Puno: Uros Floating Islands Tour & Totora Raft Ride

The Uros Floating Islands are still worth the crowds, here's why

You arrive by boat at a reed island where your guide explains the Uros way of life, then walk among the homes and plants. A totora raft ride to another island is optional and costs extra. You'll have time to photograph and buy from local vendors before returning to Puno by mid-afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Uros Floating Islands

• Arrive at Uros Floating Islands
• Listen to guide's island story
• Learn about local animals and plants
• Optional totora raft ride to another island
• Buy water or snacks on second island
• Take photos on the island
• Return by boat to Puno city
• Arrive at hotel or plaza de armas

The experience

You'll feel it the moment the boat cuts across Lake Titicaca toward Puno: a kind of suspended disbelief. These islands aren't anchored to the lake floor. They're woven from totora reeds, layered thick enough to walk on, and they rise and fall with the water. Your guide meets you at the dock and walks you straight into the story: how the Uros people built a life here centuries ago, and how they've kept it going. You'll see the animals and plants that survive on these floating islands, the way families have arranged their homes, the boats made of the same reeds as the ground beneath your feet.

The tour moves at an easy pace, but there's a choice that matters: a ride on a totora raft to another island costs extra (10 soles) and is optional. If you take it, you're standing on a raft made of bundled reeds, poled across open water by someone who's done it their whole life. If you skip it, you stay on the main island, which is fine. You've already seen the thing that makes this place unusual. Either way, you get time to buy water or snacks from the families selling them, and to take photos without feeling rushed. The light on the water is clearest in the morning, so that matters if you're particular about it.

After that, the boat takes you back across the lake to Puno, and your driver drops you at your hotel or the Plaza de Armas. The whole thing runs half a day, which is long enough to feel like you've been somewhere, short enough that you're not exhausted by the time you're back in the city.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a professional guide fluent in English or Spanish, entry fees to the Uros Floating Islands, hotel pickup and drop-off near Puno, and all local taxes.
• The guide explains the history and daily life of the Uros people as you walk the reed islands.
• A totora raft ride to a second island is available for an additional 10 soles if you want it.
• You'll have time to buy water, snacks, and local goods directly from island families before returning to the city.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00

Book up to8h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupUp to 30

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.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Real travel Peru

Is this one for you?Book this if you're curious about how people live on water and want a guide to explain it rather than wander alone: the half-day length and included transport mean you're not spending the whole day arranging logistics.

Traveler reviews

3.20★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Uros Floating Islands tour from Puno?

It's a half-day excursion. You're picked up from your hotel, taken by boat to the islands, and returned to Puno or the Plaza de Armas by early afternoon.

Is the totora raft ride included in the price?

No. The raft ride costs 10 soles extra and is optional. You can choose to walk on the main island instead.

What's included in the tour?

A professional guide (English or Spanish), entry to the Uros Floating Islands, hotel pickup and drop-off, and local taxes.

Can children go on the Uros tour?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

Will I have time to buy things on the islands?

Yes. On the second island, there's time to buy water, snacks, and local crafts from families living there.

What's the best time of day to visit the Uros Islands?

Morning light is clearest for photos. Tours typically depart early to take advantage of it.