Tour overview
This tour is the best way to truly experience Lake Titicaca and its people. On day one you visit the Uros floating islands and sail on to Amantaní, where a Quechua family welcomes you into their home, shares their table and lets you see their daily life up close. In the afternoon you hike up to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples to watch the sunset over the lake. In the evening, if you're up for it, you can dress in traditional clothes for the village party. On day two you explore Taquile, where the men knit and the community is organized around centuries-old traditions. Magone Viajes takes care of your boat, guide, homestay and meals.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season, with clear skies). Nights from June to August are very cold
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Maximum altitude About 4,100 m / 13,450 ft (Pachatata and Pachamama temples on Amantaní)
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Physical difficulty Moderate (uphill walks on Amantaní and Taquile at nearly 4,000 m / 13,120 ft)
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 20 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 2 to 3 days in advance
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Permits Entrance fees for the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile islands, price on request each, included or not depending on the program
Highlights
- Lake Titicaca in 2 days, with a night at a local family's home.
- Route: Puno, the Uros islands, Amantaní, Taquile and back to Puno.
- The Uros floating reed islands.
- Sunset from the Pachatata and Pachamama temples on Amantaní.
- Taquile's textiles, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Price on request per person, with homestay and meals included.
Itinerary
Day 1: Puno – Uros – Amantaní
We pick you up from your hotel in Puno at around 7:00 a.m. and head to the port.
Uros Islands
We sail about 30 minutes to the floating islands, where a Uros family shows you how they build their reed islands and live on the lake.
Sailing to Amantaní
We continue about 3 hours across the lake to Amantaní Island, where your host family welcomes you.
Lunch with your family
You have lunch at your host family's home, with Andean dishes like quinoa soup, native potatoes and fried cheese.
Pachatata and Pachamama
In the afternoon we hike about 1 hour up to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples at the top of the island to watch the sunset over the lake.
Dinner and party
You have dinner with your family, and in the evening you can dress in traditional clothes and dance at the village party, depending on the day. Overnight at your host family's home.
Day 2: Amantaní – Taquile – Puno
You have breakfast with your family and say goodbye at the dock.
Taquile Island
We sail about 45 minutes to Taquile and walk up to the main square. Your Magone Viajes guide explains the island's communal organization and the meaning of its textiles and hats.
Lunch on Taquile
Lunch is lake trout or a vegetarian dish, with views over Titicaca.
Return to Puno
We walk down to the dock and sail 2 to 3 hours back to Puno, dropping you at your hotel at around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tips
- Spend at least one day acclimatizing in Puno before the tour.
- Pack very warm clothes for the night, since homes have no heating and temperatures can drop below freezing (32 °F).
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, because the sun on the lake is very strong.
- Bring a flashlight, since Amantaní has limited electricity.
- Leave your big luggage at your Puno hotel and travel with just a small backpack.
- Consider bringing your host family a small, useful gift, such as fruit, rice or school supplies.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Puno.
- Tourist boat for the whole trip.
- Magone Viajes guide.
- One-night homestay with a family on Amantaní.
- Meals: 1 lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast on Amantaní, plus 1 lunch on Taquile.
- Entrance fees for the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile, if included in the program.
Not included
- Island entrance fees, if not included.
- Reed boat ride on the Uros, price on request.
- Drinks and snacks.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
What's the homestay on Amantaní like?
It's simple: a room in the family's home, with beds and blankets. The bathroom is usually shared and may not have hot water.
Is it very demanding?
The walks are short but uphill at nearly 4,000 m (13,120 ft), so take it slowly. If you've acclimatized in Puno, you should be fine.
What food is served?
Simple, home-cooked Andean food, with quinoa, potatoes, fava beans and cheese. If you're vegetarian, let us know when you book.
Can I do it in one day?
Yes, but without Amantaní. Magone Viajes offers a full-day Uros and Taquile tour.
Does it get very cold at night?
Yes, especially from June to August. Bring a heavy jacket, a hat and gloves.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes, as long as they're acclimatized and walk at their own pace.
