Lake Titicaca day tour: the Uros and Taquile islands in one day
If you have one day in Puno, this is the way to spend it. A motorboat takes you first to the Uros, the islands woven from reeds, and then out across the open lake to Taquile, an island of terraced hills, master weavers and huge views — with lunch in a family home before heading back.
The tour at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day, from your Puno hotel |
| Islands | Uros floating islands and Taquile |
| Altitude | Lake Titicaca, 3,812 m |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate: a walk uphill on Taquile |
| Price | From US $70 per person, shared group of 2–14 |
Morning: the Uros floating islands
After pickup from your hotel and a short transfer to the port, the boat sails about 30 minutes to the Uros. Here families build their islands, houses and boats entirely from totora reeds, adding new layers on top as the old ones rot below. They explain how it is done, show their crafts and share how life on the water works. A ride on a reed boat is offered as an optional extra.
Uros and Taquile in one day
Hotel pickup, motorboat, bilingual guide, entrances and lunch with a local family — from US $70 per person.
Midday: Taquile Island
The boat continues across the lake to Taquile. A scenic path climbs to the main square, with deep-blue views of Titicaca in every direction. Taquile is known for its textile art, recognised by UNESCO, in which men knit and women weave; you can visit local workshops and buy directly from the makers. Lunch is a traditional meal in a family home before the boat ride back to Puno and the transfer to your hotel.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup in Puno and transfers to and from the port | Reed boat ride on the Uros (optional) |
| Motorboat with toilet and seating | Meals not listed in the itinerary |
| Professional bilingual guide | Tips |
| Entrance to the Uros and to Taquile | Personal expenses |
| Lunch on Taquile and a snack | — |
Tips for the day
- Sun protection is essential: the light on the lake is intense even on cool days. Bring a hat, sunglasses and SPF 50.
- Layer up: mornings on the water are cold, middays warm.
- Walk slowly on Taquile; at 3,800 m the climb to the square takes your breath away in both senses.
- Bring small notes and coins for crafts and the optional reed-boat ride.
- Want to stay overnight? The 2-day tour adds a homestay on Amantani.
Frequently asked questions
Hotel pickup in Puno, port transfers, the motorboat, a bilingual guide, entrances to the Uros and Taquile, lunch on Taquile and a snack.
About 30 minutes from the port of Puno.
No, though the walk up to Taquile’s main square is steady and at high altitude, so take it slowly.
From US $70 per person in a shared group. The reed boat ride on the Uros is optional and paid separately.
One day covers the Uros and Taquile. Choose two days if you want to spend a night with a family on Amantani.
