Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Islands Tour with Lunch

Summary

Discover Uros floating islands and Taquile’s weaving culture

You’ll step onto reed islands at Uros, meet local families, and cross Lake Titicaca by boat to reach Taquile Island’s weaving community. Enjoy a homemade trout lunch with quinoa soup and Coca tea overlooking endless blue water. With hotel pickup and a local guide included, this day trip is full of moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left Peru.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first step onto the Uros islands — it was like walking on a giant, slightly springy mat that rustled under my shoes. The air smelled faintly of reeds and woodsmoke, and our guide, Maribel, grinned when she saw me testing the ground with my toes. She introduced us to Señora Rosa, who showed us how her family weaves those thick mats from totora reeds. I tried to say “thank you” in Aymara (I think I got it wrong), but she just laughed and handed me a little woven bird as a souvenir. The lake was so still that morning, almost glassy except for the soft putter of our boat engine.

After drifting away from the floating islands, we headed across Lake Titicaca toward Taquile. It took a while — maybe two and a half hours? — but honestly, I didn’t mind. There’s something about seeing those blue mountains get closer through the window that makes time feel different. When we finally docked at Taquile, the sun was out but there was this crisp wind off the water. We hiked up toward the main square (it’s uphill and takes about 30 minutes — bring water), passing men knitting as they walked. Our guide explained that here, everyone weaves: men knit hats called chullos, women spin yarn. I’d read about it before but seeing it in real life felt different somehow.

Lunch was simple but perfect — fresh trout with quinoa soup and Coca tea on a terrace overlooking the lake. I still think about that view sometimes; you could see all the way back to Puno if you squinted past the sunlight on the water. Someone at our table ordered an omelet instead of fish (they’re used to tourists’ picky stomachs). On the way down, I stopped to watch some kids playing soccer barefoot near a stone archway — their laughter echoed over the terraces.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Titicaca Boat Journey

• Boat ride on Lake Titicaca
• Visit Uros Floating Islands
• Explore Taquile Island and lunch

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Puno to Taquile Island by boat?

The regular motor boat ride from Puno to Taquile takes about 2 hours 30 minutes each way.

Is lunch included on this Lake Titicaca tour?

Yes, lunch is included on Taquile Island with options like fresh trout or an omelet plus quinoa soup and Coca or Muña tea.

Are transfers from my hotel in Puno included?

Yes, transfers from downtown hotels in Puno to the port and back are included in your tour.

Can I ride a traditional reed boat at Uros?

You can take an optional reed boat ride at Uros for 20 soles per person, payable onsite.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour requires moderate physical fitness due to walking and uphill hiking; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English and Spanish during the tour.

What is special about Taquile Island?

Taquile is known for its UNESCO-recognized textile art; men knit hats while women spin yarn as part of daily life.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from downtown Puno hotels, all entry fees for Uros and Taquile Islands, travel by comfortable motor boat with panoramic windows and onboard bathroom, guidance in English or Spanish throughout, plus a traditional lunch on Taquile before returning in the afternoon.