Discover the floating islands and an Andean community on the Uros Taquile Full Day Tour, a special journey across Lake Titicaca. This itinerary includes a visit to the Uros Floating Islands, made entirely of totora reeds, and a boat ride to Taquile Island, known for its living traditions and unique textiles.
It’s an ideal tour for families, with small groups and friendly guides who speak both Spanish and English. During the tour, you will see how people live on the lake and learn about the Uro-Aymara culture.
On Taquile, you will discover the famous UNESCO-recognized textiles, where each design tells a story through colors and symbols. You will also enjoy a typical dance performance and a communal lunch with local dishes like lake trout, quinoa, and native potatoes.
Important: The totora reed boat ride is not included in the tour, but you can arrange it directly on the islands if you wish.
All of this is part of a single experience: the Uros Taquile Full Day Tour, an accessible, cultural activity perfect for all travelers.
Summary
During the Uros Taquile Full Day Tour, you will visit two unique destinations that showcase how communities live on Lake Titicaca. This tour takes you to discover two very special Andean cultures: the Uros and the inhabitants of Taquile.
First, you will visit the Uros Floating Islands, made entirely of totora reeds, an aquatic plant from the lake. There, you will meet families who live on these islands and learn how they build their homes, boats, and handicrafts using this ancestral material. You can take unique photos in the middle of the lake and, if you wish, arrange a ride on the totora reed boats directly on the islands (this service is not included in the tour).
Then, you will sail to Taquile Island, a place full of tradition and joy. Its inhabitants are globally recognized for their textiles, declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You will see up close how each design tells a story through symbols and colors and learn about its cultural significance.
You will also enjoy a traditional lunch at a community restaurant, with dishes like lake trout, quinoa, and native potatoes.
During your visit, you will witness a typical dance performance full of color, music, and Andean rhythm—an experience that delights both young and old. From the top of the island, you will have impressive panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, ideal for photography and contemplation.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Tour Schedule: 6:40 AM – 5:00 PM
We’ll start our Puno Full Day Tour by picking you up from your hotel and heading to the port, where we’ll board a boat bound for the Floating Islands of Uros in Puno. In this fascinating place, you’ll have the chance to take amazing photos and see up close how the locals build and maintain these unique islands.
Next, we’ll continue to Taquile Island, where you’ll witness how the locals have preserved their identity and traditions over time. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch and a cultural show featuring typical dances from the region.
Once the show ends, we’ll return to the port and head back to the city of Puno, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Includes
Includes
- Hotel pick-up (from central locations)
- Boat transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Lunch (fried trout or omelet)
Not Included
- Reed boat rides
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to the islands
- Snacks and/or soft drinks
Important Information
- Hotel pick-ups are only available from central locations, near Puno’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas) and close to the port.
- If your hotel is located far from the historic center, the meeting point will be at the port.
- The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before the tour.
- Our tour ends at Puno’s Main Square or the port.
Recommendations
Recommendations:
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat or cap
- Camera or phone with a full battery
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Energy snacks
- Identification document (National ID if you are Peruvian / Passport if you are a foreigner)
To make the most of your Uros Taquile Full Day Tour, wear comfortable, layered clothing. On Lake Titicaca, temperatures can change rapidly, even in summer.
If you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes, use sunglasses that protect against the wind and dust, which are common in the altiplano.
Fully charge your phone or camera before leaving, as there is no electricity on the islands. This way, you can take photos of the floating islands, the Taquile textiles, and the dance performance without worry.
Also, bring a small first-aid kit with basic medicines, especially if you are traveling with children or elderly individuals.
Remember: Your ID or passport is mandatory for boarding the boat and visiting the islands.
FAQ
What time does the tour start and end?
Hotel pickup in Puno is typically between 6:45 and 7:15 a.m. The tour ends around 5:00 p.m., back in the city.
Do you pick me up at my hotel, or do I need to go to a meeting point?
If your hotel is in downtown Puno, we will pick you up without any issue. If it’s further out, we will coordinate a nearby meeting point.
How difficult is the tour?
It is an easy tour, suitable for all ages. There is only a short, gentle walk on Taquile Island, but you will have plenty of time to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
What clothes and items should I bring?
We recommend comfortable clothes, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket (as it’s often cold in the morning and evening), and some cash for purchases or tips.
What does the lunch include? Can I request a vegetarian menu?
Yes, the typical lunch on Taquile includes trout or chicken with Andean side dishes. If you prefer a vegetarian option or have any special dietary needs, just let us know when you book.
Does the guide speak Spanish and English?
Yes, all our tours are conducted with bilingual guides (Spanish and English). If you need another language, we can arrange it for a private tour.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Lake Titicaca can be visited year-round. If conditions are very poor, we will reschedule the tour or offer you alternatives.
Can I do this tour privately?
Absolutely. If you are traveling with family, as a couple, or with a group of friends and want a private tour, we can organize it for you.
Additional
Additional Information
This tour is designed for people of all ages, although we recommend that children be at least 4 years old and always accompanied by an adult. The peak seasons are from June to August and December, so we suggest booking in advance, especially if you want a tour with flexible cancellation.
At Top Inka Travel, we work with small groups of maximum 12 people, which guarantees personalized attention and greater comfort. We also offer the option of a private tour, ideal for families or travelers seeking an exclusive experience.
Our boats are fast and safe, perfect for those who want to enjoy the journey in peace and take advantage of each stop for photography. Furthermore, our guides are locals, many of them Quechua speakers born in the region, which provides a more authentic narrative about the Uro-Aymara culture and life on Lake Titicaca.
Another of our key differentiators is access to less-visited areas of Taquile, away from the conventional tourist routes, allowing for a more intimate experience of the lake. We also include a real demonstration of floating island construction and, on some departures, a typical dance performance on Taquile, adding a unique, immersive, and cultural focus.
Why Choose Us
- Over 15 years of experience organizing tours in Puno and southern Peru.
- Guaranteed safety on all our boats and services.
- Certified local guides, fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua.
- Authentic experiences that combine history, nature, and tradition.
Whether you choose the small group tour or a private tour from Puno, we guarantee a safe, enriching, and transformative experience on Lake Titicaca.
If you are looking for a journey that combines living culture, unique landscapes, and direct contact with local communities, this is the ideal tour for you.
