Titilaka

"Andean’s luxury hotels throughout Peru have always delivered on breakfast—I've also stayed at their spots in the Colca Canyon, Lima, and Arequipa, and it seems they’re sort of known for a blow-out morning spread—but Titilaka has been among my favorite breakfasts of all time. Maybe it’s the fact that the breakfast is served in a room with panoramic views of the lake you’re here to see, with sun streaming onto sheepskin-draped armchairs that are an easy transition from your bed. The food is just as impressive: there’s the usual abundance of piping hot pastries, fruit juices, sliced cheeses, and beautiful cold cuts, but all of it reflects the local surroundings. There’s always a trout moment, either cured like lox, or cubed into a tartare perfect on crunchy toast, with fish plucked from the shimmering lake right outside the floor-to-ceiling restaurant windows. The daily fruit medley showcases local produce like aguaymanto, and fresh herb teas are made with muña (Andean mint) and coca leaves. That’s not getting into the à la carte add-ons, with hearty egg dishes and ancient-grain pancakes, which will keep you full for boat excursions and hikes to archaeological sites… or just an hours’-long nap on the deck."

"On Sunday, we'll hop in the car and drive to Lake Titicaca, on the border of Bolivia, to plop ourselves down at the gorgeous Titilaka lodge."

"Housed in a refurbished building on a four-acre private peninsula, this all-inclusive luxury resort is far more expensive than most hotels on Lake Titicaca, but it’s well worth the splurge. Not only are all of your meals, cocktails, and most excursions included, but the lodge invests deeply in the local community—it hires more than three-quarters of its staff from the surrounding area, sources as many ingredients as possible from regional farmers, and turns to nearby artisans for its textiles and other crafts. Additionally, the on-site restaurant is one of the best in the area. If you’d prefer a more private dining experience, take your meal on one of the hotel’s wraparound terraces, or order 24-hour room service. All 18 rooms face the lake and feature heated floors (it can get chilly at night at 12,500 feet of elevation), a banquette overlooking the water, a free mini-bar, and deep bathtubs. King rooms are the most economical, but the two corner rooms—with their spacious layouts and panoramic views of the lake—are the most requested. For the best sunrise or sunset vistas, choose either the “Dawn” or “Dusk” rooms."