake Titicaca between the islands Pariti and Quehuaya, 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, average trip time: 4 hours. The departure time of the minibuses is at 10:00 a.m., booth 17.
The ticket price is Bs 10 per person. Check 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 about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
From Quehuaya the maze of reeds is accessed through the wooden boats of the community members.
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.
