Through a connection that we made on the Mountain Lodges of Peru trip to Machu Picchu, Ted was able to arrange a fabulous 3 day/2 night stay on the private island of Isla Suasi.
Isla Suasi is an incredibly small, yet spectacularly beautiful island on the northeast end of Lake Titicaca. The hotel is the only building on the island besides the island owner’s private residence. It is exclusive, it is luxurious, and it was a treat!
Upon arriving by boat, we were served an amazing Andean barbeque lunch overlooking the beautiful blue water. That afternoon, and in fact throughout the stay, you could do as much or as little as you wanted. Activities options included: walking to the highest point of the island to watch the sunset, visiting the eucalyptus steam room, drinking wine and reading a book, kayaking around the island, taking a tour of the island’s owner’s home/museum, star-gazing, etc.
Ted and I took the opportunity to kayak around the island and we had such a great time doing it that we decided to do it again the next day! In general we relaxed, enjoyed the incredibly delicious food and the wonderfully helpful staff, and slept well in a our fantastic room.
The contrast between our homestay on the island of Amantani(where Ted had to show me how to “flush” a toilet with a bucket of water), and the five-star treatment and facilities that we experienced on Isla Suasi was certainly striking. However, as both types experiences are exceptions to our normal way of traveling, it reminds us to be thankful for what we normally may take for granted as well as to appreciate good fortune when we have the opportunity!
November 6th, 2011 on 9:18 am
Hi, your blog is great! We were planning on doing both an overnight stay in Amantani and then go on to Isla Suasi for a night…but just realized due to timing of our flights that we can only choose one. Since you have done both, since would you choose / recommend doing? Thanks!
November 8th, 2011 on 10:42 am
Hi Anita,
Either way, you’re going to love Lake Titicaca! Two very different experiences – Amantani is a community home-stay, much more rustic, much closer interaction with local people. A bigger island with more going on. Suasi is small, private, and a luxury experience. Phenomenal hotel, great staff and gorgeous views. So, I’d say it’s a matter of whether you want to dive into the cultural side and meet some locals, or want to enjoy the comforts of a great hotel. Both are wonderful, you can’t go wrong!
November 9th, 2011 on 5:38 pm
Thank you!