Uros and Taquile by Speedboat

🧭 Description

Embark on a fascinating journey across Lake Titicaca, where you’ll discover two different worlds in a single day. The Uros Floating Islands, woven from totora reeds and inhabited by an ancient community that has preserved its traditions, will be your first stop. There, you’ll learn about their floating houses, their fishing customs, the art of totora reed weaving, and their unmistakable hospitality.

Later, we’ll sail over the highest waters in the world to reach the magical Taquile Island, a natural community that seems frozen in time. Its inhabitants, famous for their UNESCO-recognized weaving, will welcome you with colorful clothing, dances, history, and a traditional lunch on the shores of the lake. This tour combines nature, a vibrant culture, and dreamy landscapes in an authentic and enriching experience.

📍 Extended itinerary without schedules

🚐 Pickup and transfer to the port of Puno

We begin our adventure with pickup from your hotel or bus terminal in Puno. From there, we’ll transfer to the main pier to board our speedboat.

🛶 Visit to the Uros Floating Islands

We sail across the waters of Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating islands. These islands are built entirely of totora reeds, an aquatic plant that grows abundantly in the lake. There, you’ll learn how the inhabitants build their houses, rafts, and platforms. They will be your hosts and share their culture, language, fishing, and weaving techniques with you.

You’ll be able to walk among the floating islands, interact with local families, and, if you wish, take an optional ride on a totora reed boat.

⛵ Sailing to Taquile Island

After exploring the Uro people, we’ll continue on a longer sail to the natural island of Taquile. During the journey, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and the serenity of the world’s highest lake. The journey is comfortable and allows you to appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the natural surroundings.

🏞️ Exploring Taquile

We’ll arrive at Taquile, an island of hills and stone paths surrounded by deep blue waters. As we ascend, your guide will share information about community life, the Andean worldview, and Taquilean customs. The Taquile community is distinguished by its organizational system and textile production, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Men weave, women spin, and each garment conveys a cultural message.

🍽️ Traditional Lunch by the Lake

After the hike, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by community members at a community restaurant with a privileged view of Lake Titicaca. You’ll enjoy fresh trout, Andean soup, quinoa, native potatoes, and mate.

⛵ Return to Puno by Speedboat

After an enriching day, we’ll descend to the dock to return to Puno by speedboat. Upon arrival, you can check into the port or request a transfer to your hotel.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

Hotel transfers
Pickup from centrally located Puno hotels to the port and vice versa (if your accommodation is located in the city center).

Speedboat for the tour
Lake transportation by shared speedboat, reducing travel time and allowing more time at your destinations.

Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
An expert guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing historical, cultural, and traditional information about the villages visited.

Entrance fees to the Uros and Taquile Islands
All necessary entrance fees and permits to enter the islands are included in the price.

Traditional lunch in Taquile
Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a local family with fresh local ingredients, such as trout or Andean soup.

Cultural Experience
Direct interaction with the local Uros and Taquile communities to learn about their customs, crafts, weaving, and way of life.

Continuous assistance during the tour
Support and assistance with any needs or questions during the itinerary.

❌ What’s not included?

🔸 Optional Uros totora reed raft ride
This tour is optional and has an additional cost . Recommended for those who want an extra experience on these traditional boats.

🔸 Tips for the guide or the community
These are not included, but a voluntary contribution is suggested as a thank you for the service and hospitality received.

🔸 Additional bottled drinks or snacks
Only lunch is included. It is recommended to bring water, fruit, or light snacks.

🔸 Transfers from hotels outside the city center
If you are staying outside of Puno city center, transportation can be arranged for an additional charge.

🌟 Recommendations

🎒 Bring a light backpack
Include water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, and a windbreaker. The weather on the lake can change quickly between intense heat and cold winds.

👟 Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes
In Taquile and Uros, you’ll walk on dirt trails or reed platforms. Avoid open sandals.

📸 Bring a camera or a fully charged cell phone
The landscapes are spectacular. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph Taquile textiles, floating reeds, and views of Lake Titicaca.

🧥 Warm clothing for the morning and afternoon
Despite the sun during the day, the early hours can be cool. A light jacket is recommended.

💵 Bring cash in soles
Some crafts and optional services (such as reed rafting) only accept cash. It’s also customary to tip as a token of appreciation. 🍴 Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian or gluten-free options for lunch can be reserved in advance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

This is a full-day tour, departing in the morning from Puno and ending around 5:00 PM. It includes visits to the Uros Mountains and Taquile.

Is it recommended for children or seniors?

Yes, but it’s recommended to inform us in advance if any traveler has difficulty walking or needs assistance. The hike in Taquile can be demanding due to the altitude.

What type of boat is used?

The tour is operated by speedboat, ideal for reducing transfer times between islands and allowing more time to enjoy the scenery. It’s safe, covered, and equipped with life jackets.

Can I only take the totora reed raft ride?

Yes, you can take a totora reed raft ride in Uros as an optional activity (not included in the tour). It lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I bring luggage on the tour?

Large suitcases or backpacks are not recommended. It is suggested that you only carry what you need for the day in a small backpack.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Activities continue unless Lake Titicaca authorities advise otherwise for safety reasons. In that case, alternatives or rescheduling will be proposed.