Uros & Taquile Speedboat Tour from Puno: Private Guide

Learn how totora reed islands are built, then walk Taquile's trails with a guide who answers your questions

A full-day speedboat tour of Lake Titicaca from Puno visits the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island with a private guide who speaks English or Spanish. You spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on Uros learning how the islands are constructed from totora reeds and how locals use them daily, then 2 to 3 hours on Taquile walking traditional trails, hearing about textile traditions and social customs, and eating a typical lunch. The speedboat may carry other travelers, but the guide is yours alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Uros and Taquile Islands

• Travel by speedboat from Puno
• Explore Uros Floating Islands
• Learn about totora reed construction
• Optional totora boat ride
• Visit Taquile Island
• Walk traditional trails and enjoy views
• Learn about Taquile culture and textiles
• Enjoy traditional lunch on Taquile

The experience

Uros comes first. The islands are built by hand from layers of totora, an aquatic plant that grows in Lake Titicaca, and your private guide walks you through how they're constructed and maintained, how the plant fits into daily life, and how families have kept their traditions alive. You can ask as many questions as you want and get explanations tailored to what interests you most. A traditional totora boat ride is available if you want it, paid separately to the local community.

Taquile is the second stop, and the walk there matters as much as the arrival. You follow traditional trails with views across the lake while your guide explains the island's history, social organization, and the textile traditions Taquile is known for, including what the garments mean and why weaving is central to cultural identity. There's time to take in the scenery and move at your own pace before lunch, a typical meal prepared on the island.

The speedboat is shared, but your guide is not. That's the trade-off that keeps the price down while keeping the commentary personal. Pickup is included from your Puno hotel. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Other languages can be arranged ahead if you ask.

What’s included

• Lunch on Taquile Island.
• private guide in English or Spanish.
• speedboat transport on Lake Titicaca.
• hotel pickup from Puno.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Titicaca Tours

Is this one for you?The private guide speaks English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary comfortably and can ask questions at your own pace. If you need a different language, request it when you book.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

11 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

How are the Uros Floating Islands actually built and maintained?

The islands are constructed by hand using layers of totora, an aquatic plant that grows in Lake Titicaca. During your visit, your guide explains the building process, how locals maintain the islands over time, and how the plant is used in daily life, from building materials to food and fuel.

What will I see and do on Taquile Island?

Taquile involves walking traditional trails with panoramic views of the lake while your guide discusses the island's history, customs, social structure, and its renowned textile tradition. You'll learn what traditional garments mean and how weaving is woven into cultural identity, with time to photograph and explore before a typical lunch on the island.

Is the speedboat private, or will there be other travelers?

The speedboat is shared with other travelers to keep costs manageable, but your guide is private and dedicated to your group alone, so you get personalized attention and detailed explanations throughout the day.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included on Taquile Island. All fees and taxes are also covered in the price.