Bolivia à la carteBolivia travel guide

Huatajata

La Paz Department · Culture and history

Huatajata, photo 1
Photo: giggel, CC BY 3.0

Huatajata, on the shore of Titicaca's Lago Menor, is known for its builders of boats made of totora, the lake's reed. Aymara craftsmen from the area even built the boats of explorer Thor Heyerdahl. It's also a starting point for the lake's small islands and a pleasant stop on the road to Copacabana.

3,820 maltitude
0 to 1 dayto spend there
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High altitude. Above 3,500 m, altitude sickness (soroche) is common. Arrive gradually, drink plenty and take it slow on the first day.

Things to do

  • Totora reed boat workshops
  • Boats to Pariti and the Lago Menor islands
  • Lake trout facing the mountains

What to eat

  • TroutTrout from Lake Titicaca or the Cordillera rivers, fried or grilled, with rice, fries and salad. Eaten on the beach in Copacabana and in the small restaurants of mountain villages.
  • Ispi and pejerreySmall lake fish, fried and crispy, eaten whole with a squeeze of lime.
Tip. On the La Paz – Copacabana road, about 1 h 30 from La Paz.

Also here

  • Crafts and markets Totora reed boatsOn Lake Titicaca, boats are still built from the lake's reed. Huatajata's craftsmen also make small models.

How to get to Huatajata

  • Suriki Boat · about 30 min

    Motorboat from Huatajata.

  • Isla Pariti Boat · about 1 h

    Motorboat from Huatajata or Quehuaya.

  • La Paz Road (bus, car) · 1 h 30

    La Paz – Copacabana bus (get off at Huatajata).

Photos of Huatajata

Huatajata, photo 2
Photo: giggel, CC BY 3.0

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