Lake— Peru

El Reto Titicaca — Llachón–Taquile 7K

Oct 10, 2026
Distance: 7km
Photo Unukorno · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About the race

Ten experienced swimmers lived an epic day at the majestic Lake Titicaca, participating in the first edition of the 'El Reto Titicaca' crossing. This open water swimming competition covered 7 kilometers from Llachón to Taquile Island, marking a milestone in the history of aquatic sports in Peru.

Taquile Island
Taquile Island · Photo: Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 4.0

The challenge, organized by Pablo Fernando Alfaro Gutiérrez of Acuática Deportiva in coordination with the Municipalidad Provincial de Puno, tested the skill and endurance of the participants in the cold waters of the highest navigable lake in the world. The crossing, which lasted over three hours of continuous effort, highlights the bravery of the athletes and positions Lake Titicaca as a premier destination for sports tourism.

Sources: Taquile Island · Puno

Course

7 km

Route from Llachón to Taquile Island.

Awards

A recognition ceremony was held where medals were awarded to the swimmers, as well as to authorities, health professionals, and local residents who made the event possible.

How to get there

✈️ Search flights to JUL

El Reto Titicaca — Llachón–Taquile 7K

Where to stay

Accommodations in the Llachón and Taquile area are rooted in local hospitality. You will primarily find 'homestays with local families' and traditional stone-built guesthouses that offer simple, authentic comfort. These dwellings often feature panoramic lake views and communal dining halls. Expect to pay between $30 and $60 per night, which typically includes breakfast and dinner, reflecting the community-based tourism model prevalent in this high-altitude region.

Things to do nearby

The weekend of the race offers a deep dive into Andean culture. Visitors often engage in weaving workshops led by local Taquileño artisans, famous for their intricate textile traditions. For active recovery, trekking the ancient paths that connect the terraced agricultural fields provides the best vantage points of the lake. Gastronomy is also a highlight, with opportunities to participate in traditional 'pachamanca' earth-oven cooking sessions, where ingredients are slow-cooked using heated stones, a culinary practice that has defined local gatherings for centuries.

Swimmers

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