SHARED
SERVICE
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Distance:
0
Difficulty:
Moderate
Ideal:
All
Lake Titicaca Uros Amantani and Taquile Islands Tour
Experience the magic of Lake Titicaca's Uros, Amantani, and Taquile Islands Tour on a 2-day, 1-night cultural tour. Sail across the world’s highest navigable lake and immerse yourself in the life of the communities that preserve their ancestral customs. On this trip, you’ll visit the Uros Floating Islands, made of reeds, and learn about their way of life; continue to Amantani Island, where you will enjoy an authentic homestay, sharing meals and customs with a local family; and discover Taquile Island, renowned for its traditional textiles recognized by UNESCO.
Perfect for those who want to combine culture, nature, and local people with local guides, a trip for anyone looking to go beyond tourism and experience the Altiplano.
Lake Titicaca 2 Day Tour from Puno
Day 1: Puno – Uros – Amantani.
We start the tour from the Plaza de Armas or by picking you up from your hotel in downtown Puno in a tourist transport to the Lake Titicaca port. From the port, we'll take a boat and begin our journey to the Uros floating islands. Your guide will explain the activities, construction, and maintenance of the island, along with the local inhabitants. You can also take a 15-minute ride on a traditional totora reed canoe. The Uros floating islands are built by local people using totora reeds harvested from the lake itself. Children on the Uros islands go to school in totora boats. The locals display and sell their handicrafts. After spending time with the local families, we'll continue by boat to Amantani Island, located within Lake Titicaca. Once you arrive at Amantani, you'll meet the families of the Amantani community for your homestay. Each family hosts 2, 3, or 4 people, providing accommodation and serving lunch. To reach your host family's home, you'll have to walk for about 15 to 20 minutes uphill.
After lunch, you'll have free time to explore and discover Amantani Island by walking up the cobblestone paths to two ceremonial sites: Pachamama and Pachatata. From these sites, you'll have panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. Once you've explored the area, you'll return to your host family's house where dinner will be ready. At 8:00 PM, you'll enjoy a small celebration with the local people, dressing in typical Amantani island costumes before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Day 2: Amantani – Taquile – Puno.
We'll start with an energizing breakfast prepared by the locals. After breakfast, your host will accompany you to the Amantani port, where we'll rejoin the rest of the group on the boat. Once everyone is together, we'll begin the 45-minute boat ride to Taquile Island. Upon arriving at Taquile's shore, we'll leave our backpacks on the boat. Then, we'll begin the walk up the cobblestone path to Taquile's Plaza de Armas. You'll have free time to explore the small town of Taquile. If you wish, you can buy handmade local crafts. The locals organize dances and cultural demonstrations, and you can participate in the dancing with them and other visitors. Your guide will explain all the details of the area.
After our free time, we'll head to a host family's house for lunch. After lunch, we'll go to Taquile's port, board the boat, and begin our 2.5-hour return journey to Puno. Finally, we'll arrive at Lake Titicaca's port in Puno. From the boat port, we'll walk 5 to 8 minutes to where our transport will be waiting. The transport will then take us to our hotel in downtown Puno between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Included / Not Included
INCLUDES:
-
Transportation from the hotel to Lake Titicaca port (and vice versa).
- Entrance tickets to the Islands (Uros, Amantani, and Taquile).
- Normal boat transfer.
- First aid equipment.
- Official Spanish and English-speaking tour guide.
- Accommodation on Amantani Island and meals: Dishes are prepared using local products (potatoes, oca, quinoa, eggs, and cheese): breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Other items not mentioned in the tour.
What to bring
A visit to Lake Titicaca, which includes an overnight stay in Amantani, requires careful preparation. Here's what you'll need for your comfort and protection, keeping in mind the high-altitude climate and island conditions:
Base Layers (First Skin): For cold nights in Amantani, it's essential to bring thermal clothing (long-sleeve shirts and pants).
Mid-Layers: A warm fleece or sweater. Alpaca wool is excellent for its warmth and lightness.
Outer Layers: A windproof and waterproof jacket is essential to withstand the cold lake winds and unexpected precipitation.
Comfortable Pants: Perfect for walking, such as hiking pants.
Socks: Several pairs of wool or thermal socks to keep your feet warm.
Sleepwear: Warm pajamas, as homes in Amantani typically don't have central heating.
Small Backpack or Daypack: To carry your daily essentials during the excursion.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Lighting in Amantani homes can be limited or subject to power interruptions.
Portable Power Bank: To charge your phone or camera, as access to electrical outlets may be limited.
Additional Snacks: You'll need some energy boosters during the excursion.
Trekking Shoes or Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes: Sturdy enough for walking the trails on Taquile and Amantani.
Sandals or Flip-flops: Optional, for use in the host family's home.
Wool Hat or Chullo: Essential for protecting your head from the cold, particularly at night.
Gloves: One warm pair.
Scarf or Neck Gaiter: To protect your throat and neck from the cold wind.
Sunglasses: At high altitudes, UV radiation is extremely high.
Sunscreen: High SPF, to apply generously and reapply throughout the day.
Lip Balm: To prevent your lips from becoming chapped due to sun and cold.
Personal Medications: If you take any specific medication, bring it with you.
Altitude Sickness Pills: Consult with your doctor before departing.
Candies or Coca Leaves: A common natural solution to alleviate minor symptoms of altitude sickness.
Pain Relievers: For headaches (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
Small Personal Hygiene Kit: Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo (in travel sizes). A small-sized towel can also be practical.
Insect Repellent: Although not frequent, it's better to be prepared.
Original Passport or ID: Always carry it with you.
Cash (Peruvian Soles): Very important! There are no ATMs or card acceptance on the islands. You'll need cash to purchase handicrafts (you'll be directly supporting the communities), for the optional totora reed boat ride in Uros (around S/ 10), and for tips.
Copies of Documents: Keep copies of your passport/ID in a separate place.
Travel Insurance: It's highly advisable to have coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation.
Travel Information
How many days do I need to acclimatize before the hike?
It's very important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a tour of the islands in Puno. We recommend you arrive in Puno at least 2 days before your hike begins to help you acclimatize and avoid potential problems with altitude sickness during the tour. If you've already been to another high-altitude area in Peru before arriving in Puno, we still suggest having a full day in Puno to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the experience.
Pickup
Pickup is done early in the morning; tours may start slightly earlier or later. It's important that you are ready in your hotel lobby at the time indicated by the guide or operations staff. Pickup is round-trip from your hotel, with return transfer back to the hotel at the end of the excursion. In some cases, if your hotel is located outside the city center, an additional cost may apply for the pickup service.
Climate on Taquile and Amantani Islands (Lake Titicaca)
The islands of Taquile and Amantani, located in the heart of Lake Titicaca, maintain a climate very similar to that of Puno city, as they are situated at similar altitudes and are affected by the lake's thermal regulation effect. However, since the islands are open, the lake wind can be stronger, particularly during afternoons and boat crossings. Dry Season (May to October): This is the perfect time to visit, as the weather is more consistent and conditions for tourism are ideal. Days are sunny with clear skies, perfect for walking and enjoying panoramic views of the lake. Precipitation is minimal or nonexistent, allowing for excellent visibility and calm navigation. Daytime temperatures fluctuate between 13°C and 17°C (55°F and 63°F); however, under direct sunlight, the perceived temperature can be quite high. Nighttime temperatures decrease significantly, reaching -5°C (23°F), particularly in elevated areas. Frost is common. During this season, the air is extremely dry, and solar radiation is very high due to the altitude. Therefore, it's advisable to use sunscreen, UV-filter sunglasses, and a hat. The wind on the lake can increase the perception of cold, especially during boat trips, making warm and windproof clothing essential.
Altitude
The Islands of Amantani and Taquile are located in Lake Titicaca, with an average altitude of 12,507 feet (3,812 meters) above water level. Amantani Island, Average Altitude: Amantani Island has an average altitude of 12,523 feet (3,817 meters) above sea level. Highest Point: Located at the summit of Mount Llacastiti, at an altitude of 13,615 feet (4,150 meters) above sea level. Taquile Island, Main Village: The main village of Taquile is located at approximately 12,959 feet (3,950 meters) above sea level. Highest Point: The highest elevation on the island reaches 13,287 feet (4,050 meters) above sea level.
Protests and Strikes
We'll do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means departing a night earlier. In some cases, trips might be canceled. Please be aware that protests and strikes are common in Peru and can affect travel plans, potentially blocking roads. However, our operations team will communicate with you throughout. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.
Lost Items
Please take special care of your belongings and make sure you collect everything when leaving our vehicles, hotels, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the tour.
Tour Price
Shared Tour Service
This group service means you'll do the tour with other people. This standard service operates with a group of 12 to 16 people. We have confirmed departures every day, so if you're traveling alone or with just one other person, don't worry; you can join one of our existing groups.
- Starting from: $65 USD.
Private Tour Service
This service offers an exclusive way to experience the trip, where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary based on the number of people in your group. Please inquire at info@ausangateadventure.com or WhatsApp +51 914201334.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 2-day Amantani and Taquile tour include?
The tour generally includes boat transport to/from Puno, a bilingual guide (Spanish/English), island entrance tickets, homestay accommodation in Amantani, meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast), and a visit to Taquile on the following day.
Where do we spend the night during the tour?
You'll spend the night on Amantani Island, in a local family's home. It's an experiential tourism stay, with simple but clean and welcoming accommodation.
How comfortable are the accommodations in Amantani?
These are rural homestays: basic accommodations with sheets and multiple wool blankets, no heating system, shared bathrooms, and, in some situations, limited electricity. It's not a hotel establishment; it's a cultural experience.
Are meals included? What type of food is offered?
Yes, homemade food prepared by the host family is included. Meals are usually vegetarian (such as soups, potatoes, quinoa, rice, cheese, and eggs). Trout is also common. Beef or chicken are generally not served.
How long does the boat trip take from Puno to the islands?
- From Puno to Uros: 25–30 minutes
- From Uros to Amantani: 2.5 to 3 hours
- From Amantani to Taquile: 1 hour
- From Taquile to Puno: 2.5 to 3 hours
What clothes should I bring for spending the night in Amantani?
Bring warm nightwear (jacket, hat, gloves), comfortable footwear, light clothing for the day, a headlamp or flashlight, and personal hygiene items. Nights are very cold.
Is there electricity and cell phone signal in Amantani and Taquile?
In some homes, electricity is scarce (usually via solar panels). In many cases, cell phone signal is weak or nonexistent. It's advisable to relax and enjoy the experience.
Do I need to bring extra water or food?
It's advisable to bring bottled water, snacks (dried fruit, chocolate, and energy bars), and a reusable bottle.
Can I participate in cultural activities?
Yes. In Amantani, many families host cultural events with traditional music and dances, allowing visitors to wear typical attire. It's optional but highly recommended.
Is the tour suitable for children or elderly people?
Yes, but it's important to consider that there are high-altitude trails (3,800+ m.a.s.l.), stairs, and slopes. A minimum level of physical fitness and altitude acclimatization is necessary.
Is it allowed to take photos of people?
Yes, but always with consideration and prior permission. Some people might feel uncomfortable if photographed without their consent.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE
$$65USD USD per person
- Daily departures subject to availability.
- Reference price for this service.
- Final availability is confirmed by our travel team.
Private Service
On request
- Flexible schedule.
- Recommended for families or private groups.
- Custom pace and private logistics.
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