The only privately held island in vast Lake Titicaca, tiny Isla Suasi – just 43 hectares – is a singularly beautiful, serene place. While it’s a perfect place to kick back with a book and just relax and enjoy the remoteness and splendid vistas of the pristine blue expanse of Titicaca, it’s also a place to explore, from its way of life – Andean beliefs, customs and cultural traditions – to its natural habitat and indigenous altiplano flora and fauna, part of the National Reserve of Titicaca. Casa Andina offers a multitude of activities on the island – most of which are included in the cost of a stay, though a few have nominal additional fees.
Free of Charge Explorations (included with Stay)
Nature walks
Follow a series of gentle island trails to observe native plants & animals with a specialized guide. Spot native bird species, including black cormorants and cinnamon teals; camelids, including rare wild vicuñas; and vizcachas, small, rabbit-like creatures.
Canoeing Lake Titicaca
Take advantage of the lodge’s fleet of light Canadian fiberglass canoes to paddle the placid lake waters and the 6-km (3.5-mi) circumference of the island (90 minutes), spotting birds and wildlife in caves, inlets and crevices.
Boating on Titicaca
Hop aboard a motorized Zodiac dinghy (capacity: 16) and circle the island, spotting birds and other wildlife, or embark on a wooden boat to the community of Cambría (50% of fees go toward community projects).
Sunset on Cerro Itapilluni
In late-afternoon, trek up to Suasi’s high point, Itapilluni Hill, for sunset, when surreal colors streak the high-altitude sky. For some visitors, it’s a near-mystical experience.
Cultural Hut
Take a guided visit to a small museum & library — housed in the original eco-refuge established by the former owner of the Island — and learn about the topography of Lake Titicaca, its languages and culture, textiles, history and religion.
Stargazing & Nightly Bonfires
The expansive sky over Titicaca, with so little artificial light in any direction, is superb to observe Southern Hemisphere constellations. An astronomy-trained guide leads guests in viewing stars and planets with a Bushnell telescope and explains Inca cosmology. Then relax with a nightcap at a blazing bonfire in the fire pit near the lodge.
Explorations with an additional cost
| Andean spirituality |
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| for the curious & faithful |
| Andean spirituality |
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| for the curious & faithful |
Explore on Isla Suasi the ancient belief systems of the Andean people with an Aymara shaman from the community of Cambría. You’ll be part of the tradition of making offerings to Pacha Mama, or Mother Earth; chew coca leaves like locals; and observe “Yaitiri” spiritual offerings, a ritual with ancient roots that in colonial times became fused with Christianity. Half the cost of the activity goes directly to the local Cambría community. |
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| Bird watching |
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| for the naturalist |
| Bird watching |
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| for the naturalist |
Lake Titicaca’s National Reserve is recognized internationally by conservationist organizations and naturalists for its important aquatic bird populations, many of them unique in the world. In and around Isla Suasi you can observe many of these 60-plus species, including black cormorants, cinnamon and speckled teals, Andean flickers, eagles, hummingbirds, and several additional species of ducks and water fowl. Resident guides, who provide binoculars and guide books, lead you on nature walks and boating expeditions to spot and identify the fascinating creatures they have spent years cataloguing. |
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Duration: all the stay
Ideal season: October to May |
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| Trek to Mulluni Hill |
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| for the adventurer |
| Trek to Mulluni Hill |
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| for the adventurer |
For active guests in excellent physical condition this taxing 5-hour trek on the mainland climbs to the peak of Mount Mulluni (4,300 m./14,100 ft) and affords spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, including its islands and even Bolivia’s distant Cordillera Real mountain range. En route, visit the local Aymara communities of Cambria and trek along ancient pathways used for centuries by the Aymara people to travel among villages. |
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Duration: 5 hours, very early in the morning
Difficulty: high |
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| Sauna & Massage Spa |
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| for sore muscles & relaxation |
| Sauna & Massage Spa |
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| for sore muscles & relaxation |
The inviting Suasi spa – which offers stunning views of Lake Titicaca – is very much in keeping with the rusticity of the island. Massages by a professional masseuse make use of creams, oils and aromatherapy based on regional Andean plants, while a laid-back steam sauna uses eucalyptus leaves. The sauna is offered free of charge to guests, while massages are available for durations of 30 or 60 minutes. |
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| Duration: 30 min or 60 min, at any time during the day |
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For more information about our complete set of activities in Isla Suasi and its surroundings you can write us to
travel@casa-andina.com
