The sustainable tourism association of Santiago de Okola is one of the most successful experiments of its kind in the Lake Titicaca area.
Travellers staying with Asiturso contribute to the livelihood of the village and its traditional way of life.
Asiturso was created as a local association for the sustainable development of the area’s economic resources, through an agritourism project. Preserving the environment and local culture, while improving the economic well-being of the local inhabitants, are the key pillars of the association. A large number of the members of the association welcome visitors into their own homes, offering accommodation and providing meals. Travellers get to experience living with the local families and sharing in their daily lives.
The guest rooms all have basic features, with the typical beds of the region, although they differ in appearance: each family, in fact, has carefully decorated the rooms according to their own tastes and possibilities. The host families offer breakfast, lunch and dinner with local products typical of the highland region, such as lake fish, and share traditional dishes and customs such as the delicious Apthapi, the shared lunch of the Andean regions.
Living for a few days in close contact with the villagers of Santiago de Okola, immersed in the Aymara culture, sharing unique moments with the locals, is a life changing experience. Write to us for more information and to organise your stay with Asisturso.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing for the night and light for the day, a bathing suit, comfortable footprint shoes, a cap, a hat, sunglasses and to bring a camera.
Where
Santiago de Okola community, Puerto Carabuco municipality, La Paz department.
Transportation
By public transport
From El Alto at the Interprovincial Terminal with the Altiplano Transport Union company; 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. The duration of the trip is 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 with you 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.