Lake Titicaca Peru Tours
Visit Uros, Taquile, and Amantani Island from Puno
Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. At 3,612 metres above sea level, the largest lake in South America is a frequented tourist stop for visitors traveling to Peru. The gateway to Peru’s region of Lake Titicaca is the city of Puno. Various day tours are offered from Puno taking visitors to the many islands in the lake. Three of the most popular islands for tourists in the Peru side of Lake Titicaca include Uros Islands, Taquile Island and Amantani Island.
Uros Islands
Uros Islands is by far the most unique of the three. The Uros Islands are a group of islands made out of totora reeds. These islands are home to the pre- Incan Uros people. The residents build the island, their houses and boats from the tortora reeds. The surface of the island is uneven and springy, and the sensation is similar to walking on a waterbed. While some of the Uros Islands keep the traditional lifestyle, other islands are set up for tourism. You will most likely be taken to one of the bigger Uros Islands which offer souvenir stalls to buy handmade weavings, traditional reed boat rides and lookout towers to get a better view of the lake.
Taquile Island
Taquile is a small narrow island with its main town situated on a hill. Boats can only reach the base of the island. You will have to walk up a steep staircase or take the long way--walking up an incline to the main area of the island depending on where your boat docks. In the main square, there is a cooperative shop selling woolen goods and handwoven items as well as a small church. The Taquile people have maintained their traditions and culture and many locals wear traditional dress.
Amantani Island
The island of Amantani is populated by approximately 800 Quechua speaking families. The island has no cars, no hotels and limited electricity. It is also the only island on the Peruvian side offering homestays. Tour operators can help you arrange an overnight stay in an Amantani’s family home. Be prepared, for island life is rather simple. Electricity and running water is limited and multiple wool blankets and heavier clothing is provided as the rooms are not heated in the evening. The Amantani people hold a nightly traditional dance show in the village hall. Tourists are encouraged to dress in the traditional clothes and participate in the dance activities.
Lake Titicaca Tours
Tour operators in Puno offer three options of tours to the islands depending on your schedule. All tours include pick up and drop off from your hotel, an English speaking guide and motor boat trip to the islands. The options include:
Uros Islands only – this tour only visits the Uros Islands and takes approximately 3 hours.
Uros Islands and Taquile Island – This tour departs at 7 am and returns at 5 pm. The tour first stops at Uros Island for a 45 minute visit and then proceeds to Taquile Island. Lunch is provided on Taquile Island.
Uros Islands, Taquile Island and Amantani Island – This is a 2 day tour and includes an overnight on Amantani Island. The tour departs at 8:30 am in the morning visiting Uros Islands before heading to Amantani for the evening. The next day you will be transported to Taquile Island for a tour and lunch, returning back to Puno at 5 pm.
For those who do not want to join an organized tour, you can go to the port at Puno and charter a small boat for the day. Many local boat owners offer to give private tours to tourists.
