Titilaka - Relais & Châteaux

We stayed at Titilaka for three nights in September. We booked the sunrise room (room 308), and highly recommend. One of our favourite things to do every morning was order a cappuccino to be brought up to the room, and watch the sun rise before breakfast. There was one night were there was a thunderstorm in Puno, and watching the light show from the comfort of our room was breathtaking. We cannot say enough about our guide Abel. He sat down with us when we arrived at the hotel, and we organized our excursions with him. Our first full day, we went to the floating islands and we quite enjoyed seeing how they live on islands. We then went to Taquile for lunch, and the hike to and from the lunch area was very nice. It was a cloudy night, but we were also able to see the milky way. The next day, Abel took us on a hike, and we had a lot of fun, pushing our limits and reaching 4000 m. We were able to see various birds, and chinchillas. Our afternoon excursion was the bike ride, where we were able cycle through town, and see some cool bird life. Watching the sun set at the sundowner, with a drink and around other guests was a nice way to end our day. At the time of booking, we booked through Andean, which owns Titilaka, and two other properties we visited (Cirqa and Puqio). The process was very easy via Whatsapp, and we were able to check in at our first hotel and check out at Titilaka. Our dietary restrictions were communicated to all of the hotels (we are vegetarians), and we were provided a car that took us to each property, which stops to see guanacos, llamas and alpacas along the way. We very much enjoyed the drives – we had multiple bathroom breaks (the rides were 3 hours and six hours respectively), we were packed a picnic lunch and it really didn’t feel like we travelled for that long. The restaurant staff were very kind and attentive. On our last day, we asked to eat breakfast outside, and it was very nice to eat hearing the waves crashing around us. I also celebrated my birthday at Titilaka, and was surprised with a chocolate cake, which was very nice and moist. We would definitely recommend Titilaka to anyone who would like to visit the lake and thank Abel and the restaurant staff for everything!

One of the best hotels we have stayed at. Sitting on the lakeside it is a modern and well laid out hotel with panoramic views of the lake. The staff are friendly and very helpful, and the excursions (which were included in our stay) fantastic. The restaurant was also very good, as was the bar. There is no lift, and at this altitude we were breathless once we got up there. If you are in any way unfit, ask for a room on the lower floor. We had a beautiful view from our window over lake Titicaca

This is a superb, small hotel in a great location. The setting is perfect, right on the lake. The design is delightful - spacious, interesting, and comfortable. The staff are first class - attentive, very capable and friendly. Food is excellent. All the rooms are great - see my comments in tips. And our guide was great too - important since you’re coming here for the activities. We had Wily, who was very knowledgeable and shared info on many topics (local customs, history, astronomy) in a great way. We did the floating islands tour - must do if you have only one day. Plus the evening talk on the interaction of Incas and astronomy - fascinating. If you’re a keen cyclist, the mountain bikes are ok and you can discuss the route with the guide using the big map in reception. I went up the big peninsula but was happy with only 25k because of the altitude. Morning activity. Also did a v good walk at Isla Taquile - with a drive close to the top of the hill and then a 2.5 mile hike with great views through v interesting landscape before being collected by the minibus. Afternoon activity. All in all, two super days!

An absolute must if you plan to visit Puno. It is not cheap but when you consider that the rate includes 3 meals a day and local guided tours and a magical setting it is well worth the 2 hour trip (transportation included) from the airport and the price. Highly recommend that you stay at least 3 nights to really relax and take advantage of all the experiences (astronomy lesson with stargazing, Uros island boat tour, bike tour, birdwatching, etc). Our guide Elmer was outstanding. Super fun, friendly and knowledgeable with excellent English language skill. We were lucky to have him all 3 days. Food is outstanding. Lots of local organic options including gluten free. Some menu items change each day and lots of cocktail options. The service is friendly and unpretentious. Rooms have staggeringly beautiful views and very comfortable. If you have time, don’t miss this place. We had a driver take us from Cusco to Puno with a stop at Rainbow mountain on the way (less busy side with ATV or motorbikes to take us to the top to avoid the grueling hike at super high altitude). Stayed 1 night in cheap hotel in central Puno town because we arrived too late to justify the additional night cost and wanted to see the town. The Titilaka hotel guide came to get us the next day.

The service in this hotel is not up to the standard of a fine five star hotel and the prices they charge. Little details and attitudes made our stay unpleasant. Is the staff well paid? Doest seem so Also, the location is nice but we have been to much more beautiful places that were not so cold.