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Experience an authentic cultural journey on Lake Titicaca during this 2-day tour of the Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile islands. On the journey, you will learn about the ancestral way of life of the communities that inhabit the floating reed islands, as well as live with local families and discover their traditions amidst stunning landscapes. An unforgettable journey of cultural exchange, nature, and tradition on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Lake Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile experience overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your trip with complete confidence.
- Genuine time with a local family: Spend a day with a family on Amantaní and discover their traditions, customs and way of life at first hand.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience you will have our guide with you, answering your questions and providing information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural scenery and the cultural richness of the destination.
Itinerary summary
Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Amantaní
Sail across Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating islands and continue to Amantaní. Share an experience with a local family, enjoy a traditional lunch and watch the sunset from the Pachatata temple. The night is spent in a family home in the community.
Amantaní – Taquile – Puno
After breakfast, visit Taquile Island, known for its landscapes and for its textile tradition, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage. After lunch, you sail back to Puno.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days and 1 night |
| Start time | 7:30 a.m., with pickup at your hotel in Puno |
| Day 1 walk | 1 hour and 30 minutes on Amantaní, up to the Pachatata temple |
| Day 2 walk | 1 hour and 30 minutes on Taquile Island |
| Maximum altitude | Pachatata temple, Amantaní: 4,130 m / 13,550 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Lake Titicaca: 3,810 m / 12,500 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, because of the altitude |
| Temperature | Between 3 °C and 18 °C / 37 °F and 64 °F, depending on the season |
Highlights
- Uros floating islands (3,810 m / 12,500 ft): the famous islands built from totora reeds, home to one of the most emblematic communities of Lake Titicaca.
- Amantaní Island (4,130 m / 13,550 ft at the Pachatata temple): share an authentic experience with a local family and get to know their customs, food and ancestral way of life.
- Taquile Island: an island known for its Andean landscapes and its textile tradition, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Lake Titicaca: the highest navigable lake in the world, with impressive natural scenery in the heart of the Andean altiplano.
Lake Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile itinerary
Two days to sail the waters of Lake Titicaca and discover the living culture of its ancestral communities.
Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Amantaní
From the reed islands to a night in a family home on Amantaní.
- The adventure begins at 7:30 a.m. with the pickup from your hotel in Puno and the transfer to the port, where we set sail on the highest navigable lake in the world.
- Our first stop is the impressive Uros floating islands, built entirely from totora reeds. We learn about the history, traditions and way of life of a community that has lived on these waters for generations, with time to walk around the islands and meet their inhabitants. Those who wish can take an optional ride on the traditional reed boats (not included).
- We continue to Amantaní Island, where a local family gives us a warm welcome. We share a traditional lunch prepared with local produce and learn about their customs and the community's daily life.
- In the afternoon we walk for about 1 hour and 30 minutes up to the ceremonial temple of Pachatata (4,130 m above sea level), which offers one of the most spectacular views of Lake Titicaca at sunset.
- At nightfall, those who wish can join a traditional Andean celebration with the host families, wearing typical clothing and sharing local music and dances. Dinner and overnight in the family home.
Amantaní – Taquile – Puno
The island of the weavers and the return to Puno.
- After a traditional breakfast we say goodbye to our host families and sail to Taquile Island, known for its extraordinary textile tradition, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- We take a pleasant walk of about 1 hour and 30 minutes up to the main square, learning about the customs of its people, admiring their colourful handwoven textiles and visiting their small handicraft shops.
- We enjoy lunch on the island, with views of the lake and local produce.
- We walk down to the port to sail back to Puno, arriving in the afternoon, and transfer you to your hotel, completing an experience that reveals the authentic culture of Lake Titicaca.
What the Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile experience includes
Guaranteed entrance fees
- Entrance to the Uros floating islands, Amantaní and Taquile, arranged within the service.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour briefing. The day before, our team will give you all the information about the programme, the times and the recommendations so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), who will share the history, culture and traditions of the Lake Titicaca communities throughout the tour.
- Assistance during the tour, with our team available to coordinate every detail of the programme.
Accommodation
- 1 night in a family home on Amantaní, with simple, clean and comfortable rooms, so you can experience local life and community tourism at first hand.
Meals
- Day 1: traditional lunch and dinner prepared by the host family.
- Day 2: traditional breakfast and lunch on Taquile Island.
Transfers and sailing
- Pickup from your hotel in Puno and transfer to the port.
- Tourist boat for the whole trip on Lake Titicaca: visit to the Uros, sailing to Amantaní and Taquile, and the return to Puno.
- Transfer from the port back to your hotel in Puno at the end of the tour.
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Drinks with meals.
- Optional ride on the totora reed boats at the Uros islands.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile experience price
Rates
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| General rate Shared service, from 1 passenger | 65 USD |
The rate covers the transfers in Puno, the boat trip on the lake, the entrance fees to the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile, the guiding, the night in a family home and the meals listed in the programme.
Plan your trip
We recommend booking between 4 weeks and 2 months ahead, especially in high season (May to September) and on public holidays, to secure the availability of the services and of the host families. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Totora reed boat ride | On request | A short ride on the traditional reed boats during the visit to the Uros, paid directly on the island. |
| Private service | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings and more time on each island. |
Before you book
The tour runs all year round, subject to the weather and the operating conditions on the lake. The dry season, from April to October, offers sunnier days and clearer skies, while the rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes. As the tour takes place above 3,800 m above sea level, we recommend spending at least one night in Puno beforehand; if you are arriving from Cusco or Arequipa, you will already have started to acclimatise. On Amantaní the accommodation is community-based: the houses have basic services, with electricity at limited times and hot water depending on the home assigned.
What to bring to Lake Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile
These are the most important items for these two days on the altiplano.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A small backpack for the excursions and for what you need for the night on Amantaní.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for handicrafts and personal expenses.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes or trekking shoes for the walks on Amantaní and Taquile.
- Comfortable walking clothes and warm clothing for the night, which is cold on the island.
- Windproof or waterproof jacket.
- A sun hat and a woolly hat for the cold hours.
- Sunglasses.
Personal items
- Sunscreen, essential because of the strong altiplano sun.
- Personal medication and basic toiletries.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Power bank, as electricity on Amantaní is limited.
- Torch or head torch, recommended for the night on the island.
Important considerations
- The weather can change during the day, with cold mornings and nights and strong sun at midday.
- Travel light for more comfort during the walks and the boat trips.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
- The tour takes place above 3,800 m above sea level: walk at a calm pace and stay hydrated.
- On Amantaní the family homes have basic services; electricity may be available only at certain hours and hot water varies from house to house.
Frequently asked questions about Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní and Taquile
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal for travellers who want to discover Lake Titicaca in an authentic way, sharing experiences with local communities and learning about their traditions, culture and landscapes.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy to moderate. It includes two short, relaxed walks of about 1 hour and 30 minutes each, suitable for most travellers. The main consideration is the altitude.
Do I need to be acclimatised before the tour?
Yes. Lake Titicaca is at 3,810 m above sea level and the Pachatata temple reaches 4,130 m, so we recommend spending at least one night in Puno beforehand. If you are travelling from Cusco or Arequipa, you will normally already have started to acclimatise.
What time does the tour start?
At 7:30 a.m. on the first day, with the pickup from your hotel in Puno and the transfer to the port. On the second day the return to Puno is in the afternoon, with a transfer to your hotel.
What is the accommodation on Amantaní like?
You stay in the home of a local family. The rooms are simple, clean and comfortable, and let you experience genuine community tourism.
Is there electricity and hot water on Amantaní?
The family homes have basic services. Some have electricity at limited times and hot water can vary depending on the home assigned. We recommend bringing a torch and a power bank.
What are the host families like?
The local families will welcome you with traditional Andean hospitality and share their way of life, customs and food with you during your stay on the island.
Which meals are included?
The programme includes 2 lunches, dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second. Breakfast on the first day and drinks with meals are not included.
Is the Andean celebration on Amantaní included?
Yes, it is part of the experience with the host families and it is optional: those who wish can take part wearing typical clothing and sharing local music and dances.
Is the totora reed boat ride included?
No. The ride on the traditional reed boats is optional and has an extra cost, paid directly on the island.
How are the transfers arranged?
The tour includes the transfers to and from your hotel in Puno, as well as all the sailing by tourist boat between the islands.
What kind of boat is used?
Authorised motorised tourist boats, comfortable and safe, ideal for crossing Lake Titicaca and visiting the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile islands.
When is the best time to visit Lake Titicaca?
It can be visited all year round. The dry season, from April to October, offers sunnier days and clearer skies, while the rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes and a different experience.
Does the tour run every day?
Yes, all year round, subject to the weather and the operating conditions on Lake Titicaca.
What age is this tour recommended for?
It is recommended for travellers of all ages. Children must travel with an adult, and older travellers can do the tour provided they are in adequate physical condition for the walks.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome and will share the experience with the other participants in the group.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking between 4 weeks and 2 months ahead, especially in high season (May to September) and on public holidays, to guarantee the availability of the services.
What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable clothing and warm layers for the night on the island, suitable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a torch, personal medication and cash for handicrafts. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A guarantee per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes. During the tour, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel in Puno, free of charge.
Should I tip?
Tips are entirely voluntary. Our whole team is fairly paid, so any gratuity is at your discretion.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Peru's main destinations. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
