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In the department of Puno, most of the bird species that live
in the Lake Titicaca National Reserve can be spotted in any
of the bodies of water (lakes, pools or streams) that abound
in the country's upper Andean reaches. However, birdwatchers
will find it hard to come across a finer spot than this vast
lake, which stretches across 8,380 square km. The common Titicaca
grebe, a species which lives around the lake, is easily spotted
along the shores.
An interesting archaeological site which is also a haven for
birdwatchers is that of the Sillustani burial towers. This
site, built on top of a hill that looks out over Lake Umayo,
gives visitors the chance to glimpse most of the bird species
that thrive on the highland plain, as well as unique mammal
species such as the wild guinea pig (Cavia tschudii), a rodent
that lives amongst the boulders that litter archaeological
sites in the area.
Climate: Temperatures range widely
during the day and at night. The best time to visit the area
is from May to October, when days are sunny, it seldom rains
and daytime temperatures reach 25°C. Nights meanwhile,
are always cold (although almost never below freezing).
Access: There are regular commercial
flights to the city of Juliaca, an hour by road from Puno.
Dozens of boats run from the port of Puno around the lake,
touching at the various islands. Sillustani is 20 km from
Puno on the road to Juliaca.
Services: Infrastructure (food
and lodging) abounds around the lake.
Click on the following links for birdwatching
opportunities:
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