Lake Titicaca (Day Trip) Uros & Taquile Islands

Puno , Peru

Lake Titicaca (Day Trip) Uros & Taquile Islands

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(233 reviews)

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About this experience

The shimmering blue waters of Lake Titicaca are home to the famous, man-made Floating Islands of Uros. These islands and their dwellings, which date back to a pre-Incan time, are made completely out of totora reeds, a native bulrush plant that grows in the lake. With a guided tour, get to know the inhabitants that have formed a small community and learn how these islands stay afloat. During the afternoon, visit the island of Amantani and experience the unique culture of the locals.

Available options

Lake Titicaca (Day Trip) Uros & Taquile Islands

Pickup included

What's included

Transport

Bi-lingual tour guide (English and Spanish)

Entrance fees

Lunch

Puno hotel transfer (Within the historic centre)

Puno boat pier embarkation tax

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will be picking you up from your hotel within the historic centre of Puno between 0645 and 0700 in the morning. Before boarding the motor boat to Uros Island we will have a brief stop at the boat pier where you can buy some snacks and bottled water.

Once you would settle in the boat, a local musician would welcome you with an Andean Folkloric music. Our guide would then introduce himself and the captain of the boat before giving you a brief about the day’s itinerary on the World’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.

Our first stop will be at the iconic floating islands of Uros. During the journey from the mainland to one of the Uros Islands, you can see totora plants that grow on Lake Titicaca. These constitute the basic source of food and, at the same time, they serve as a maintenance system that the Uros have to perpetuate the existence of the islands

As the boat would dock in, local women dressed in the local attire would extend a warm welcome to the place they call home.

The head of the island would then demonstrate how they build these islands using totora plants and would share a few words in their native language (Aymara).

Natives here are known for their handicrafts, so you may buy some if you would wish to. You will then have an option of sailing on the traditional totora reed boat (10 Soles) to the main island of Uros. If desired, you can get your passport stamped here as a souvenir.

From here, we will start our boat ride to Taquile islands. You may walk up to the open deck on the upper level of the boat and get some photos of the floating islands that you would be passing through.

Stop 2

Breaching the green waters of Peru’s Lake Titicaca is the little mound island of Taquile where the local villagers have created a steady industry of knit handicrafts, which are knit by the men of the community.

Taquile is home to a Quechua population of 2,000 people who are mainly farmers, fishermen and above all renowned weavers.

However, unlike the often tragically traditional view of knitting and textile work as the demesne of women, it is the men of Taquile Island who do much of the delicate thread work. The craftwork is divided between weaving and knitting; women do the weaving, while the knitting is the man’s work.

We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch at around 02:30 PM, you will be boarding the boat back to Puno. At approximately 04:30 in the evening, the boat will dock in Puno’s boat pier. We will meet you upon your arrival and will drive you back to your hotel within the historic center of the city.

What's not included

Breakfast

Dinner

Accommodation

Totora Reed Boat ride (optional) 15 Soles

Gratuities

Hotel pick-up or drop-off outside the center of Puno (25 soles per way)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

201 reviews

5★

180

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

If arriving in Puno by bus from Cusco or La Paz on the tour day, please send your bus details (Point of origin, Name of the bus company and estimated time of arrival). Wait for us at Terminal Terrestre; Our guide will pick you up to begin the activity immediately.

About Puno

Puno is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural beauty, Puno is a must-visit destination for those exploring Peru's cultural heartland. The city is the gateway to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

Top Attractions

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unique islands like the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.

Nature Full day Budget to Moderate (Boat tours range from 50-150 PEN)

Sillustani

Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.

Historical Half day Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Puno, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, churches, and vibrant local life. It's a great place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Cathedral of Puno

The Cathedral of Puno is a beautiful colonial-era church located on the Plaza de Armas. It features a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and houses several religious artifacts.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Puno Museum of Art and Culture

This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Puno region, featuring artifacts, textiles, and art from the Aymara and Quechua cultures, as well as pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Trucha a la Plancha (Grilled Trout)

Fresh trout from Lake Titicaca, grilled and served with local potatoes and vegetables. A must-try for seafood lovers.

Main Course Gluten-free, but may contain allergens like fish.

Chairo

A hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, corn, and quinoa, flavored with local herbs and spices. A traditional dish of the Puno region.

Soup Contains meat and gluten.

Sopa de Quinoa (Quinoa Soup)

A nutritious and flavorful soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes meat. A staple in the Andean diet.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Pique a la Puneña

A spicy and flavorful dish made with diced beef, potatoes, onions, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper). A popular appetizer in Puno.

Appetizer Contains meat and gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Boating Cultural tours Lakefront walks Spa treatments Coffee shop visits Visiting museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

May to October (Dry Season)

This is the best time to visit Puno as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the attractions. The temperatures are cool but comfortable.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Aymara, Quechua, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Puno is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid scams.
• Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or purified water.

Getting there

By air

Puno International Airport (JUL) • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center

By train

Puno Station

By bus

Puno Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Puno. They cover most of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Alto de la Alameda El Mirador

Day trips

Uros Floating Islands

1-2 hours by boat • Half day to full day

The Uros Floating Islands are a unique attraction in Lake Titicaca, made entirely of totora reeds by the Uros people. Visitors can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Taquile Island

3-4 hours by boat • Full day to overnight

Taquile Island is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional textiles, and unique culture. The island is home to a close-knit community that preserves its ancient customs and way of life.

Sillustani

35 km (22 miles) from Puno • Half day

Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.

Festivals

Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria • February Puno Week • November 5-12 Carnaval de Puno • February or March (depending on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Acclimate to the high altitude by taking it easy for the first day or two.
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season and festivals.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures throughout the day.
Try local dishes and support local businesses to get an authentic experience.