Uros Floating Islands Tour from Puno
1 Day from $ USD 100.00
Uros Floating Islands Tour from Puno
43 Reviews | Min Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | Max Altitude: 2200msnm (3545 fasl) | 5 Days from $ 1 900.00
Introduction
Lake Titicaca is undeniably an impressive attraction… A National Reserve since 1978, it has more than 60 varieties of birds, 14 species of native pesos and 18 types of amphibians. At 3,820m (12,530 ft), it is the highest navigable lake in the world. At over 170 km long, it is also the largest lake in South America. Its altitude means that the air is unusually clear and the blue waters particularly striking. In Puno you can take interesting boat trips to the lake’s outlying islands. The area is also known for its folkloric dances and huge herds of alpacas and llamas.
Chullpas of curious buried tombs built by the Incas surround the lake, the artificial islands of the Uros are fascinating. These islands have been inhabited for centuries since their construction by the Uros Indians. More powerful and self-determined are the communities living on the islands of Taquile and Amantani. These islands are often described as the closest to reach the sky by the few travelers who make it so far into the lake. In fact there are more than 70 islands in the lake, the largest and most sacred of which is the Isla del Sol on the Bolivian side of the lake.
Trip Details
- Duration: all day
- Daily departures throughout the year
- Price: Contact us
- Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
Among the legendary waters of the highest navigable lake in the world (3,800 meters above sea level), there are several natural islands but also other inhabited artificial ones that represent the great reason to come here. Undoubtedly, getting to know the curious way of life and traditions of these people is interesting, but there are also certain aspects that did not convince us. Here we tell you about our experience on a 1 day tour of Lake Titicaca.
- Visit the highest navigable lake in the world.
- Live with the natural people of the uros artificial islands.
- Learn about the traditions and customs of the inhabitants of the natural island of Taquile.
- Taste the exquisite local food.
Itinerary
Uros Floating Islands Tour from Puno
The Uros islands are floating islands made out of reed in the bay of Puno. On the islands live indians who try to sell their handicrafts. Their children go to school on the islands and there is also a medical post. You will be picked up from your hotel at about 9.00 AM and taken to the port of Puno where a motorized boat will be waiting for you to take you to the islands which are about 40 minutes away. At the moment there are about 40 islands of which you will visit about three. There is also the opportunity to join a ride on a original reed boat.
Physical Level
1, Easy
Pricing List
Travel Guide
Attractions to Visit
1. Floating Islands of the Uros
This is a group of more than 100 man-made islands made entirely of an aquatic plant found on the shores of the lake, called Totora. These islands are home to the Uros people, a civilization that, according to historians, dates back to the most ancient regions of the Collasuyo.
The Floating Islands of the Uros have become very popular among tourists, here you will learn about the customs and culture of its inhabitants, as well as learn how they manage to build and maintain the floating islands among other important details.
2. Taquile Island
This island has an area of 5.72 square kilometers and is famous for being one of the most notable producers of high quality textiles in all of Peru, a tradition that has continued through generations.
Taquile Island has a population of about 2,200 inhabitants and is the second largest island in the lake. Although there are no hotels or hostels in this location, some families offer their home as lodging, making this a more intimate and enjoyable experience.
Quick tip: Looking for something special to do in Peru but still can’t find the perfect destination? Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it! Contact our travel agents and start planning your dream vacation while you’re here.
Titicaca Lake by Direct Bus
The most common way to get to Puno is on board a bus. There are direct buses from Cusco and Arequipa, which is where most people arrive from.
You will come across many companies that offer the route to Puno (because it is a very popular point), but I recommend you to be very careful with whom you make the trip because there are several companies that are of very poor quality and are also unsafe.
Personally, I recommend the company “Cruz del Sur”, they are very comfortable buses, meet the schedules and above all, they are safe. Do not go with a company just because it is cheaper, you can put yourself in danger.
Getting to Lake Titicaca from Cusco
The distance that separates Cusco from Puno by bus is approximately 6 hours and a half. It is a popular route, so there are usually several schedules both day and night.
It is quite common for people to take night buses through Peru to save time and lodging, however, if you are considering it, I only recommend that you verify that you do not arrive in Puno in the middle of the night, as it is not very convenient and even dangerous due to the lack of movement in the area.
You can buy your tickets directly on the company’s website or at the terminals, although if you are traveling in high season or high demand, it is advisable to buy them in advance.
The Floating Islands of Uros
These are perhaps the most famous set of attractions of Lake Titicaca, just off its western end. Better known as the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, these artificial islands are constructed from floating reed plants tied together.
You may find this quality unbelievable due to the islands’ ability to remain stable and ensure a solid base for travel, but the truth is that the islands’ indigenous residents have managed to do it.
Sun Island, Bolivia
Another of Peru’s most famous islands is Isla del Sol in the Titicaca Lagoon. Its name and fame is due to the fact that the natives believed that in it, the sun was the most important element of the island.
Faqs Uros Floating Islands Tour from Puno
Is it possible to stay on the islands?
Incredible as it may seem, some of the floating islands of Uros include accommodation specially designed to receive visitors.
However, these spaces are usually quite simple, but they still provide a unique experience to connect much more with the spirit of the place.
Why is Lake Titicaca worth visiting?
One of the reasons why Lake Titicaca is one of the most visited places in Peru is that in it we will find several indigenous communities, mainly the descendants of the ancient Uro.
In this sense, the most outstanding are the Uros on the floating islands, the Quechua speakers on the island of Amantani and the Taquile people on the island of Taquile.
How to get to Puno?
Well, you already know that the first thing you have to do if you want to visit the Peruvian Lake Titicaca is to get to Puno. I will tell you the ways you have available to do it:
How do I get to the city of Puno?
There are three ways to get to Puno, the first is by train with the company Andean South Winds, a trip that lasts 10 hours in which you will enjoy the beauty of the Andean landscapes. The other way is by direct bus from the city of Cusco in an average of 9 hours; finally, a great way to get to Puno is with the “Tour of the Route of the Sun”, a trip that lasts a whole day (10 hours) from Cusco and you will visit important tourist destinations along the way.
How long do the Lake Titicaca tours last?
It is according to your choice, you can do the 1 day tour, where you will visit 2 islands: The Uros and Taquile, or if you want the tour of 2 days and 1 night with an overnight stay on the island of Amantani. By staying overnight in Amantani you will have the chance to live with the people and learn a little more about their dances, music and customs in general.
Is it tiring or difficult to do the Titicaca tours?
No, since you will be transported in a yacht or motorized boat on Lake Titicaca, in a completely safe way; visiting the islands will not be tiring or difficult, in Los Uros you can take a ride on a totora reed boat to know the floating islands as a whole. In Taquile there is a bit of walking because you go up to know some archaeological sites that it has and in Amantani the tiredness could be for having danced and enjoyed the popular festival, it is not so tiring or difficult, but it is comforting.
Will I be affected by altitude sickness or soroche?
Because of the altitude of the city, you could have some small discomforts such as headache and/or a little listlessness or exhaustion, but this does not affect all people equally; remember that each of us has a different organism than others. For this we recommend taking coca tea or muña, if the pain is very strong during the tours the guide will recommend the appropriate pills, we also suggest you not to eat heavy food during the days of the tour and it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before starting the trip.
What about food, should I bring food for the Titicaca tours?
It is not necessary, in Puno there are tourist restaurants that sell a variety of typical food and at comfortable prices, in the case of Lake Titicaca in each island you will also find food made with local food. If you travel with us the food is included, in the case of the 1 day tour lunch will be in Taquile and in the 2 day tour the food will be in the islands of Amantani and Taquile, both prepared with local food.
Can I travel with my family with children or minors?
Of course, there is no problem, in fact, this is one of the ideal trips that you can enjoy with your family, it is so relaxing and at the same time fun that the children will also be distracted and it will not be boring for them. Besides that, in the islands, they will meet children of the same age and when they get to know them, they will learn another type of culture and it will be a great learning experience.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
In Puno it is usually very hot in the mornings, so it is good to wear light clothing, a hat and use sunscreen because the sun is really intense due to the altitude. At night it is cold, so you should still wear warm clothes, a jacket is good and you can buy hats, gloves and shawls from the handicraft market at low prices.
Where can I sleep?
In the city, there are hostels and/or hotels that offer different services according to your needs and according to your economy. It is preferable that you reserve your rooms in advance for security and also to avoid mishaps and even more if you come with family or in a group of friends, we can help you in this.
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
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