Stay with a local family on Amantani Island and learn about their culture
Discover how the islands were made and how the Uros ancestors came to live there
An unforgettable experience!
Visit the Uros locals that live on the floating islands, and learn about the importance of the totora reed in their everyday lives. Travel further afield to the remote mainland islands of Taquile and Amantani to experience the way of life of the inhabitants, and appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape. Stay the night with a local family from Amantani, and immerse yourself in a unique cultural exchange. Sample the island food, enjoy the entertainment, and learn the value of a simple life.
All year round
2 days
Puno hotel and hostel pick up
Puno hotel and hostel drop off
LAGO EXPLORER
08:00
DAY 1
07:30 am Transfer from your hotel to the port of Puno. Boat ride out to the Uros floating Islands, taking the channel banked by water reeds and marking the route to your destination. Climb to the top deck and admire the breath-taking views of the world’s highest navigable lake!
On arrival to Uros, you’ll get the opportunity to visit 2 of the 60 islands, be shown inside the peoples’ homes, and take a ride on a traditional reed boat (this is optional and at an additional cost).
Continuing with our tour, you’ll hop back on the boat to travel to Amantani Island, a journey time of approximately 3 hours. Arrival to Amantani, local families will be running down the hill to welcome you. Your designated host family will welcome you into their home, where you will enjoy a typical lunch, made from delicious, natural ingredients.
During the afternoon, for the nature-lovers, there’s an optional 1 hour hike up to the Pachatata temple to watch the sunset, and catch the spectacular views of this remote island. Later on, your hosts will have prepared a hearty dinner for you to enjoy. The fun doesn’t stop there – after eating, you can take part in a typical celebration, with dancing and music – or simply rest in the family house.
DAY 2
07:00 am Breakfast and then get ready for your departure to Taquile. Once you arrive, take a leisurely 45-minute walk up to Plaza de Armas: see the lovely textiles, and learn how the local community make a living on this island.
We will have lunch at one of the local restaurants, which offers quinoa soup, trout, rice, chips, vegetables, and tea. After eating your fill, you make your way back to the dock. Return to Puno at approximately 4:00pm.
DAY 1: 07:30
Pick up from hotel or hostel
DAY 1: 08:00
Boat transfer to floating islands
DAY 1: 08:30
Guided tour of floating islands
DAY 1: 10:30
Boat transfer to Amantani island
DAY 1: 13:30
Arrival and check in to family homestay
DAY 1: 14:00
Lunch with the family
DAY 1: 15:00
Intercultural activities
DAY 1: 16:00
Optional 1 hour hike
DAY 1: 19:00
Dinner in family house
DAY 1: 20:00
Optional local celebrations
DAY 2: 07:00
Breakfast
DAY 2: 08:00
Boat transfer to Taquile Island
DAY 2: 09:00
Arrival to Taquile Island
DAY 2: 09:45
Walk to main square
DAY 2: 11:45
Lunch
DAY 2: 12:30
Walk to the dock
DAY 2: 13:30
Boat back to the port of Puno
DAY 2: 16:00
Arrival back to Puno
- Hotel/hostel pick up and drop off
- English speaking guide
- Boat transport
- Entrance ticket to Uros, Amantani, and Taquile island
- 1 nights' accommodation on Amantani Island
- Day 1: 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 2: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch on Taquile island (vegetarian option available)
- Reed boat ride in Uros Islands “Kuntiki” (costs an extra S/.10 soles) – this is strictly optional
- Water
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Night-time temperatures on the island can drop as low as -10˚c (bring warm clothes!)
- Bring own water (even small bottles can be expensive)
- Toilet paper
- Torch (useful when hiking downhill after watching the sunset, as there are no lights)
Cancellation or changes of this tour:
CHANGES: It is FREE to change tour date before 6:00 pm (Lima time) the day before the tour begins.
NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel before 6:00 pm (Lima time) the day before the tour begins or earlier a 10% administration fee will apply (+ the card fee). After this time there is a 100% no show or cancellation fee.
You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.
I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I make my booking. What can I select?
This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed. This list covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. If you cannot find your hotel on the list, please select an alternative pick up location close by and be ready for pick-up at the time shown on your booking confirmation
What should I bring to the tour?
A light backpack, water, sunscreen (very important!), a hat, camera and sunglasses are a must. Those who plan to stay longer/ overnight should also bring: warm layers, sweater or jacket (very important), beanies, scarves (temperatures can reach lows of -10 ̊ C), basic things like toilet paper, snacks, personal medications, money for drinks/food/tips etc.
Does the tour include a ride on one of the traditional reed boats?
No, this experience is optional and can be paid directly to the locals on the island.
Do the tour prices include the island entry fees? Do I need to take extra money?
Yes, all of the tour prices include the associated island entry fees. If you will be heading to the islands of Taquile and Amantani we advise you to take some money for souvenirs as they are renowned for some of the finest woven goods in Peru.
I have heard that the Floating Islands are very touristy and fake. Do the Uros people actually live on the islands and are they worth the visit?
The Floating Islands in Puno are the original, authentic Floating Islands. Due to their unique nature, they have become a very popular tourist attraction in Peru and have become almost a victim of their own success. A visit is still definitely worthwhile, not only to learn about the incredible construction of these islands (houses and boats are all made out of reeds), but also to see how the Uros locals manage to forge a subsistent life out in the middle of lake Titicaca on these tiny, buoyant islands. Tourism is now their number one income, and whilst families do live out on the islands, a lot of the families and younger members do work and study in Puno.
Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?
Altitude sickness can catch many travellers off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people it is nothing more than a headache and some dizzy sensations that diminishes over a short period of time, usually 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude. Proceed slowly allowing your body time to acclimatize as you ascend gradually. However, if this is not posible, here are some further steps to take: Drink lots of water and slow down!! This sounds simple but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some Coca leaves. The native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take (Soroche) Altitude Sickness pills. These are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia and cost just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500meters, without spending any time at an intermediate elevation and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, it is best to descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.
Why book with FindLocalTrips.com
Apart from our low price guarantee, with us you can be 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. You are in the capable hands of our team here on the ground of 20 local experts who speak perfect Spanish and English, always ready with a quick response to any and all questions you might have. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours...we are the experts at reservations, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.
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An awesome experience