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Experience an authentic cultural journey on Lake Titicaca during this one-day tour of the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island. In the experience, you will sail through the waters of the highest navigable lake in the world and discover the ancestral way of life of the communities that inhabit the totora islands. An unforgettable experience of culture, nature, and tradition amidst the stunning landscapes of Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca, Uros and Taquile tour 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.
- Time with local communities: Get to know the traditions, customs and ancestral way of life of the people of the Uros and Taquile islands.
- 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.
Programme summary
Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Taquile – Puno
Sail across Lake Titicaca and visit the emblematic Uros floating islands to discover their ancestral traditions. Continue to Taquile Island to walk its paths, discover its renowned textile tradition and enjoy a traditional lunch, before returning to Puno in the afternoon.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day |
| Start time | 7:30 a.m. |
| Walking time | 1 hour and 30 minutes on Taquile Island |
| Boat travel | Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes between the Uros and Taquile |
| Maximum altitude | Taquile Island: 3,950 m / 12,959 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 5 °C and 18 °C / 41 °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.
- Taquile Island (3,950 m / 12,959 ft): 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 and Taquile tour itinerary
Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Taquile – Puno
A full day sailing Lake Titicaca and discovering the ancestral traditions of the communities that have made these waters their home for centuries.
- The adventure begins at 7:30 a.m. with the pickup from your hotel in Puno and the transfer to the port, where we board a tourist boat to sail to the emblematic Uros floating islands, with panoramic views of the highest navigable lake in the world.
- The Uros islands, built entirely from totora reeds, are home to communities that keep an ancestral way of life. We visit two of them to learn about their traditions and how the islands are built and maintained, meeting their inhabitants.
- There is free time to walk around the islands and take photographs. Those who wish can take an optional ride on the traditional totora reed boats (not included).
- We continue sailing for about two and a half hours to Taquile Island, known for its extraordinary textile tradition, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- On arrival we take a pleasant walk of about 1 hour and 30 minutes along its paths, with spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, learning about the customs of the local community.
- We enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local produce and have time to visit the main square and browse its handicraft shops.
- At the end of the visit we sail back to Puno, arriving in the afternoon, and transfer you to your hotel, completing an authentic cultural experience on Lake Titicaca.
What the Lake Titicaca, Uros and Taquile tour includes
Guaranteed entrance fees
- Entrance to the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island, 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.
Meals
- Traditional lunch on Taquile Island, prepared with local produce.
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 floating islands, sailing to 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.
- Drinks with meals.
- Optional ride on the traditional 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.
Lake Titicaca, Uros and Taquile tour price
Rates
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| General rate Shared service, from 1 passenger | 45 USD |
The rate covers the transfers in Puno, the boat trip on the lake, the entrance fees to the Uros and Taquile, the guiding and the traditional lunch.
Plan your visit
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. 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 day in Puno beforehand; if you are arriving from Cusco or Arequipa, you will already be acclimatised.
What to bring to Lake Titicaca, Uros and Taquile
These are the most important items for this day 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 excursion.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for handicrafts and personal expenses.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes or trekking shoes for the walk on Taquile.
- Comfortable, warm clothing in layers.
- 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.
Important considerations
- The weather can change during the day, with cold mornings and strong sun at midday.
- Travel light for more comfort during the walk and the boat trip.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions about Lake Titicaca, Uros 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 a short, relaxed walk on Taquile of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, 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, so we recommend spending at least one day in Puno beforehand. If you are arriving from Cusco or Arequipa, you will already be acclimatised.
What time does the tour start?
At 7:30 a.m., with the pickup from your hotel in Puno and the transfer to the port. The return is in the afternoon, with a transfer back to your hotel.
How long is the boat trip?
Sailing between the Uros islands and Taquile takes about two and a half hours, in addition to the journeys between the port of Puno and the islands.
What kind of boat is used?
Authorised motorised tourist boats, comfortable and safe, ideal for crossing Lake Titicaca and visiting the Uros and Taquile islands.
How many Uros islands do you visit?
We visit two floating islands, where you will learn how they are built from totora reeds, about the community's traditions and about their way of life on the lake.
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.
Is lunch included?
Yes. The tour includes a traditional lunch on Taquile Island, prepared with local produce. Drinks with meals are not included.
Is breakfast included?
No. Breakfast is not included, so we recommend having it at your hotel before the pickup.
Are there toilets along the route?
Yes. You will find toilets on the Uros islands and on Taquile, as well as at some restaurants and visitor points.
How are the transfers arranged?
The tour includes the pickup from your hotel in Puno, the transfer to the port, all the sailing between the islands and the transfer from the port back to your hotel.
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 walk on Taquile.
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, warm clothing, suitable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, 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.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Puno before the tour starts, or according to the payment instructions given by your sales representative.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes. During the tour, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel, 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 travel experiences 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.
