Puno – Tour 2d/1n Uros, Amantaní and Taquile from Puno

On the border of Peru and Bolivia lies the imposing Lake Titicaca, a sacred place located at 3827 meters (12,555 feet) above sea level. On this 2-day, 1-night tour, you will discover the unique traditions of three of the most famous floating islands: Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile. These islands are home to ancient traditions, temples, and a vibrant culture. It will be an unforgettable journey to connect with nature and the customs of its inhabitants.

What will you see on this Tour?

1. Lake Titicaca National Reserve.
2. Uros Floating Islands.
3. Amantaní Island.
4. Temple of Pachatata or Temple of Pachamama (Amantaní Island).
5. Taquile Island.

Our tour begins with picking up passengers from the comfort of their accommodation near Puno’s main square and transferring them to the pier. There, they will board the boat that will take them to the Uros Floating Islands complex (the first stop on the tour). We recommend bringing a hat and applying plenty of sunscreen, as well as having a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.

During the boat trip to the Lake Titicaca National Reserve, you will enjoy a perfect setting for birdwatching before disembarking on one of these islands, inhabited by the legendary Aymara people (an indigenous group originating from the Andes who live on the Titicaca Plateau). Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the process of making totora reed dams, which create these floating islands. You will also learn more about their way of life, the activities they carry out to survive (such as hunting and fishing), and finally, you can admire their handcrafted crafts and textiles, which you can purchase if you wish to take a souvenir home.

After this beautiful excursion, you will arrive around midday at Amantaní Island, where your guide will arrange for you to stay with a Quechua family (direct descendants of the Incas). Once settled in, you will be taken to your accommodations, and you will be informed of the times for lunch, dinner, and breakfast the following day.

In the afternoon, after a restful break, the adventure continues with a hike to the Temple of Pachatata or Temple of Pachamama (approximate altitude 4,000 meters above sea level (13,123 feet)). At these temples, you will discover the mysticism of the ritual offering to Mother Earth, then enjoy incredible views of Lake Titicaca, where you will await the magical moment of sunset. Upon descending, you will share a special dinner with your host family before immersing yourselves in the joy of a show featuring traditional music and dances. You will even have the opportunity to try on traditional clothing from the area before spending the night in the tranquility of the island.

On the second day, after enjoying a traditional breakfast in Amantaní (at your hosts’ homes), you will prepare to begin the hike to the island’s port and then sail to your third destination: Taquile Island, world-renowned for the excellence of its textiles and handicrafts, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (since 2005). Upon arrival You will be welcomed by residents of the Taquile community, and then begin the ascent accompanied by your guide, who will tell you more about the island’s geography, history, customs, and other details about its inhabitants.

Once you reach the island’s main square, you will have time to visit the main shop selling their famous woven goods, called “Asociación Artesanal Santiago” (Santiago Artisan Association). Here you will find hats, socks, sashes, bags, and other local textiles. Next, you will have the opportunity to participate in a dance with the residents of Taquile, who will be dressed in their traditional costumes, allowing you to experience a unique cultural moment. To conclude our visit to this island, we will go to the home of one of the families, where we will enjoy a local lunch (trout or a vegetable omelet as a vegetarian option, not included). You will also have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate some of the island’s customs.

Finally, you will have time to enjoy some natural viewpoints from which you can appreciate the vastness of the lake, and you can also take photos. Photos at the arch that marks the starting point of the walk down to the port to board the return boat (there will be approximately 500 steps), then board our boat and begin the return trip to the city, arriving in Puno at approximately 16:00 hours. The trip will culminate with the private transfer of the group from the Puno pier to the Plaza de Armas of the city.