Lake Titicaca: 2-Day Islands Tour with Homestay & Local Meals

Summary

Lake Titicaca’s islands homestay weaving music and lake light

You’ll cross Lake Titicaca by boat from Puno, meet Uros islanders, share homemade meals with an Amantani family, and watch sunset from ancient temples. Sleep in a local home and explore Taquile’s weaving traditions before returning by ferry. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s being part of someone else’s everyday for a while.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up somewhere you can’t hear a single car? That was my first morning on Amantani Island. The night before, our guide Julio had met us at the Puno pier — he’d already learned everyone’s names by the time we hit the floating Uros Islands. The boat ride was slow in that good way; I could smell the lake (kind of like wet reeds and sunblock) and watched the women in bright skirts wave as we docked. One of them handed me a totora reed to taste — sweet and grassy, not what I expected. I tried to say “thank you” in Aymara, but mostly got giggles.

The main keyword here is Lake Titicaca, but honestly, it didn’t feel like any “main” anything — more like a patchwork of people living their days out on water and rock. On Amantani, our host family welcomed us with soup so hot I nearly burned my tongue (worth it). Their house was simple but spotless; my room had a thick blanket that smelled faintly of woodsmoke. After lunch, I wandered up a dirt path to the Pachamama temple with some other travelers. The air felt thinner than usual — maybe nerves or just the altitude? Sunset from up there made everything look golden and unreal. Our host mom dressed us in traditional clothes for a dance later; I’m pretty sure I looked ridiculous but nobody cared.

The next day we ferried over to Taquile Island where men sat knitting hats under eucalyptus trees (yes, really — men). Julio explained how each pattern means something different about your life or family. We ate trout by the shore while sheep wandered past, then headed back toward Puno. The boat engine sputtered once and everyone laughed; for a second it felt like we might just drift forever between these islands. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that quiet morning light on the lake — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puno to Amantani via Uros Islands

• Pick up from Puno hotel
• Stop at boat pier for snacks
• Board boat with Andean music welcome
• Visit Uros Floating Islands
• Learn about totora island building
• Optional totora reed boat ride
• Get passport stamped (optional)
• Boat ride to Amantani Island
• Meet host family and check in
• Enjoy authentic Peruvian lunch
• Free time to rest or explore
• Evening walk to Incan temples
• Watch sunset over Lake Titicaca
• Dinner with host family
• Join local folkloric music event
• Dress in traditional attire
• Dance to live Andean music

Day 2 — Amantani to Puno via Taquile Island

• Breakfast with host family
• Board ferry to Taquile Island
• Explore Taquile weaving and knitting
• Visit local community and crafts
• Lunch at local restaurant (not included)
• Boat ride back to Puno
• Transfer to Puno hotel

Top questions

How long is the Lake Titicaca islands tour?

This is a 2-day tour including one overnight stay on Amantani Island.

Is accommodation included on Amantani Island?

Yes, you stay overnight with a local family in a private room.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Lunch and dinner on day one plus breakfast on day two are included; lunch on Taquile is extra (20 Soles).

Is pickup from my hotel in Puno included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at hotels within central Puno are included.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Yes, vegetarian options are available during included meals.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide is bilingual (Spanish/English).

What activities are there on Amantani Island?

You’ll join your host family for meals, walk to Incan temples for sunset views, and take part in an evening dance event.

Do I need to bring cash for extras?

You’ll need cash if you want to buy handicrafts or pay for optional rides or lunch not included (like lunch on Taquile).

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from central Puno, all entrance fees for Uros Floating Islands, Amantani Island and Taquile Island, bilingual local guiding throughout both days, three home-cooked meals (lunch and dinner on Amantani plus breakfast), one night’s accommodation with a family in a private room on Amantani Island, return ferry transport between islands and back to Puno city center at the end of your journey.