Travel Peru, Peru Blog

There is nowadays a new approach to discover or rediscover the Lake Titicaca. Travel peru, an approach by which your adrenalin, stamina and strength will combine with the striking beauty of the scenery and nature as well as with the lake´s inhabitants and their unique culture and traditions. It is time to explore the lake by kayaking.

Kayaking on Top of the World
As you head for the shore, you will notice the contrast between the white beach and the blue horizon across the lake with an astonishing backdrop of mountain range with clear sky and clouds. This is the realm of color at the Capachica Peninsula (more about Capachica on part II), where Llachon and Santa Maria are the starting points or “put-in” of all the excursions.

The experience begins from the moment you put the clothing on necessary to practice this sport: wet suit or drytop, wind-breaker or waterproof jacket, boots, gloves or mitts, and life jacket (PDF). In addition to that, a qualified instructor gives you a briefing on proper paddling techniques, and overall safety rules so you may be safe, confident, and proficient on the water.

If you are with a partner, you can choose a tandem or two-seat crossing kayak or pirogue. Otherwise, there are seayak or barracuda models which are suitable for just one person. Sit up inside the kayak, hold the double bladed paddle and attach the sprayskirt or spraydeck to the cockpit to keep water out, and bear in mind that kayak means “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat”.

The flora and fauna of the lake will captivate your senses as you get forward momentum by taking strokes on your right (starboard), and on your left (port), and pulling the paddle blade back alongside the boat. Water and wind may add a touch of adventure to your trip. As you sail up or down the shoreline in flatwater, it may turn out in moving water. Also, off-shore winds can create strong currents and high waves. Be prepared for a capsize or roll. If the boat is upside down, a support boat is always near to assist you so you can turn the boat over. Then you can keep paddling evenly, and steer the bow forward the limitless horizon.

The Human Touch
It doesn´t matter whether you are a beginner kayaker or a paddling enthusiast, you will always find the most suitable itinerary to navigate on the colorful waters of the lake.

The excursions from the Capachica Peninsula may last from a couple of hours to even four days, and they give you the chance to admire the shores of Lake Titicaca, the Apolobamba mountains range, the Bolivia´s snowcapped Cordillera Real, amazing islands such as Amantani, Taquile, Tikonata, and the Uros´floating islands, one of them called Titino, as well as the Ccotos Peninsula and the very Capachica Peninsula.

On one side, adventure, nature and scenery. On the other side, the interesting Lake Titicaca´s peoples and culture (more on Part III), which will make this journey an unforgettable experience.