The Lake Titicaca is much more than just a lake, it is history, legend, culture, tradition, and nature. Sailing its deep blue waters, visiting its floating reed islands, and exploring its mainland communities is a journey that transcends tourism, offering a profound and life-enriching experience.
Join us to explore the world’s highest navigable lake. Your adventure begins at the port of Puno (3,877 m.a.s.l.), the capital of the region of the same name. Puno is also known as the “High Plateau City”, it’s accessible by land and air from Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco.
The one-day tour to the floating islands of Uros and Taquile is a quintessential Titicaca experience. This itinerary combines the joy of navigating the “stone puma” (one of the meanings of the word Titicaca) with an immersive encounter with communities rich in history, who keep their ancestral culture alive.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place — at about 07:20
Wait for us at your hotel in the historic centre of Puno; we’ll pick you up in a tourist vehicle and take you to the Puno lakeside pier, where the boat will depart.
Please note that the hotel pick-up process in Puno’s city centre takes approximately one hour. We kindly ask for your patience. If you’re staying in a different part of the city, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point.
If you prefer a personalised and exclusive service where you are the main focus, book a private tour with us.
To avoid any misunderstandings, please read carefully the Details and Notes Tabs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Puno to the Uros Islands by boat — at about 08:30
The transfer to the lakeside port takes about 15 minutes. Once at the dock, you’ll board a motorized tourist boat. The departure time may vary by a few minutes.
Visit the floating islands of the Uros — at about 08:45
The descendants of one of the oldest people of the Peruvian highlands preserve the tradition of weaving floating islands and their homes using totora reeds, a plant that grows on the surface of the lake.
These unique islands, forming a peculiar archipelago, are mostly located within the Titicaca National Reserve (3,800 m.a.s.l.). During your visit, the Uros people will explain how they live on the waters of the world’s highest navigable lake.
Take advantage of your stay to sail on a totora reed boat and admire the lake’s panorama from the viewpoints standing on this archipelago. Its “surface” is renewed periodically, as the water weakens the reeds over time.
Transfer from the Uros to Taquile by boat — at about 10:00
You will sail across the waters of Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile during one hour. Take advantage of the journey to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the lake. A quick tip: pack a windbreaker and a rain poncho in your backpack.
Arrival and Guided Tour of Taquile Island — at about 11:00
Due to its winding geography, strong community roots, and handmade textiles crafted on pedal looms, Taquile is one of the star destinations of Lake Titicaca. The island (made up of six communities) is located 36 km from Puno city at an altitude of 3,950 m.a.s.l.
The Pre-Hispanic terraces, the rustic houses, and a staircase of 550 steps leading to the heart of the community are just a few of the features of this island, once known as Carlos V during the colonial era.
During your visit, you will notice that the men are the ones who practice weaving, which is one of the unique characteristics of this village. As they work, they chew coca leaves and talk in Quechua, their mother tongue.
Typical lunch in Taquile — at about 12:30
At lunchtime, you will taste the agricultural products grown on the pre-Hispanic terraces of Taquile. A gastronomic experience that you will love.
Return to Puno by boat — at about 14:00
After lunch, you will return to the boat to begin the journey back to Puno. The direct trip takes about 1 h and 30 min. There are no scheduled stops during this part of your tour.
Ending place — at about 15:45
At around 15:30, the boat will arrive at the lakeside port. Our service doesn’t end here. A vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel or accommodation in the historic centre of Puno, where you’ll arrive at about 15:45 and 16:00.
Now you know. You’re our next passenger. We look forward to seeing you in Puno!
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
| Pple. | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| 1 | $35 | $245 |
| 2 | $35 | $125 |
| 3 | $35 | $110 |
| 4 | $35 | $100 |
| 5 | $35 | $90 |
DETAILS
| Details | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Schedule | 07:20 to 15:45 | You decide |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | en or es |
| Size | 5 to 30 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Breakfast | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lunch in Taquile | ✅ | ✅ |
| Guide | ✅ | ✅ |
| Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Boats | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personalized service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tickets for the Floating Islands | ✅ | ✅ |
| Drop-off at your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency in cash.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pick-ups and schedules
Group tours:
- The pick-up and tour completion times are approximate.
- Pick-ups are only available from hotels located in the historic centre.
- Your pick-up time will depend on the location of your hotel.
- If you’re staying outside the historic centre, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- If the vehicle has difficulty reaching your hotel, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- We do not provide pick-ups during festivals, strikes, or heavy vehicle traffic.
- All pick-ups and meeting points will be organized the day before your tour.
Private tours:
- Pick-ups are punctual.
- Pick-ups apply for the entire city of Puno.
- All pick-ups will be arranged the day before your tour.
- The tour completion time is still approximate; however, we will do our best to finish the tour as scheduled.
Tipo de vehículo y asientos
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transport of Peru.
- Clean and modern vehicles.
- Vehicles include Sedans, 4x4s, H1s, Vans, Renaults, and Mercedes Benz (depending on the size of the group).
Seats – group tours:
- You reserve a seat on the bus, not a specific seat number.
- If you are picked up first, you can choose some seats (your pick-up time will depend on the location of your hotel).
- Couples are seated together 95% of the time; however, we cannot guarantee this to 100%.
Type of boats
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transport of Peru.
- Boat size for group tours: 30 pax.
- Boat size for private tours: 5 to 15 pax — depending on the size of your group.
Guide
He is fully authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. This tour is focused on hiking, not on history.
Group tours:
- He will accompany you to show you the way.
- Intermediate English.
Private tours:
- He will always be to take care of the service.
- Intermediate-advanced English.
- There is plenty of explanation throughout the tour.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to changes without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or any other events that may prevent the normal operation of the tour. Please also refer to our terms for further details.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of the tour is free as long as you do so at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise we will charge 100% of the tour price. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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