Day 1: Uros – Amantani

The trip begins at 7:30 am with the transfer from your hotel to the port in Puno. From there, it’s around 25 minutes to Uros island by boat. Say goodbye to the city of Puno, which slowly grows smaller and smaller until it fades away, as you move into the vast blue waters of the incredible, expansive Lake Titicaca. As you approach your destination, you’ll see the outline of some huts and small islands starting to take form, and as you move closer, locals going about their daily tasks. On arrival to the island of Uros, expect a warm and smiling welcome from the locals, as you step down onto their home ground. Your guide will then explain all about the local peoples’ customs, and the characteristics of this fascinating place. After, take advantage of the opportunity to ride on a unique traditional totora boat, and experience how the locals move from island to island (which is optional at an additional cost).

Continuing with the next part of the tour, you’ll then take a motorboat to the picturesque island of Amantani, which is a 3-hour journey. Upon disembarking in the port, your tour group will be divided into smaller groups, and each group will be assigned to one of the local families. You’ll go with your new Amantani family, and enjoy a typical lunch with them. When you’ve had your fill of this delicious meal, we will hike to the highest point of the island – a small hilltop temple known as "pachatata", or “father earth” to watch the spectacular sunset. Whilst you take in the scenic views, your guide will give a brief description of the main features and peculiarities of the island. On returning from the walk back down, you can look forward to a hearty dinner to fill your appetite. After the food, expect some evening entertainment - have some fun and dress up in your family’s typical costumes! There’ll be a small celebration in the community room, with typical dancing and festivities – experience how the people of Amantani enjoy the night. After a jam-packed and exciting day, you’ll get a peaceful night’s sleep in your family’s rural cottage.

Day 2: Amantani - Taquile

Enjoy a bright and early start to the day, with breakfast at 7:00am. Spend the last few moments with your family, and bid them a warm farewell before continuing your tour. The last visit is the island of Taquile, which is 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Amantani. Upon arrival, you’ll take a gradual uphill 45-minute walk with your guide, which takes you to the main square. Here, you’ll learn all about the way of life of the local people, and the textile that was declared as "intangible cultural heritage of mankind" by UNESCO. Your guide will lead you to see the main sights, and this be followed by a well-deserved lunch at one of the local restaurants. To finish off your trip, you’ll make your way back down to the port, and take in the last magnificent views of the landscape. You’ll leave Taquile at approximately 1:00 pm, arriving back to the city of Puno at 4:00 pm.

An extra $5 charge will apply for transfers to hotels outside of the city of Puno (Casa Andina Private Collection, Posada del Inka, Posada Ecco, Libertador, Jose Antonio)

The operator will go to your hotel 1 day before your tour at 8pm to give you a briefing of the tour.

DAY 1: 07:30

Pick up from hostel/hotel

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DAY 1: 08:00

Departure to Uros island

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DAY 1: 08:25

Arrival to Uros island

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DAY 1: 09:30

Departure to Amantani island

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DAY 1: 12:30

Arrival to Amantani (lunch)

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DAY 1: 16:00

Walking to Pachatata temple

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DAY 1: 18:30

Dinner and typical dance show

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DAY 2: 07:00

Breakfast

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DAY 2: 08:00

Departure to Taquile island

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DAY 2: 09:00

Arrival to Taquile island

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DAY 2: 11:45

Typical lunch

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DAY 2: 13:00

Departure to Puno

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DAY 2: 16:00

Arrival to Puno

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- Hotel/hostel pick up and drop off
- Transportation by motor boat
- Bilingual guide
- 2 lunches
- 1 breakfast
- 1 dinner
- 1 nights' accommodation in Amantani Island
- Tickets to Uros, Taquile and Amantani island

- Totora boat ride (optional – not included)
- Tips
- An extra $5 charge will apply for transfers to hotels outside of the city of Puno (Casa Andina Private Collection, Posada del Inka, Posada Ecco, Libertador, Jose Antonio)

- 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) 2 days before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel before 6:00 pm (Lima time) 2 days 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.

1. 1. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when I’m making my booking. What should 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.

2. 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.

3. 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’ll be heading to the islands of Taquile and Amantani then we advise you to take some money for souvenirs, as they are renowned for some of the finest woven goods in Peru.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 possible, 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 2500metres, 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.

7. 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.