Highlights
- Walk on an island built with a totora and feel under your feet the slight flexibility of a floating platform raised and maintained by families of the Uros.
- Learn how an artificial island is renovated, how the totora is used to manufacture homes, boats and everyday objects, and how this plant sustains much of the local life.
- Navigate the Peruvian sector of Lake Titicaca, surrounded by blue water, extensive totorals and high plateau elevations that are distinguished on clear days.
- Observe the textile work of taquileño men and women. This practice is part of the daily life of the community and was inscribed by UNESCO in its representative list of intangible cultural heritage. (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
- Travel with a Spanish- and English-speaking guide, tasked with explaining the context of each island and facilitating a respectful interaction with its inhabitants.
- Stay longer on the lake, rather than limit yourself to a few hours departure from Puno.
Trip Details
- Route: Puno – Floating Islands of the Uros – Amantani – Taquile – Puno.
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
- Start point: Hotel located in the urban area of Puno.
- Ground transportation: Tourist vehicle between the hotel and the port of Puno.
- Lake transport: Shared tourist boat or private boat, according to the reserved mode.
- Accommodation: A night in Amantaní’s family home.
- Proposed food: Two lunches, a dinner and a breakfast.
- Guide: Tourism professional in Spanish and English.
- Difficulty: Moderate for altitude, stairs and slopes.
- Departure: Subject to weather conditions, navigation and availability of community accommodation.
Itinerary
Puno – Floating Islands of the Uros – Amantani
Highlight of the day: Walk on a totora platform and share the afternoon and evening with a family of Amantaní.
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the harbor
At 7:30 a.m., the Peceros Agency Travel team will pick you up at a hotel located within the urban area of Puno. The land transfer to the port will be short and will be carried out by tourist vehicle.
Before boarding, the guide will explain the route, the lake conditions and some recommendations for high-altitude walking.
Navigation to the islands of the Uros
The first navigation crosses the bay of Puno and its totoral areas. During the tour you can feel the cold air of the morning, even on sunny days, so it is advisable to keep a casaca by hand.
Arriving on one of the traveler-enabled islands, a local family will explain how root blocks and dry totora layers overlap to form and maintain the platform.
The islands of the Uros are artificial structures made with totora and are part of a community whose life is closely linked to the lake.
The surface may feel soft and slightly unstable during the first steps. It does not represent a difficult walk, but it is better to move forward carefully and follow the instructions of the guide.
On some islands an optional ride is offered on a traditional totora boat. This service is usually managed directly by the inhabitants and is paid separately.
Navigation to Amantaní
After the stay in the Uros, the boat will continue to Amantani. This section lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the type of boat, wind and the state of the lake. The usual sailing times between Uros and Amantani are around three hours in conventional boats.
During the journey there will be moments with little movement on board. Bring water, sun protection, hat, and anti-dizziness medication when needed.
Arrival in Amantaní and family reception
Around 1:00 p.m., host families will receive the group and accompany you to their homes. The route may include a short or moderate climb along dirt and stone roads.
The rooms are simple. They usually have beds, sheets and several blankets, but do not offer the facilities of an urban hotel. This simplicity is part of the Community modality.
Lunch will be prepared by the host family with products available on the island. Food is usually homemade and predominantly vegetarian due to the conditions of supply.
Optional hike to Pachatata
In the afternoon there will be an optional walk to the ceremonial temple of Pachatata. The ascent develops on dirt and stone paths, with continuous slopes.
The route is not technical, but it can feel demanding due to altitude. Sometimes tiredness appears earlier than expected, even in people who frequently walk at sea level.
The guide will keep a gradual pace and pause when the group needs it. From the high areas you get a wide view of the lake, the agricultural plots and the mountains of the highlands.
At the end, the decrease will be made by the same sector or by an equivalent communal route. The temperature drops rapidly after sunset.
Dinner and night at family home
Dinner will be served in the host family home. Then you will have time to talk, know aspects of your routine or rest.
On some outings, the community organizes a small presentation with music and local clothing. This activity depends on the organization of the day and should not be understood as an obligation for families or as a permanent spectacle.
Technical Details
- Initial transportation: Tourist vehicle from the hotel to the port.
- Walking time: Between 1 and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Minimum altitude: Approximately 3,810 meters.
- Difficulty: Moderate for altitude.
- Land: Totora, compacted earth, stone and earrings.
- Food: Lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: Family home in Amantaní.
Amantani – Taquile – Puno
Highlight of the day: Tour the communal roads of Taquile and learn how its tissues communicate age, marital status and functions within the community.
Breakfast in the family home
At 7:00 a.m., the family will serve a simple breakfast before the farewell. The luggage must remain organized, since the transfer to the dock is usually done walking.
The descent may include irregular steps and stone sections. It is advisable to wear shoes with good traction.
Navigation to Taquile
At 8:00 a.m., the boat will depart for Taquile. The tour takes about an hour, although the weather can vary by wind and authorized landing point.
Taquile is located in Lake Titicaca and its textile work is developed daily by men and women of different ages. Garments also serve social functions within the community. (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Taquile Walk
Around 9:30 a.m., the guided tour will begin. Depending on the port used, the hike can start with a sustained slope or include stone stairs.
The landscape consists of agricultural terraces, walls, communal trails and houses distributed at different heights. The pass will be slow because the island is located about 4,000 meters above sea level.
The guide will explain aspects of the communal organization, the use of clothing and the elaboration of garments. When artisans show their products, the purchase will be completely voluntary.
Lunch in Taquile
At 12:00 p.m., a lunch will be served in a communal restaurant or establishment run by island residents.
The usual menu may include soup, trout or a vegetarian alternative, accompanied by Andean products. The exact menu will depend on the season and the assigned provider.
Return to Puno
At 1:30 p.m., the return navigation will begin. The journey to Puno can take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours on a conventional boat.
During the afternoon the wind can increase and generate greater movement in the boat. Keep a warm garment, water and your personal items inside a closed backpack.
The arrival at the port is scheduled around 4:00 p.m. From there, a vehicle will move passengers to their hotels within the urban area of Puno.
Technical Details
- Initial transportation: Walk from the house to the dock.
- Final transport: Tourist vehicle from the port to the hotel.
- Walking time: Between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Approximate altitude: Between 3,810 and 4,050 meters.
- Difficulty:
- Land: Stone stairs, cobbled paths and dirt trails.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Inclusions
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Boat transportation for the lake or river segment described in the itinerary.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Entry into the Floating Islands of the Uros. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Entry to the island of Amantaní. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- I’m entering Taquile Island. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- A night at the family home of Amantani. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- A basic room with bed and blankets. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Lunch at a selected local restaurant; dietary requests must be reported in advance.
- Dinner according to the program and the service available at the overnight location.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Coordination with host families. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Assisted by Peceros Agency Travel. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Information prior to departure. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Flights to or from Juliaca.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Transfer between Juliaca airport and Puno.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Optional ride on traditional totora boat.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Single room, except for pre-hiring.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Expenses caused by delays outside the company.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Services not expressly mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Traditional totora boat ride; Reference Price: From PEN 15 per person
- Single room in Amantaní, subject to availability; Reference Price: From USD 20
- Special lunch or custom diet menu; Reference Price: From USD 15
- Private transfer from Juliaca airport to Puno; Reference Price: From USD 55 per vehicle
- Private transfer from Puno to Juliaca airport; Reference Price: From USD 55 per vehicle
- Cusco–Puno tourist bus with stops; Reference Price: From USD 65 per person
- Cusco–Puno Night Bus; Reference Price: From USD 30 per person
- Private service Cusco–Puno; Reference Price: From USD 280 per vehicle
- Speedboat instead of conventional boat; Reference Price: From USD 35 per person
- Guide in a language other than Spanish or English; Reference Price: Low Quote
- Additional night in Puno; Reference Price: Low Quote
- Additional night with local family; Reference Price: From USD 35 per person
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
Operation organized from Puno
Peceros Agency Travel coordinates pick-up, port transfers, navigation, entrances, guide, food and family housing. This reduces the need to negotiate each service separately during the tour.
Working with local families
The route takes place in direct contact with families of the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile. Our commitment is to coordinate services with respect, pay for agreed benefits and avoid behaviors that turn community life into a simple staging.
Experienced Guides
Our guides explain the context of the lake, the techniques of construction with totora, the organization of the islands and the sense of clothing. They also help manage the pace of the group when the altitude begins to feel.
Carefully Coordinated Meals
Meals are mainly prepared in family homes and communal restaurants. We work to make the products handled correctly and to communicate allergies or restrictions in advance.
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