Summary
Dive into an unforgettable journey across the Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake on the planet, with this 2-day and 1-night tour through the enigmatic Uros Islands, Amantani, and Taquile islands. This experience will allow you to directly connect with the communities that inhabit these islands and learn about their ancestral customs in a stunning natural setting.
From sailing on crystal-clear waters to staying in a traditional house on Amantani and exploring the unique textile art of Taquile, this tour offers an authentic immersion into the living culture of the Peruvian highlands. Ideal for those seeking more than just a tourist trip: a transformative cultural experience.
Itinerary
Puno, Uros, Taquile & Amantani
Day 1: Uros Islands and Amantani
07:00 AM – Pickup from the hotel or bus terminal: The adventure begins early with the transfer from your accommodation or point of arrival in Puno to the lake dock.
07:30 AM – Boarding and visit to the Uros Islands: Start your tour by sailing towards the famous floating Uros Islands. These islands are entirely made of totora, an aquatic plant that grows in the lake. Your guide will explain the construction techniques, the way of life on the water, and the history of this fascinating community.
Optional Activity: You can take a traditional reed boat ride for an additional fee, a unique experience to see the lake from another perspective.
10:00 AM – Sailing to Amantani Island: After the visit, continue sailing for about two hours to Amantani Island. During the journey, you can enjoy unique natural landscapes and panoramic views of Lake Titicaca.
12:00 PM – Welcome and accommodation in local homes: You will be welcomed by a local family who will host you in their home. You’ll learn about their customs, share their cuisine, and participate in their daily routines, experiencing a genuine community living.
05:00 PM – Walk to the ceremonial center: In the afternoon, you will hike to the sacred sites of Pacha Tata and Pacha Mama, spiritual places with spectacular lake views. Here, you’ll learn more about the Andean worldview and their deep respect for nature.
07:00 PM – Traditional dinner and cultural night: You will return to your accommodation to share a traditional dinner with your host family. Some hosts organize a cultural evening with local dances and music for visitors.
Accommodation: You will spend the night in a family home in Amantani, enjoying the silence, the stars, and the warmth of local hospitality.
Day 2: Taquile Island
08:00 AM – Breakfast and departure to Taquile: After breakfast prepared by your hosts, you will board the boat to Taquile Island, located about an hour away by boat.
09:30 AM – Guided tour of Taquile: Upon arrival, you will take a walk around the island while your guide explains the customs and social organization of the community. Taquile is known for its textile art, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You will have the opportunity to watch the men weave and purchase local crafts.
12:00 PM – Traditional lunch: You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, typically with lake trout accompanied by Andean potatoes, rice, and salad. The views from this spot are unbeatable.
02:00 PM – Return to Puno: After exploring the island and interacting with its inhabitants, you will begin the return journey by boat to the city of Puno, which takes about two hours.
04:00 PM – Arrival and end of the tour: Upon arrival at the Puno dock, the tour ends with a transfer to the hotel or bus terminal.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Includes
- Land and water transport throughout the tour
- 1 night of accommodation in a living house in Amantani
- Entry to all mentioned islands
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English)
Does not include
- Airport transfers.
- Personal expenses
- 1 breakfast and 1 dinner on Amantani Island (80 soles)
- Lunch on Taquile Island (30 soles)
- Drinks and unspecified food
- Optional totora reed boat ride (paid directly on the island)
- Travel or accident insurance
Recommendations
Recommendations for your Tour
- Bring warm clothes for the night and light clothes for the day
- Use sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Bring personal medications and for altitude sickness
- Respect the customs and rules of the local communities
- Avoid using single-use plastic
- Have cash in soles for purchases on the islands
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do this tour?
The best season to visit Lake Titicaca is from April to October, when the weather is dry, sunny, and with clear skies.
During the rainy season (November to March), the landscapes are greener, but there may be clouds and rain that make navigation difficult.
The tour operates year-round, but the dry season is ideal for safer and more enjoyable experiences.
How to prevent altitude sickness in Puno?
Lake Titicaca is located over 3,800 m above sea level, so it’s important to acclimatize before the tour.
Recommendations:
- Stay at least one day prior in Puno to acclimatize.
- Drink plenty of water and coca tea.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy meals.
- Rest well before starting the journey.
- If uncomfortable, take medications for soroche prescribed by a doctor.
What should I bring for this 2-day tour?
It’s recommended to bring only what’s necessary for the two days, such as:
- Light backpack (not large suitcases).
- Warm clothes for the night and light clothes for the day.
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Cash in soles for extra expenses.
Avoid carrying too much as the houses on Amantani and the boats have limited space.
Where will I stay overnight?
You will stay in family homes on Amantani Island.
Characteristics:
- Simple but clean rooms.
- Comfortable beds with warm blankets.
- Shared bathrooms in most cases.
- Cozy atmosphere with the hospitality of local families.
It’s an authentic living tourism experience.
What meals are included?
The tour includes:
- 1 night of accommodation with 1 dinner and 1 breakfast on Amantani (paid directly to the family, approx. 80 soles).
- Traditional lunch on Taquile Island (approx. 30 soles, not included in the package).
Meals are prepared with local products such as Andean potatoes, trout, quinoa, and herbs from the area.
Can I take a totora reed boat ride?
Yes, on the Uros Islands, you will have the option to take a totora reed boat ride.
This activity is optional, with an additional cost (approx. 15 to 20 soles) paid directly to the locals. It’s one of the most traditional experiences on the lake.
Is there cell signal and internet on the islands?
In general, cell signal is limited and there is no internet access.
In Amantani and Taquile, connection is usually nonexistent, while in the Uros, there might be weak signal depending on the carrier. It’s recommended to inform your family before the trip.
What type of climate will I encounter at Lake Titicaca?
The climate in the region is characterized by:
- Sunny days with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
- Cold nights which can drop to 0°C.
- Strong solar radiation due to the altitude.
For this reason, it’s essential to wear layered clothing and sun protection.
Do I need to know how to swim to do the tour?
No, it’s not necessary. All the tour is done in safe boats with mandatory life jackets. Optional activities like the totora reed boat ride are also completely safe.
What is the cultural experience like in Amantani?
Amantani offers a unique immersion into the daily life of local families.
You will be able to:
- Share typical meals.
- Participate in hikes to the sacred temples of Pacha Mama and Pacha Tata.
- Enjoy cultural evenings with traditional dances.
It’s an opportunity to live with the culture of the highlands.
What activities are done on Taquile Island?
On Taquile, you will enjoy:
- Walks with spectacular views of the lake.
- Visit to textile art workshops, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Traditional lunch with local products.
- Opportunity to purchase crafts directly from the locals.
Does Turitika Travel offer this tour sustainably?
Yes, our commitment is to responsible tourism.
We work directly with local communities, supporting the family economy and respecting their customs. We promote the use of reusable bottles, respect for nature, and reduction of single-use plastics.
Is it recommended to bring gifts for the local families?
It’s not mandatory, but if you wish to bring a gift, useful items are recommended, such as:
- Fresh fruits.
- School supplies for the children.
- Non-perishable food.
Avoid giving cash or plastic products that generate waste.
Can I travel with children on this tour?
Yes, it’s possible to travel with children, as long as they are accustomed to short walks and high-altitude climates.
The local families in Amantani are welcoming to children, and the experience can be very enriching for them.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour operates even with light rain. It’s recommended to bring a rain poncho and a change of clothes.
In case of heavy rain, the guide may reorganize activities to ensure the group’s safety.
