Capachica

Capachica combines a historic town centre with the cultural and scenic highlights of the peninsula. At the Plaza de Armas stands a temple dating from 1820; more broadly, the area is shaped by community walking paths, artisanal fishing, and views of Lake Titicaca. You can plan your trip around the history and festival traditions of the plaza and temple, or focus on the peninsula’s landscapes and community-based ways to spend time there.

Plaza, Temple, and Festival Traditions

Capachica’s more than century-old Plaza de Armas is home to the Templo del Niño San Salvador, built in 1820. Picturesque cobbled streets characterise the area around the plaza. From the minibus station, it is 200 metres, or about a six-minute walk, to the Templo de San Salvador. The plaza and temple therefore serve as connected landmarks in the town centre.

On 5 August, the festival honouring the patron saint Niño San Salvador is celebrated with religious activities, local dances and light dances, handicrafts, and commercial and exchange activities. Qhashwa—a combination of dance, music, and singing—has been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in the Capachica District. In the wider region, Auquiacarrus is considered a pre-Inca sanctuary; local tradition attributes to it the magical power to influence the fate of people, plants, animals, and fish.

Paths, Handicrafts, and Views across the Peninsula

In the wider region, artisanal fishing on the Capachica Peninsula is preserved as a cultural tradition. Llachón lies 14 kilometres south of the town of Capachica. There, you can walk along community paths and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding mountains; handicrafts are sold in the town centre. Llachón thus brings together community paths, lakeside scenery, and handicrafts.

The natural viewpoint of Allan Pucara is on the highest part of the Capachica Peninsula and offers sweeping views over Lake Titicaca. By comparison, the panoramic views from Llachón also take in the surrounding mountains and complement the community paths there. Within Capachica are the Parque Mirador Umasuyo district park and the Jaruspata viewpoint.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Playa de Chifrón lies two kilometres east of the district capital, Capachica. There is a landing stage at the beach for boats to Amantani Island. The boat journey from Puno to Capachica takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes; schedules and journey times may vary. Check the connection before you travel if you plan to arrive by boat.

On the Capachica Peninsula, communities offer overnight stays in homes prepared by community members as part of rural community-based tourism. When looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether the plaza and temple as cultural landmarks in the town centre, or the landscapes and community-hosted accommodation on the peninsula, matter more to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ocosuyo, Lampa, Puerto Leguía, Mañazo, Chucuito, Tililaca, Isla Suasi, Huillanopampa.

For the broader travel overview: Puno.