Isla Taquile (Taquile Island, Intika)

Isla Taquile, or Taquile Island, is a wonderful island in Lake Titicaca. The island's 2,200 inhabitants speak Quechua and dress in colorful traditional clothes. They refer to the island as Intika. There are numerous Pre-Inca ruins and terracing features all over the island, as well as many walking trails. The island is some 45 km (30 miles) offshore from Puno, the major port on Lake Titicaca.

There are no hotels on Isla Taquile, but locals will provide accommodation. The island is also bereft of electricity, roads and vehicles. There are several restaurants, but the menu depends on what is available at the moment.

Isla Taquile has daily boat connections with Puno and the journey takes about 4 hours. The island measures 5.5 by 1.6 km (3.4 by 1 mi) and its highest peak is 4,050 m (13,287 ft) above sea level. It is 880 km southeast of Lima.