Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Fast Boat Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Fast boat from Puno to Uros and Taquile islands with local lunch

You’ll step onto floating reed islands at Uros, watch local families weave by hand, then speed across Lake Titicaca for a hike on Taquile Island—ending with a fresh lakeside lunch and sweeping views before heading back by boat. You’ll feel both welcomed and quietly awed by daily life here.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I booked this Lake Titicaca day trip mostly because I was curious about those floating islands. The morning felt like a blur until we were actually gliding out of Puno’s port in the fast boat, wind sharp but not cold. Our guide, Renzo, started pointing out little things right away—like how you could smell the totora reeds even before you stepped onto Uros. It’s kind of sweet and earthy, almost like hay after rain. I didn’t expect it to feel so springy under my shoes. The families waved us over with these easy smiles; one woman showed me how they weave the reeds for their boats, her fingers moving way faster than mine ever could.

The speedboat makes a difference—you get more time on the islands instead of just sitting on the water. After Uros, we had about an hour ride to Taquile Island. I tried to nap but ended up watching the light change on the lake instead (it goes from steel blue to almost silver). On Taquile, there’s this uphill walk that got my heart going—Renzo joked that everyone blames the altitude, but he still waits for us at every bend. We stopped by a small group making textiles; their hands moved so calmly, weaving colors into patterns I couldn’t begin to describe. Someone handed me a little cup of tea made from local herbs—tasted grassy and fresh, honestly better than I expected.

Lunch was simple but perfect: trout (I think?) and potatoes with this view over Lake Titicaca that just sort of makes you forget your phone exists for a minute. The air felt thin but clean. A few of us tried saying “sulpayki” (thank you) in Quechua—Renzo laughed at our accents but said we did okay. After eating, I wandered off for a bit and just listened to the quiet—there’s something about that silence up there that sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Uros and Taquile Islands

• Pick up from hotels to port
• Fast boat to Uros Islands
• Explore Uros Islands with guide
• Optional small boat trip
• Fast boat to Taquile Island
• Hiking and cultural learning
• Lunch with Titikaka Lake view
• Return by fast boat and road

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Uros & Taquile Islands?

The tour lasts most of the day, including hotel pickup in Puno and return after visiting both islands.

Is lunch included on this fast boat tour?

Yes, lunch is included during your visit to Taquile Island overlooking Lake Titicaca.

Are there guides who speak English or Spanish?

A bilingual guide accompanies you throughout the trip.

How much time do we spend on each island?

You’ll have extra time on both Uros and Taquile thanks to traveling by fast boat.

Is hotel pickup in Puno included?

Yes, hotel pickup from Puno is included at the start of your day trip.

Can infants or people using wheelchairs join?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap.

Is there an optional activity at Uros Islands?

You can take an optional small boat ride at Uros for an additional cost if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Puno, all boat transport by fast boat across Lake Titicaca with your bilingual guide always nearby, plenty of time exploring both Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island on foot—including a traditional lunch overlooking the lake—before returning comfortably back to your hotel.