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- Duration 2 days
- Difficulty Moderate
- Group size 10-20 people
- Max. altitude 4,000 m (13,120 ft)
- Travel style Guided
- Departure Puno
Our Uros and Taquile tour lasts 2 days and 1 night: we pick you up at your hotel in Puno and leave from the port. You visit the Uros floating islands, sail on to Taquile Island and sleep in a local family’s home before returning to Puno. Prices start from US$95 per person, including the guide, lodging, lunch and dinner on day one, and breakfast and lunch on day two.
Where are the Uros and Taquile islands and how do you get there?
Both are on Lake Titicaca, on the Peruvian side, and the only way to reach them is by boat from Puno’s port. The Uros are close to the city, 30 to 40 minutes away, and are man-made islands built from totora reeds. Taquile, by contrast, is a natural island of earth and stone further out on the lake, about 2 to 2.5 hours by boat from the Uros.
Lake Titicaca and Taquile altitude
The lake sits at about 3,810 m (12,500 ft), and the trails on Taquile climb to nearly 4,000 m (13,100 ft). We recommend acclimatizing for one or two days in Puno or Cusco before the tour, walking slowly on the climbs and drinking plenty of water. If this is your first time in the Andes, read our guide on altitude sickness in Peru.
What is the Uros and Taquile tour like, day by day?
Here is a summary of the two days; full details are in the itinerary tab.
| When | Place | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1, morning | Puno port | Boat to the Uros (30–40 min) |
| Day 1, morning | Uros Islands | Guided visit to the reed islands and their families |
| Day 1, midday | Taquile Island | 2 to 2.5 hours by boat, then a walk up to the main square |
| Day 1, lunch | Taquile | Traditional home-cooked meal with your host family, such as fried trout and quinoa |
| Day 1, afternoon | Taquile | Cultural activities, weaving and a walk around the island |
| Day 1, evening | Local home | Dinner and overnight with your host family |
| Day 2 | Lake Titicaca | Farewell and boat back (about 3 hours); afternoon arrival in Puno |
Taquile’s textile art is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and on the island you will see how the tradition is kept alive. There is also an option to visit the community museum.
What you will see on the Uros and Taquile islands
The Uros: floating islands made of reeds
The Uros are artificial islands built from totora, a reed that grows in the lake. They don’t last on their own: the islanders keep adding fresh layers, and during the visit they show you how they build their islands and how they also use totora for their houses and boats.
Taquile: an island of weavers
Taquile is a natural, inhabited island of earth and stone. Its textile art is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the weavings are part of the clothes islanders wear every day. You walk along stone paths between farming terraces and stone arches, with wide views of the lake, and you can visit the Community Museum.
Is Amantaní included?
No. Amantaní is another natural island, the largest on the Peruvian side, but on this tour you spend the night on Taquile with a local family. If you only have one day, the Sillustani and Lake Titicaca tour visits Sillustani and the Uros.
Difficulty: who is this tour for?
Difficulty is moderate. On Taquile you walk on uneven paths with climbs at high altitude, so a reasonable level of fitness helps, and you can go at your own pace. Lodging is simple, in a family home: it suits travelers who want to share community life rather than hotel comforts. Please ask before photographing people; it is part of traveling responsibly.
What to bring: warm clothes for the night, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and cash in small bills, since ATMs are hard to find on the islands.
Best time to visit the Uros and Taquile islands
The tour runs all year. The dry season, April to October, brings clear skies and is the most popular time, so book ahead to secure your homestay on Taquile. From November to March there is more rain. Nights are cold in every season.
Two days on Uros and Taquile or one day on the lake?
If you have the time, the night on Taquile lets you explore the island without rushing and share daily life with a family. If you only have one day, our Sillustani and Lake Titicaca tour combines the Sillustani chullpas with the Uros and you sleep back in Puno, but it does not include Taquile.
To plan your trip, read our guides:
- Lake Titicaca 2027: Islands, How to Get There from Cusco, Altitude and Weather
- Pachamama and the Apus 2027: Andean Beliefs You’ll See in Peru
- Cusco, Puno and Arequipa Itinerary 2027: Southern Peru in 9 Days
Book your Uros and Taquile tour with a local operator
We are a local tour operator based in Cusco, and we run this departure from Puno with guides who know the history and culture of the islands. The price includes boat transport, the guide, entrance fees to the Uros and Taquile, lodging in a local home, lunch and dinner on day one, and breakfast and lunch on day two.
Choose your date in the booking form on this page, or write to us through our contact page and we will help you plan your days on Lake Titicaca.
Full itinerary
Day 1: Puno – Uros Islands – Taquile Island
Morning: departure from Puno
- Hotel pickup in Puno and transfer to the port.
- Departure by boat to the Uros Islands (approximately 30 to 40 minutes).
Visit to the Uros Islands
- Guided tour of the floating islands made of totora reeds.
- Meeting with the islanders, who show you how they live and how they build their islands.
- Learn about the history and traditions of the Uros people.
On to Taquile Island
- Boat trip to Taquile Island (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours).
- Arrival on the island and walk along the paths that lead to the main square, with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Titicaca.
Lunch with your host family
Traditional Andean lunch at your host family's home, with typical dishes such as fried trout and quinoa.
Afternoon activities on Taquile
- Cultural activities organized by the islanders. You can learn about the ancestral weaving of the people of Taquile, known for textiles made with pre-Hispanic techniques and recognized by UNESCO.
- Walk around the island, with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Option to visit the Community Museum to learn more about the island's history and customs.
Overnight on Taquile
- Traditional Andean dinner at the local home where you stay.
- Night in a local home on the island, for an authentic experience and a closer connection with the culture of Taquile.
Day 2: Taquile Island – Puno
Breakfast, lunch and return to Puno
- Breakfast with local products at your host family's home.
- Lunch on Taquile before the boat trip back.
- Farewell to the local community.
- Return by boat to Puno, enjoying a different view of the lake and the mountains (approximately 3 hours).
- Arrival in Puno in the afternoon.
What is included
- Hotel pickup in Puno
- Boat transport from Puno to the Uros Islands and Taquile Island, and back to Puno
- Professional guide with knowledge of the history and culture of the islands
- Accommodation in a local home on Taquile Island (1 night)
- Meals: lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2 at your host family's home, and lunch on day 2 on Taquile Island
- Entrance fees to the Uros and Taquile Islands
- Activities: boat trip on Lake Titicaca, walks on Taquile Island and time with the island residents
Not included
- Additional drinks and snacks
- Handicrafts and souvenirs
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the Taquile and Uros Islands?
The Taquile and Uros Islands are two of the most iconic destinations on Lake Titicaca. The Uros Islands are man-made floating islands built from totora reeds, home to the Uros people, who preserve their unique traditions. Taquile Island is a natural island known for its UNESCO-recognized textiles and stunning lake views. Visiting both offers an unforgettable look at Andean culture and history.
2. How do you get to the Uros Islands from Puno?
To reach the Uros Islands, you leave by boat from Puno's main port. The trip takes around 30 to 40 minutes. These floating islands of the Uros are on Lake Titicaca, not far from the city. This tour includes boat transport to both the Uros Islands and Taquile, so you can experience both on one trip.
3. Can I spend the night on Taquile Island?
Yes! This tour includes an overnight stay on Taquile Island in a traditional local home. It is a wonderful way to connect with the local culture, enjoy home-cooked food and experience island life on Lake Titicaca. Unlike the Uros Islands, which float, Taquile is a natural island with panoramic views and scenic walks.
4. What kind of food will I eat on the islands?
During your tour of the Taquile and Uros Islands, you will enjoy typical Andean meals made with local ingredients. On Taquile, lunch is fried trout with quinoa soup. The tour includes four meals: lunch on day 1, dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2 at your host family's home, and lunch on day 2 on Taquile. Meals are simple but flavorful, and the ones in the homestay are shared with your host family.
5. What is the altitude of the Uros and Taquile Islands?
Both islands are on Lake Titicaca, which sits at around 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. The paths on Taquile climb higher, to nearly 4,000 m (13,120 ft). If you are not used to high altitude, take it slow, stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals.
6. Are entrance fees for the Uros and Taquile Islands included?
Yes. Both islands charge small entrance fees, and both are included in the price of this tour.
7. What kind of accommodation is available on Taquile Island?
Accommodation on Taquile Island is simple but authentic. You stay in a local family home with basic comforts and share traditional meals with your hosts. This experience offers cultural immersion and supports community-based tourism on the island.
8. Where are the Uros Floating Islands located?
The Uros Floating Islands are on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city of Puno. They can be reached by boat in about 30 to 40 minutes, which makes them one of the most accessible and iconic attractions in the region.
9. What is the difference between the Uros and Taquile Islands?
The Uros Islands are man-made floating islands built from reeds, while Taquile Island is a natural island known for its traditional weaving. The Uros show an ancient way of adapting to the lake, while Taquile offers deeper insight into Andean community life and customs.
10. Do the Uros people still live on the floating islands?
Yes, many Uros families still live on the floating islands and preserve their ancestral traditions. During the visit, they show you how they live and how they build and maintain their reed islands. Visiting the Uros gives you a firsthand look at this unique lifestyle.
11. How much does it cost to visit the Uros Islands?
On this tour, the boat transport, the entrance fee to the Uros Islands and the guide are included in the price. Booking the Taquile and Uros Islands tour makes the trip simple and complete.
12. What traditional activities can I experience on Taquile Island?
On Taquile Island, you can learn about traditional weaving techniques recognized by UNESCO, take part in cultural activities with the islanders and walk the island's scenic paths with breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. There is also the option to visit the community museum.
13. What should I know about the altitude of Lake Titicaca and the islands?
Lake Titicaca and its islands are at approximately 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. The altitude can affect some travelers, especially during the first hours. To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend spending one or two days in Puno or Cusco to acclimatize, staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity early on.
14. Do I need to be fit for the Uros and Taquile tour?
A reasonable level of fitness helps. Difficulty is moderate because Taquile has uneven paths with climbs close to 4,000 m (13,120 ft), but you can walk at your own pace.
15. How long is the boat ride to Taquile Island?
From the Uros it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Taquile. On day 2 the boat trip back to Puno takes around 3 hours.
16. Is it cold at night on Taquile Island?
Yes. Nights on Lake Titicaca are cold in every season because of the altitude. Bring warm layers for the evening and the homestay, plus sun protection for the day.
Recommendations and what to bring
Tips for your Uros and Taquile tour
- Warm clothes for the night: nights on Lake Titicaca are cold in every season. Bring a warm jacket, a fleece, a hat and gloves for the evening at your host family's home.
- Comfortable shoes: Taquile has uneven stone paths and steep climbs, so wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip.
- Altitude: the lake is at about 3,810 m and the paths on Taquile reach nearly 4,000 m. Acclimatize for one or two days in Puno or Cusco before the tour, walk slowly on the climbs and drink plenty of water.
- Sun protection: the sun is very strong on the lake and on Taquile. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, even on cloudy days.
- Small backpack: pack only what you need for one night (warm clothes, toiletries, a flashlight or headlamp, water and any personal medication).
- Cash: ATMs are hard to find on the islands, so bring soles in small bills for handicrafts, drinks or tips.
- Documents: carry your passport or ID during the tour.
- Respect local culture: the islanders keep very old traditions. Always ask before photographing people.
- Choose your tour and datePick your date in the booking form.
- Pay 40% onlineSecure card payment. We confirm your booking by email.
- Pay the balance in PeruThe remaining 60% is paid when you arrive.
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