Cultural Tour of the Floating Islands of the Uros

🧭 Description
✨ Connect with an ancient culture while sailing on the highest navigable lake in the world.

Immerse yourself in the living history of the Peruvian highlands with this excursion to the legendary Uros Floating Islands, a group of totora reed platforms that defy the passage of time. Just a half-hour sail from the port of Puno, the Uro families await you, preserving ancestral traditions such as net fishing, raft making, housing, and crafts with lake plants.

This tour is ideal for those seeking direct contact with the Andean worldview, sharing authentic experiences, and discovering how a pre-Incan civilization managed to adapt to the waters of Lake Titicaca, creating a world of its own on the floating islands. Available in the morning, midday, or afternoon.

🗺️ Itinerary

🚤 Pickup and Departure to Lake Titicaca

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation located in Puno’s historic center, at any of the three available times: 8:50 a.m., 11:50 a.m., or 3:50 p.m.

After a short transfer by tourist vehicle, we will arrive at Puno’s main port, where we will board a traditional motorboat.

🛶 Sailing and Arrival at the Floating Islands

We will sail for approximately 30 minutes through the calm waters of Lake Titicaca, admiring the highland landscape and its natural diversity.

Upon arrival, we will be greeted by a local Uros community, who will invite us to climb onto the floating islands made entirely of totora reeds (an aquatic plant found in the lake).

🏠 Cultural Tour of the Uros Islands

Our local guide will explain in detail the island’s way of life: how they build the islands with totora reeds, how they maintain their buoyancy, and how they live off the lake.

You’ll learn how they fish, how they make totora reed rafts, how they teach their children, and how they organize themselves as a community.

You’ll share a firsthand experience with Uros families and have time to explore their homes, observe their traditional utensils and clothing, and participate in cultural activities.

📷 Free Time and Interaction

You’ll be able to take incredible photos, try on traditional clothing, purchase handmade crafts, and, if you wish, take a ride on a traditional totora reed raft (optional, at an additional cost).

This is the ideal opportunity for a more intimate and authentic experience.

🛥️ Return to Puno

We conclude the visit with the return by boat to the port of Puno.

Arrival in the city center according to the selected schedule:

Morning shift: 12:00 p.m.

Noon shift: 3:30 p.m.

Afternoon shift: 6:30 p.m.

What does the tour include?

Pickup from your hotel in Puno
We will pick you up directly from your accommodation (if located within the historic center), ensuring your comfort from the start.

Transportation by tourist vehicle to the port
Safe and authorized vehicle for a quick and comfortable transfer to the Puno pier.

Motorized boat ride
Sailing across Lake Titicaca on a tourist boat with all safety measures and excellent panoramic views of the natural surroundings.

Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
Our specialized local guide will share with you the history, customs, beliefs, and secrets of the Uros people throughout the tour.

Entrance to the Uros floating islands
Direct access to the islands built with totora reeds, where you will spend a short time with local families.

Cultural and experiential explanation
Learn about the island construction process, their homes, totora reed rafts, traditional clothing, and the local economy.

Free time to take photos and purchase handicrafts.
You’ll have time to chat with the families, take unique photographs, and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Personalized assistance.
Our staff will be with you at all times to answer any questions you may have and ensure a safe and authentic experience.

❌ What’s not included?

Food or snacks.
The tour is short and does not include breakfast or lunch. It is recommended to have breakfast in advance or bring snacks if you wish.

Traditional totora reed raft ride (optional).
This additional activity costs approximately S/ 10-15 per person and is payable directly to community members.

Tips or personal purchases.
Souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and tips for the guide or artisans (voluntary and appreciated) are not included.

Transportation from hotels outside of downtown Puno.
If your accommodation is outside of the city center, pickup may have an additional cost, or a meeting point can be arranged.

🌟 Recommendations

🧥 Dress in layers
The weather on Lake Titicaca is variable. It can be cold in the morning and very sunny at midday. Bring a light jacket, hat, and sunglasses.

🥾 Comfortable shoes
The islands are made of totora reeds, so we recommend wearing non-slip shoes or sneakers.

💧 Bring water and light snacks
Although the tour is short, it’s ideal to stay hydrated and eat something light if you need it.

🧴 Sunscreen and lip balm
You’ll be over 3,800 meters above sea level, and the high Andean sun can cause sunburn even on cloudy days.

🎒 Bring a small backpack
This will help you carry essentials like water, your camera, sunscreen, and a snack.

📸 Have your camera or cell phone ready
The views of the lake, the totora houses, and the local people offer unique and unforgettable photographs.

💵 Bring cash (soles)
On the islands, you can buy crafts or pay for the optional totora raft ride. Credit cards are not accepted.

🙏 Respect local traditions
The Uros are a living and ancestral community. Ask permission before taking photos of people and avoid entering private areas.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour to the Uros Islands last?
Depending on the time you choose (morning, midday, or afternoon), the tour lasts an average of 2.5 to 3 hours.

Can I take the tour if I’m at altitude for the first time?
Yes. It’s a leisurely tour, ideal for acclimatizing to the highlands. It doesn’t include strenuous hikes or areas requiring high effort.

Is it safe to sail on Lake Titicaca?
Absolutely. We use authorized and safe vessels, following all protocols established by the Peruvian Navy.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (June–August). This way, we guarantee your spot, pickup, and space on the boat.

Can I take the totora reed raft ride?
Of course, it’s optional and can be arranged directly with the locals for an additional fee. It’s an authentic and recommended experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s a cultural, gentle activity accessible to all ages.

Can you visit more than one island?
Yes. Generally, you visit a main island and a secondary island where other families live to compare lifestyles.