Yavari Ship Museum
Puno
The Yavari Ship Museum is housed aboard the Yavari, a British-built iron steamship commissioned in 1861 for the Peruvian Navy to operate on Lake Titicaca. Constructed in parts in England, it was transported overland in pieces by mule to Puno, Peru, and assembled on the lake in 1870. It was the first steamship to navigate the world's highest navigable waters. Originally serving as a gunboat, cargo, and passenger vessel, the ship was powered by a two-cylinder steam engine fueled by dried llama dung. In 1914, the hull was extended and the engine replaced with a more powerful motor. The Yavari played a role during the War of the Pacific, transporting Peruvian forces on Lake Titicaca. After decades of service, it was decommissioned and fell into disuse until restoration efforts began in 1987. Today, the ship is moored in Puno Bay as a floating museum showcasing its maritime history, construction, and restoration. Visitors can explore the engine room, captain's cabin, and crew quarters, and even stay overnight aboard, experiencing a unique glimpse into 19th-century lake navigation and Peruvian naval heritage.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to visit during the dry season (May to October) for better weather and lake conditions. It is recommended to book accommodations or tours in advance, especially for overnight stays aboard the ship. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The museum is accessible from Puno city center and offers a unique experience combining history and lodging.
Datos interesantes
- •Yavari was the first steamship to navigate the highest navigable waters in the world on Lake Titicaca.
- •The ship was built in England, disassembled into thousands of parts, and transported over 220 miles by mule to Puno for assembly.
- •Its original steam engine was fueled by dried llama dung, a unique and locally sourced fuel.
- •In 2015, a group retraced the original route of the ship's parts delivery across the Andes, culminating in a ceremonial 'second maiden voyage' on Lake Titicaca.
- •Yavari is the oldest iron lake steamer still afloat worldwide.
Historia
The Yavari was built in 1862 by Thames Ironworks in England, shipped in pieces to Peru, and assembled on Lake Titicaca by 1870.
It was initially a steam-powered gunboat fueled by llama dung, serving the Peruvian Navy.
The ship was extended and re-engined in 1914 to increase cargo capacity and performance.
During the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), it transported troops on Lake Titicaca.
After nationalization and changes in ownership, the ship was decommissioned and abandoned until restoration began in 1987.
It has since been converted into a floating museum and tourist accommodation in Puno.
Guía del lugar
Engine Room1862 / 1914
The engine room houses the original two-cylinder steam engine and later the 1914 Bolinder four-cylinder motor, illustrating the ship's propulsion history.
Captain's Cabin and Crew Quarters1870s
Restored living quarters provide insight into the daily life of the ship's officers and crew during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Historical Exhibits
The museum displays photographs, documents, and testimonies about the ship's construction, naval service, and restoration process.