Tour overview
The Uros are one of the oldest peoples of Lake Titicaca. For centuries they've lived on floating islands they build and maintain themselves out of totora, an aquatic reed they also use for their homes, their boats and even as food. On this tour you sail from Puno's port through the reed beds to one of these islands. There a Uros family shows you how the islands are made, invites you into their homes and shares what daily life on the lake is like. It's a short, easy experience that's simple to combine with other plans in Puno. Magone Viajes takes care of your transfer, boat, guide and entrance.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season, with clear skies). Mornings from June to August are very cold
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Maximum altitude About 3,810 m / 12,500 ft (Lake Titicaca)
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Physical difficulty Easy (boat rides and short walks on the island)
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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 1 to 2 days in advance
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Permits Uros Islands entrance fee. Price on request
Highlights
- The Uros floating islands in half a day from Puno.
- Route: Puno port, the reed beds of the Titicaca National Reserve and the Uros islands.
- A demonstration of how a totora reed island is built.
- A visit to a Uros home and local handicrafts.
- An optional ride on a traditional reed boat.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Hotel pickup
We pick you up from your hotel in Puno at around 8:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., depending on the departure, and head to the port.
Sailing Lake Titicaca
We board the boat and cruise for 20 to 30 minutes through the reed channels of the Titicaca National Reserve.
Arrival at the Uros
A Uros family welcomes us and uses models to explain how the islands are built and maintained, how they fish and what their daily life is like. Your Magone Viajes guide helps with translation and historical context.
Homes and handicrafts
You step inside one of their reed homes and see their textiles and crafts, which you can buy if you like.
Reed boat ride
As an option, you ride a traditional reed boat to another island in the group, which has a small lookout and a shop.
Return to Puno
We sail back to the port and drop you at your hotel at around 11:30 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.
Tips
- Spend at least one day acclimatizing in Puno before the tour, since the city sits above 3,800 m (12,470 ft).
- Dress in warm layers and bring a hat and gloves, especially for the morning departure.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, because the sun on the lake is very strong.
- Carry cash in soles for the reed boat ride and handicrafts.
- Step carefully on the island, since the reeds are soft and sink a little.
- Ask before photographing families.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Puno.
- Round-trip tourist boat.
- Magone Viajes guide.
- Uros Islands entrance fee, if included in the program.
Not included
- Uros Islands entrance fee, if not included. Price on request.
- Reed boat ride. Price on request.
- Meals.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
Do the islands really float?
Yes. They're made from layers of totora roots and stalks, anchored to the lake bed. Families add fresh reeds every few weeks to maintain them.
How long is the tour?
About 3 hours, with morning or afternoon departures.
Is it authentic or very touristy?
The islands closest to Puno get many visitors, and tourism is an important source of income for the families, but they still live there and keep their traditions.
Can I stay overnight on the Uros?
Yes. Some families offer homestays, and Magone Viajes can arrange one.
Can I combine it with Taquile Island?
Yes. The full-day Uros and Taquile tour leaves early and returns in the afternoon.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes, it isn't demanding. Just take care with the altitude and the cold.
