Puno and Lake Titicaca
Uros Islands (Half Day)
A half-day boat trip from Puno to the floating Uros archipelago, built from totora reeds on Lake Titicaca. Two departure times, 8:45 and 11:45 a.m., with a bilingual guide and transfers from your hotel.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup from your hotel in Puno at the agreed time, depending on the departure you choose
Explanations in English or Spanish throughout the tour
The floating Uros archipelago on Lake Titicaca
We confirm your booking in under 2 hours
Titicaca's floating totora reed islands in half a day, with boat and bilingual guide
The Uros Islands tour is a half-day trip from Puno to the most unusual place on Lake Titicaca: an archipelago of about 40 artificial islands, built and constantly renewed with totora, the reed that grows along the lakeshore.
After pickup from your hotel, we leave by boat from the port and land on the islands, where the residents themselves explain how the floating platforms are built and maintained and what their daily life is like. The Uros descend from one of the first cultures of the Andean high plateau, older than the Incas.
It costs US$ 65 per person and includes pickup and drop-off, bus and boat transportation and a professional bilingual guide. There are two departure times, 8:45 and 11:45 a.m., so it only takes half a day and pairs well with the Route of the Sun between Cusco and Puno. If you also want to visit Amantaní and Taquile, there’s the 2-day Titicaca program.
Floating islands built from totora reeds
An artificial archipelago of about 40 islands made and constantly renewed with totora reeds, something unique on the continent.
The pre-Inca culture of the Uros
The islanders descend from one of the first cultures of the Andean high plateau. During the visit, we learn about their history and their way of life today.
Boat ride on Lake Titicaca
The trip includes the transfer to the port and the round-trip boat ride on the highest navigable lake in the world, at 3,827 m (12,560 ft).
Half day, two departure times
Departures at 8:45 and 11:45 a.m., with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Puno. Ideal for combining with other activities on the same day.
Itinerary
Your half day, step by step: from Puno to the Uros Islands
- Pickup from your hotel in PunoWe pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time, depending on the departure you chose (8:45 or 11:45 a.m.), and head to the port.
- Port of Puno · BoardingStart of the boat ride on Lake Titicaca.
- Uros Floating IslandsArrival at the artificial archipelago of about 40 totora reed islands and landing for the visit.
- Guided visit on the islandsAn explanation of how the floating islands are built and maintained, the life of the families who live on them and the origin of the pre-Inca Uros people.
- Boat ride back to the portSailing back across the lake toward Puno.
- Return to your hotelTransfer back and end of the tour.
What's included in your Uros Islands tour?
No surprises and no fine print: here’s exactly what the service covers and what you’ll pay separately on the day of the tour.
Half day
3,827 m above sea level
Two departures a day: 8:45 and 11:45 a.m.
English or Spanish
Included
- Pickup from your hotel and return transfer
- Bus and boat transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Guided visit to the Uros floating islands
- Support from Tari Tours before and during the tour
Not included
- Uros Islands entrance fee
- Breakfasts
- Lunches
- Tips and personal expenses
Note: the Uros Islands entrance fee is paid separately and is not included in the tour price. Before you buy this tour, please contact us to confirm availability and service details.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions, so you can book with confidence.
Do I need to acclimatize before visiting the Uros Islands?
Puno is at 3,827 m, so take it easy for the first few hours, stay well hydrated and avoid heavy meals. The visit itself is very relaxed: almost the whole trip is by boat and there is very little walking on the islands.
How difficult is the tour?
Very easy. It’s a boat tour with a stop on the floating islands. It suits families, seniors and travelers with no special fitness.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The Uros Islands entrance fee, which is not included in the price and is paid on the day.
What time does it start and how long does it take?
We have two start times: 8:45 and 11:45 a.m. We pick you up at your hotel in Puno at the agreed time, and the tour takes half a day.
What should I bring?
Layers and a windbreaker, a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun on the lake is strong), water, some cash for the entrance fee and for crafts from the Uros families, and your passport.
How do booking and payment work?
Before you buy this tour, please contact us to confirm availability. You can message us on WhatsApp or start your booking right on this page by entering the date, time and number of travelers; we confirm in under 2 hours. We have English-speaking guides.
What happens if the weather affects the tour?
Boat trips depend on lake conditions. If the weather doesn’t allow a safe departure, we’ll agree with you on a change of time or date, or a suitable alternative.
How much does the Uros Islands tour cost?
The price is US$ 65 per person. It includes pickup from your hotel and the return transfer, bus and boat transportation, the professional bilingual guide and the guided visit to the floating islands. It does not include the Uros Islands entrance fee, breakfasts or lunches.
How are the Uros floating islands made?
With totora, a reed that grows in the wetlands of Lake Titicaca. The reed roots form floating blocks topped with successive layers of dry totora, which the families renew constantly because the bottom layer rots in the water. With the same material, they build their houses and traditional boats.
How long is the visit and what are the departure times?
It’s a half-day tour with two start times: 8:45 and 11:45 a.m. We pick you up at your hotel in Puno at the agreed time, sail to the archipelago, land for the guided visit and return by boat to the port, with a final transfer to your hotel.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).