Isla Suasi

Picture this: you’re standing on the only private island in Lake Titicaca, watching rare vicuñas graze peacefully while the sun sets behind the Bolivian mountains. No crowds, no noise – just you and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This is Isla Suasi, and after 20 years of organizing tours across Peru, I can tell you with complete certainty that this hidden gem offers something truly special. Isla Suasi is Peru’s best-kept secret for travelers seeking authentic connection with nature and complete disconnection from the modern world. While most tourists crowd onto the floating Uros Islands or rush through Taquile on day trips, smart travelers discover this 43-hectare paradise in the northeastern corner of Lake Titicaca. Let me share everything you need to know about planning your trip to this magical island – from a travel professional who has sent hundreds of clients there. What Is Isla Suasi? 🏝️ Isla Suasi is the only privately owned island on Lake Titicaca, covering approximately 106 acres (43 hectares) in the northeastern section of the world’s highest navigable lake. Unlike the touristy floating islands, this is a real, solid island with natural terrain, gardens, and wildlife. Quick Facts About Isla Suasi Feature Details Location Northeastern Lake Titicaca, Peru Size 43 hectares (106 acres) Altitude 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level Distance from Puno Approximately 70 kilometers by boat Ownership Private island with single eco-lodge Power Source 100% solar-powered Accommodation 24 rooms + 1 Andean Cottage Wildlife Vicuñas, alpacas, hummingbirds, Andean gulls Best Feature Complete privacy and tranquility The island was developed over 20 years ago by Marta Giraldo, who started with just one room and has grown it into a beloved eco-retreat. From my experience managing tours to Lake Titicaca, I always tell clients that Isla Suasi represents what travel should be – meaningful, peaceful, and genuinely transformative. Where Is Isla Suasi Located? 📍 Isla Suasi sits in the northeastern part of Lake Titicaca, near the Capachica Peninsula. To give you geographic context, the island is approximately 70 kilometers from Puno by boat and roughly 1 kilometer from the mainland shore. Here’s what makes the location special: you’re essentially in the heart of Lake Titicaca but away from the heavily trafficked tourist routes. While Uros and Taquile islands are on the well-worn path from Puno, Isla Suasi requires a 3-4 hour boat journey – which actually works in your favor. This distance keeps crowds away and preserves the island’s peaceful atmosphere. The island offers stunning views across the 3,200 square miles of Lake Titicaca, with the snow-capped Bolivian mountains visible on clear days. From my years of sending clients here, I’ve learned that this remote location is precisely what makes Isla Suasi worth the journey. Why Visit Isla Suasi? (Key Attractions) ✨ After organizing countless Lake Titicaca tours, I can honestly say Isla Suasi offers something no other destination in the region can match: genuine serenity without compromise on comfort or experience. The “Disconnect to Reconnect” Experience Isla Suasi operates on a philosophy I deeply respect – helping travelers disconnect from modern distractions to reconnect with nature and themselves. There’s no TV in rooms (intentional), limited WiFi (lobby only), and no electrical outlets in guest rooms. Before you panic, let me explain why this is brilliant: rooms have charging stations in common areas, staff light wood-burning stoves each evening, and they place hot water bottles in your bed before you return from dinner. From my experience in travel planning, I always recommend to my clients: embrace this. You’re here to experience Lake Titicaca, not your phone screen. Comparing Isla Suasi to Other Lake Titicaca Islands Let me be honest with you, as someone who books these tours regularly: Uros Floating Islands are fascinating for their construction – 42+ reed islands created by the Uros people. However, they’re crowded, commercialized, and frankly, many islands exist purely for tourism. You’ll get the standard presentation, quick tour, heavy sales pitch for handicrafts, and be back on the boat within 45 minutes. Taquile Island offers authentic culture with its UNESCO-recognized textile traditions. The Quechua-speaking community of 2,200 people maintains genuine customs. But it’s still a day-trip destination. You’ll climb steep stairs (4,050 meters elevation), eat lunch at an assigned restaurant, buy textiles, and leave. Beautiful? Absolutely. Peaceful? Not exactly. Isla Suasi, on the other hand, gives you time. You stay overnight (or multiple nights), explore at your own pace, and actually relax. There are only 24 rooms total, meaning you might share the island with just 10-20 other guests – or during low season, you could have the place nearly to yourself. Feature Uros Islands Taquile Island Isla Suasi Visit Type 30-minute stop 3-4 hour day trip Overnight stay Crowd Level Very high Moderate-High Very low Authenticity Staged for tourists Authentic culture Natural experience Activities Reed boat rides Textile shopping, hiking Kayaking, wildlife, hiking, relaxation Accommodation Day trip only Homestays available Luxury eco-lodge Privacy None Limited Complete How to Reach Isla Suasi from Puno or Juliaca 🚤 Alright, let’s talk logistics – this is where my operations background comes in handy. Getting to Isla Suasi requires planning, but it’s straightforward if you know what to expect. The Standard Boat Route (Most Common) Departure: Early morning from Puno main pier (typically 6:30-7:00 AM)Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours by speedboat (including stops)Route: Puno → Uros Islands → Taquile Island → Isla Suasi Yes, you’ll stop at Uros (15-30 minutes) and Taquile (1-2 hours) along the way. Most operators include these stops because it maximizes your experience. You’ll arrive at Isla Suasi around 12:00-1:00 PM, just in time for their welcome BBQ lunch. The speedboats seat 20-40 passengers and are equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, oxygen (important at this altitude!), and comfortable seats. From my experience managing these logistics, I always recommend to my clients: bring layers! The morning can be cold on the water, but by midday the sun is intense. The Return Journey (Options) Option 1: Return by Boat – Same route back to