Suasi is like no other island: in the midst of Lake Titicaca, it is a mere speck in what appears to be an ocean. The only private island in the lake, it is uninhabited save for its guests and the temporary residents who staff the ecolodge Casa Andina administers. Other than that, the only permanent island residents are camelids and birds. Suasi is a singular experience, so isolated, peaceful and beautiful that for many it is the reason to come to Titicaca. It is a window onto not only the beauty of the lake, but the unique ecosystem that thrives on the highest navigable lake in the world. Along with the folkloric appeal of the Uros floating islands and Taquile, Suasi completes the picture of Titicaca and permits travelers to have an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Suasi – just 43 hectares – is a singularly beautiful, natural paradise, a refuge of uncommon serenity. With extraordinary sunlight, a self-sufficient, solar-powered lodge and a diversity of birds and marine life (all catalogued by experts), it is a place to unwind and experience, leaving the world behind. While it’s a perfect place to kick back with a book and just relax and enjoy the remoteness and splendid views of the pristine of Titicaca, it’s also a place to explore the National Reserve of Titicaca, from its way of life – Andean beliefs, customs and cultural traditions – to its natural habitat and indigenous altiplano flora and fauna. 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

Activities with an additional cost

Andean Spirituality
Explore the ancient belief systems of the Andean peoples with an Aymara shaman in the community of Cambría, at water’s edge a short boat ride from Suasi. There, you’ll participate in the custom of making offerings to Pacha Mama, or Mother Earth; chew coca leaves like locals; and observe “Yatiri” spiritual offerings, a ritual with ancient roots that in colonial times became fused with Christianity. Half of the cost of the activity goes directly to the local Cambría community. Rate: USD 110 per group.

Bird Watching
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 the rare and endemic Titicaca Flightless Grebe, black cormorants, cinnamon and speckled teals, Andean flickers, eagles, hummingbirds, and several additional species of ducks and water fowl. Resident biologists, 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. Rate: USD 50 per person.

Trek to Mulluni
For active guests in good physical condition and a full day at their disposal, this 4-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. Rate: USD 25 per person.

Sauna & Massage Room
This activity is very much in keeping with the rusticity of the island. Massages take advantage of creams, oils and aromatherapy based on regional Andean plants (rate from USD 30), and a laid-back steam sauna uses eucalyptus leaves. The sauna is free of charge to guests

Casa Andina highly recommends that visitors stay 2 nights on Suasi to take advantage of its activities and also to relax (the vast majority of travelers who have stayed just one night say afterwards that they wish that they would have had an additional night on the island).

Note that it’s virtually essential to spend the night before journeying to Suasi in Puno in order to be able to depart early the next morning from the boat dock on Titicaca (at Casa Andina Private Collection). Afternoon lake travel is not generally permissible due to strong winds and waves.

Isla Suasi in 3 days/2 nights
On the first day the ideal is to leave early for Suasi (at 7am with fixed departures) and en route visit the Uros floating islands and Taquile, arriving in time for a welcome lunch on the banks of Suasi (dependent upon weather conditions and number of guests). In the afternoon, after lunch and perhaps a brief siesta, hike the island and then climb to the top of Itapilluni hill (30 min.) to witness the spectacular sunset over the lake. In the evening after dinner, enjoy an open-air bonfire and glass of hot wine while observing the clear night sky and Southern Hemisphere constellations.

On day 2, begin after breakfast with a gentle row around the island in the fiberglass canoes (the lake is usually remarkably placid in the morning), followed by a visit to one of the island beaches and a dip in the lake. After lunch, we recommend the lodge activity that delves into Andean Spirituality and a visit to the Cultural hut), finishing the afternoon with a guided walk around the island to observe birds and native fauna. End the day with a visit to the natural sauna and with a massage looking out over Titicaca.

On day 3 rise early for a walk around the island if you wish, and return to Puno (or Juliaca) by land, with a visit en route to the lovely colonial town of Lampa.

Isla Suasi in 4 days/3 nights
Fortunate travelers with an extra night to stay on Suasi can have a more complete island experience, taking advantage of the extra time to read, relax and enjoy the stunningly serene distant views. Very active and in-shape guests may wish to do the full-day trek to Mount Mulluni.