There's nothing quite like a modest, peaceful village such as Escallani to feel transported and escape the daily grind.

Beautifully nestled in the Capachica Peninsula in Peru, this destination deserves your full attention. It enchants with its magnificent landscape shaped by Lake Titicaca.

Escallani reveals a range of fascinating attractions and activities: beaches, hiking, boat excursions, and more.

The village of Escallani

This small fishing village sits on the Capachica Peninsula, in the Puno region of Peru. Closer to the city of Juliaca, Escallani offers views of Lake Titicaca that differ from those in neighboring villages like Llachon or Ccotos, where you can see the peaks of the Bolivian Royal Cordillera and its snow-capped summits.

From Cancollani hill, don't miss capturing the stunning views of the village and the lake. From there, you'll spot the strip of land where Escallani is nestled.

Viewed from above, the expanse and shores of Lake Titicaca will leave you speechless. Cacti and eucalyptus trees add their own beauty to the natural landscape.

The inhabitants of Escallani survive mainly through fishing, trout farming, and modest herding of sheep and cattle.

The population also practices subsistence farming—growing potatoes, beans, and barley. Despite these various economic activities, villagers face real difficulties meeting their needs due to limited land and employment opportunities.

Some residents then developed rural community tourism to broaden the village's economic opportunities, leading to the creation of the Munay Suyo association.

Escallani and the Munay Suyo Association

This association is essential to making your journey to Escallani successful. Working in rural community tourism, its members welcome visitors warmly. It all began when the former president Rufino built bungalows in the area.

In 2009, Escallani welcomed its first tourists. Thanks to this initiative, the Munay Suyo association—meaning "beautiful place" in Quechua was established to sustain these tourism activities. Today, 13 adobe bungalows with reed roofs await you in Escallani.

These lodgings were built on the heights of the village to allow visitors to appreciate views over the lake and surrounding landscape. They can accommodate up to 24 guests.

Since association members live from fishing and livestock, you'll have the pleasure of tasting local cuisine. Nothing beats delicious trout from their farm, accompanied by quinoa and maté—a traditional South American beverage prepared by infusion—to satisfy your palate.

The members also sell their agricultural products in the markets of Juliaca.

What to see in Escallani?

Various viewpoints in Escallani

We're not only talking about views overlooking the lake, but the entire village.

Indeed, the village is divided into several sectors: Tanteon, Cancollani, Cerro Porteño, Cerro Colorado, Alto Llacta, Llacta Central, and Chojela.

Visit these different areas to appreciate the beauty of Escallani's landscapes and capture memorable photographs.

• At Choleja, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the villagers' lush agricultural terraces.
• From Alto Llacta, savor the natural spectacle of Lake Titicaca enhanced by the Mirador del Lago.
• While exploring the village's sectors, you'll find Llacta Central, Escallani's heart.
• The mountain Apu Wiracochani offers panoramic views over Puno, Juliaca, and the Capachica Peninsula. Dominating the village, it also allows distant views of the Uros, Soto, Taquile, and Amantani islands.
• Finally, the Korenzo Viewpoint is another strategic location for beautiful panoramic views.

Lake Titicaca and surroundings

One of the village's greatest attractions is Lake Titicaca. Since the village sits on its shores, this natural treasure of Peru cannot be overlooked.

During your visit to Escallani, you'll have the honor of meeting South America's largest lake. Discover the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 meters altitude.

This lake encompasses several islands that add significant tourist value to this part of Peru.

The Amantani and Taquile islands belong to Peruvian territory, while Isla del Sol (or Island of the Sun) is a Bolivian island. While you're there, you can also visit the Uros islands.

Escallani and Lake Titicaca promise you unforgettable vacations filled with fascinating discoveries.

Titicaca National Reserve

It's 40 minutes by boat from Escallani. Here too, you'll be surprised and delighted by the seagulls, pelicans, cormorants, and eagles of the reserve. This protected area safeguards the lake's biodiversity, particularly its birds.

What to do in Escallani?

Thanks to the lake's presence on Escallani's territory, you can engage in various activities to enhance your time in Peru. Try artisanal fishing with villagers for a change from big-city activities.

For a leisurely outing, enjoy renting sailboats or rowboats on Lake Titicaca.

Let yourself be seduced by Escallani's beautiful beaches. Walking on the sandy and pebbly shore feels like a genuine foot massage, contributing greatly to your well-being.

The hills and cliffs here are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or cycling through the village.

Discover local culture by interacting with villagers. You'll recognize them by their distinctive traditional dress. Women typically wear hats with pompoms on top.

During festivals, you'll learn more about traditional dances like Pulipuli and Huajtay Barley. The wheat dance, or Cebada Huajtay, is one of Escallani's cultural highlights not to be missed.

On January 20th begins the San Sebastian festival, celebrating the community's patron saint.

Meanwhile, "pago a la tierra" ceremonies (offerings to the earth) take place around August, also considered the wedding month in the region, where you'll enjoy the dance called "con mañazo tusuy".

Climate

It's best to visit between September and November, during the dry season with less rainfall. Average temperature is 19°C.

From Juliaca: The easiest way is to arrive at Juliaca, then take a bus to Escallani—about an hour's journey.

From Puno: Taking a bus from Bellavita (Puno), you'll typically reach Escallani in just over an hour and a quarter, though with the road and stop at Capachica, it may take slightly longer.