Overview
This Uros and Taquile islands tour takes you to the two most famous islands of Lake Titicaca in one day, by speed boat. You visit the Uros floating islands, built entirely from totora reeds, and Taquile Island, home to a Quechua community known for its textile art. The speed boat cuts the time on the water, so you spend more of the day on the islands and are back in Puno in the afternoon.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Full day |
|---|---|
| Start | Hotel pickup in Puno at 7:30 am |
| Return | Back at your hotel in Puno in the afternoon |
| Route | Puno – Uros floating islands – Taquile Island – Puno |
| Boat | Speed boat; about 1 hour 25 minutes from the Uros to Taquile |
| Level | Easy; one uphill walk of about 30 minutes on Taquile |
| Lunch | Optional, at a local restaurant on Taquile |
| Departures | Daily |
The Uros Floating Islands
The first stop is the Uros floating islands, a cluster of islands made by hand from layers of totora reeds. Walking on them feels like stepping on a waterbed, but it is completely safe. We visit two of the islands, where local families show you how they build and maintain them, how they use the reeds for their houses, boats and even food, and how they have lived on the water for generations. You can take a ride on a traditional reed boat (optional).
Taquile Island
From the Uros the speed boat continues to Taquile, a Quechua community known for its weaving and knitting, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. On Taquile the men knit and the women weave, and the community still lives by traditions such as ayni, the practice of helping each other: today for me, tomorrow for you. After a scenic uphill walk to the main square, you visit the community cooperative, where islanders sell their textiles, and have time for lunch with views of the lake. A typical lunch is quinoa soup and fresh grilled trout, with a vegetarian option.
Why the Speed Boat
The classic Uros and Taquile tour spends many hours on a slow boat. The speed boat follows the same route in much less time, which leaves you more time on the islands and an earlier return to Puno. It is the best choice if you have only one day for Lake Titicaca or want a free afternoon in Puno.
Is This Tour for You?
This tour suits travelers with one day for Lake Titicaca. If you have two days, the Amantani Island homestay tour adds a night with a local family and the sunset from the top of Amantani. If you want to paddle, see the Lake Titicaca kayak tour. Compare all options on our Lake Titicaca tours page.
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup and return in Puno
- Speed boat for the whole route
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance fees to the Uros and Taquile
Not Included
- Lunch on Taquile, unless you add it in the booking form
- Reed boat ride on the Uros (optional)
- Drinking water, souvenirs and tips
What to Bring
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun is very strong at the level of the lake.
- A bottle of water. Drinking enough helps with the altitude.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the path on Taquile.
- A warm layer and, from December to March, a raincoat.
- Cash in soles or dollars for the reed boat and textiles. Cards are not accepted on the islands.
How to Book
Choose your date and number of travelers in the booking box on this page, add lunch if you want it, and complete the form. We confirm your reservation and send you the pickup details for your hotel in Puno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Uros and Taquile islands in one day?
Yes. This tour visits the Uros floating islands in the morning and Taquile Island at midday, and returns to Puno in the afternoon.
How long does the Uros and Taquile tour take?
A full day. Pickup at your hotel in Puno is at 7:30 am, and the speed boat brings you back to Puno in the afternoon.
What is the difference between the speed boat and the classic tour?
Both visit the same islands. The speed boat takes much less time on the water, so you spend more time on the islands and return to Puno earlier.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional. You can add it in the booking form. It is served at a local restaurant on Taquile, usually quinoa soup and grilled trout, with a vegetarian option.
Are the Uros floating islands safe to walk on?
Yes. They feel soft, like a waterbed, but they are completely safe.
Is the walk on Taquile difficult?
It is easy to moderate. The path climbs gently to the main square in about 30 minutes, and at this altitude it is best to walk slowly.
Can I pay by card on the islands?
No. Bring cash in soles or dollars for the reed boat and textiles.