Lake Titicaca tour: Uros Floating Islands and Taquile

Travel by boat to two islands where ancient cultures still shape daily life

A full-day guided tour of Lake Titicaca visits the Uros Floating Islands, built from totora reeds by descendants of a pre-Inca culture, and Taquile Island, a UNESCO-recognized site where Inca textile traditions survive. The tour includes speedboat and traditional totora boat rides, a guide in English or Spanish, lunch, entrance fees and hotel pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Uros and Taquile Islands

• Learn about Uros culture and history
• Explore Uros floating islands and wildlife
• Visit Taquile Island and see textiles
• Observe Inca archaeological remains

The experience

The Uros Floating Islands sit on Lake Titicaca as they have for centuries: more than 140 of them, each built from totora reeds and home to 4 to 7 families who maintain customs that trace back to around 1200 BC. You'll travel by speedboat to reach them, then board a traditional totora boat to move between the islands and learn how the Uros people live on water, what they fish for, and how they've preserved their way of life. Along the route you may spot endemic birds like the Grebe and White Heron, or the fish species unique to Titicaca.

Taquile Island, the second stop, was part of the Inca Empire and resisted Spanish conquest until the 16th century. It's now recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible heritage, largely because of the textile art its residents still practice: fabrics that echo the patterns of Paracas and Inca weavings. You'll see archaeological remains on the island and have time at natural viewpoints to photograph Lake Titicaca and the surrounding landscape. Lunch is included partway through the day.

The tour runs about 8.5 hours from hotel pickup to return. A guide speaks English or Spanish throughout, and entrance tickets to both islands are covered. Children from age 1 are welcome, though the boat rides and walking on the islands mean the day works best for those comfortable with water and some physical movement.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer.
• speedboat and traditional totora boat rides.
• entrance tickets to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
• guided tour in English or Spanish.
• lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:00 and 22:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 88 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lake Titicaca Travel

Is this one for you?The full day and boat travel mean an early start and several hours on the water, so book this tour if you're comfortable with a longer outing and don't mind the motion of speedboats and smaller vessels.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

What are the Uros Floating Islands made of?

The Uros Floating Islands are built from totora reeds, a plant that grows in Lake Titicaca. The islands themselves are constructed entirely from these reeds, layered and bound together, and they're home to families who have lived this way for centuries.

Is Taquile Island connected to Inca history?

Taquile Island was part of the Inca Empire and some archaeological remains are still visible there. The island resisted Spanish conquest longer than most Inca sites, finally surrendering in the 16th century, and its residents continue to practice traditional Inca textile arts and uphold Inca principles of honesty, hard work and integrity.

What birds and wildlife might I see on Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is home to several bird species including the Grebe, an endemic bird found only on Titicaca, as well as the White Heron and other species. The lake also contains endemic fish species like the Ispi and Carachi that you may learn about during the tour.

Does the tour include meals?

Lunch is included in the full-day tour. Hotel pickup and return are also covered, along with all entrance tickets and both the speedboat and traditional totora boat rides.

How much walking is involved on the islands?

The tour involves walking on both the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, plus time at natural viewpoints. The islands are navigated on foot, and there are stairs and uneven surfaces, so a moderate level of mobility helps, though the pace is set by the guide and the group.