Immerse yourself in the magic of the highest navigable lake in the world by visiting the floating islands of Uros, where locals build their homes with totora reeds and live off fishing and handicrafts. We’ll continue to the island of Amantaní, where the inhabitants will welcome you with music, singing, and traditional clothing, sharing their tradition and culture. Then, they will take you to their homes, where you can enjoy their hospitality. Later, we will ascend to the temples of Pachamama and Pachatata to take in spectacular sunset views. In the evening, enjoy a party with traditional Andean music.
On the following day, sail toward Taquile Island, internationally renowned for its textile tradition. Observe how its residents preserve ancestral customs reflected in colorful weavings, and conclude your experience with a typical lunch before returning to Puno. Since you will spend only one night away, it is recommended to bring only the essentials and leave large luggage at your hotel in Puno.
At 7:40 am, you will be picked up at your hotel in Puno and taken to the port, where you will board the boat at 8:00. From 8:00 to 8:30, you will explore the floating islands of Uros, built with totora reeds. You will learn how these islands remain afloat and discover the inhabitants’ activities.
At 8:30, you will depart by boat toward Amantaní Island. The navigation lasts until approximately 10:00, although arrival at the Amantaní port usually happens around 1:00 pm. After disembarking, you will be greeted by local families and, following a 30-minute walk along panoramic trails, you will reach the homes on Amantaní. There, at 2:00 pm, you will enjoy lunch prepared with fresh Andean ingredients (potatoes, carrots, onions, among others).
After lunch, around 4:00, your host family will take you to the top of the island to visit the ceremonial temples of Pachamama and Pachatata. You will have about an hour to admire the sunset and the majesty of Lake Titicaca. Around 6:00, you will return to the local house for dinner.
Around 8:00, a party will begin in the communal house or another venue arranged by the community, where locals play traditional music on instruments such as the quena, zampoña, and drum. During this celebration, men may wear a poncho and chullo, while women wear a skirt, chumpi, jacket, and brightly colored hat typical of Amantaní. The festivities end at around 10:00, at which point you will return to the house to rest.
At 7:00 am, you will have breakfast with a privileged view of Lake Titicaca. At 8:00, you will depart by boat for Taquile Island, arriving around 9:00. There, you will walk along a path up to the main area, reaching the island’s main square at around 10:30.
Taquile is internationally recognized for its textile tradition, and you can observe how its residents maintain deeply rooted customs reflected in their clothing and weaving. At noon, you will go to a local restaurant to enjoy a typical lunch, surrounded by panoramic views of the lake. At 1:30, you will head back to the dock to board the boat returning to Puno, arriving around 4:00 in the afternoon, thus concluding this two-day experience on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Pickups are made from hotels near Puno’s main square.
The Uros and Taquile Islands, declared by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” are located on Lake Titicaca, considered the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters above sea level. Each island has its own distinct characteristics, and the inhabitants here preserve their traditions and customs.
The Uros Island, also known as the floating islands, is built entirely from totora, a plant that grows in marshy areas, and is constantly renewed to keep it afloat. The inhabitants lead a peaceful life on this island. It is located near the city of Puno, and many islanders make a daily trip to Puno for work or shopping. On Uros, you will appreciate the inhabitants’ lifestyle, which is mainly based on fishing, hunting, and making crafts using totora reeds.
Meanwhile, Taquile Island stands out for its deeply rooted textile tradition. Spinning and weaving are mainly done by men starting at about eight years of age. The garments they wear help distinguish each inhabitant’s marital status: single men wear a red and white chullo (Andean hat), while married men wear a completely red one. Women also differ by the size and color of the pompom on their hats: single women wear a larger and more colorful pompom than married women. When you visit both islands, you can immerse yourself in their ancient history, admire their traditional attire, discover the secrets of their worldview, and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the Andes.