Overview
This one-day Lake Titicaca kayak tour is the most active way to see the lake in a single day. A motorboat takes you from Puno to Llachon on the Capachica Peninsula, and from there you paddle about 10 kilometers across open water to Taquile Island, with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. After lunch with a local family on Taquile, you visit Uros Ccapi, a remote group of floating islands that few travelers reach, and return to Puno in the afternoon.
No previous kayaking experience is needed. Your guide gives you a full safety briefing and paddling instructions before you start, and you only need a good level of fitness.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Full day, about 10 hours |
|---|---|
| Start | Hotel pickup in Puno at 7:00 am |
| Return | Port of Puno by 5:00 pm |
| Route | Puno – Llachon (Capachica Peninsula) – kayak to Taquile Island – Uros Ccapi – Puno |
| Kayaking distance | About 10 km, with rest stops |
| Level | No experience needed; good physical fitness required |
| Meals | Lunch on Taquile Island |
| Minimum group | 2 people |
Where You Paddle
The kayaking starts at the tip of the Capachica Peninsula, near Llachon, one of the most scenic corners of Lake Titicaca. From there you cross open water toward Taquile Island. Most of the route is far from the busy boat lanes used by day tours, so you hear little more than your paddle and the wind. On clear days you can see the snow-capped Cordillera Real in Bolivia across the lake.
The paddle takes place in the morning, when the lake is usually at its calmest. We stop along the way to rest, drink and take photos.
Taquile Island and Uros Ccapi
On Taquile you walk up to a local home for a traditional lunch. Your guide explains the island's customs and its traditional clothing.
In the afternoon you visit Uros Ccapi, a group of floating reed islands far from the busy Uros islands near Puno. It is much less commercial, and the families who live there still keep their traditions. You can take a ride on a traditional reed boat (optional).
Is This Kayak Tour for You?
This tour suits travelers in good physical condition who want an active day on the lake. You paddle about 10 kilometers at more than 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level, so spend at least one or two days in Puno or Cusco first to adjust to the altitude. Tell your guide about any medical condition before you start. If you prefer a relaxed day on the lake, our Taquile speed boat tour visits Taquile without kayaking.
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup in Puno
- Motorboat from Puno to Llachon and back from Uros Ccapi
- Kayak and life jacket
- Safety briefing and kayaking instructions
- Professional bilingual guide
- Entrance fees to the islands
- Lunch on Taquile Island
Not Included
- Reed boat ride on Uros Ccapi (optional)
- Drinking water and snacks
- Tips
What to Bring
- Quick-dry clothes and a change of dry clothes in a waterproof bag.
- A warm layer and a windproof jacket. The water is cold all year and the wind can pick up.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with a strap and sunscreen. At this altitude the sun is strong and the lake reflects it.
- Shoes that can get wet, or sandals with a strap.
- A water bottle and snacks.
- Cash in soles for the reed boat and souvenirs.
More Kayak Tours on Lake Titicaca
If you want more time on the water, the 2-day Lake Titicaca kayak tour adds a night with a local family. You can also stay in Llachon with our Llachon homestay. For all our tours on the lake, see Lake Titicaca tours.
How to Book
Choose your date and number of travelers in the booking box on this page and complete the form. The tour needs a minimum of 2 people. We confirm your reservation and send you the pickup details for your hotel in Puno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. Your guide gives you a safety briefing and basic paddling instructions before you start. You only need a good level of physical fitness.
How far do you kayak on Lake Titicaca?
About 10 kilometers, from the tip of the Capachica Peninsula near Llachon to Taquile Island, with rest stops along the way.
What time does the tour start and finish?
Pickup at your hotel in Puno is at 7:00 am and the boat leaves at 7:30 am. You return to the port of Puno by 5:00 pm.
Is kayaking on Lake Titicaca safe?
Yes. You wear a life jacket, receive a safety briefing before paddling, and travel with a guide. We paddle in the morning, when the lake is usually calm.
Is the water cold?
Yes. Lake Titicaca is cold all year. Wear quick-dry clothes and bring a change of dry clothes in a waterproof bag.
What is the minimum number of people?
The tour runs with a minimum of 2 people.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is served in a local home on Taquile Island.
What is Uros Ccapi?
A group of floating reed islands in a remote part of Lake Titicaca. It receives far fewer visitors than the Uros islands near Puno and is much less commercial.