Uros Floating Islands Tour in Puno

Exploring the ancient floating islands of the Uros people is a must-do activity for visitors to Puno, Peru. The Uros Floating Islands Tour offers a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to witness the centuries-old traditions of this indigenous community. From stepping onto the remarkable reed platforms to gliding across the serene waters of Lake Titicaca, the tour promises a captivating journey that sheds light on the resilient and innovative spirit of the Uros people. Whether you’re seeking an immersive cultural encounter or simply breathtaking vistas, this tour might just be the highlight of your Peruvian adventure.

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Key Points

The Uros Floating Islands Tour in Puno, Peru, offers a 4-hour guided tour, including a 30-minute boat ride to the floating islands.
The tour provides an opportunity to explore the Uros culture and traditions, with an optional 20-minute ride on traditional reed boats.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transport to the port, and return to the hotel, as well as entrance fees to all tourist attractions.
Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Lake Titicaca and the Andes, and explore the main square with its restaurants and shops.
Customers have provided mixed feedback regarding additional costs and guide communication, and preparation for high-altitude conditions is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Uros Floating Islands Tour in Puno offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the centuries-old culture and traditions of the Uros people.

Priced from Kč 299 per person, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transport to the port, and a boat ride to the floating islands.

Guests can discover how the islands are constructed from reeds and observe the local way of life. An optional 20-minute ride on traditional reed boats is available.

The tour also includes visits to the main square with restaurants and shops, and scenic views of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

Looking for more options in Puno? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from hotels in downtown Puno or the main square, followed by a 20-minute transport to the Puno port.

From there, you’ll take a 30-minute boat ride on Lake Titicaca to the famous Uros Floating Islands.

Once on the islands, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour guided tour learning about the Uros culture, traditions, and their unique reed island construction.

The return trip includes a 30-minute motor boat ride back to the port and a 20-minute transport to your hotel.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.

Tour Highlights

Uros Floating Islands offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of the indigenous Uros people. Guests can discover the intricate process of crafting the islands using totora reeds. An optional 20-minute ride on traditional reed boats allows travelers to experience firsthand the ingenious methods used to navigate Lake Titicaca’s waters. Beyond the islands, the tour showcases the main square, where travelers can browse local restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The scenic views of the world’s highest navigable lake, set against the Andes, create a truly unforgettable experience.

| Tour Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Uros Culture & Traditions | Discover the indigenous Uros way of life and construction of the floating islands |

| Reed Boat Ride | Optional 20-minute traditional boat ride on Lake Titicaca |

| Main Square | Explore Puno’s bustling main square with dining, shopping, and sightseeing |

| Scenic Views | Marvel at the stunning vistas of Lake Titicaca (3,812 masl) and the Andes |

Included Services

To ensure a seamless and worry-free experience, the Uros Floating Islands Tour includes a comprehensive set of services.

Travelers are picked up from their hotels in downtown Puno or the main square and transported to the port. The motor boat ride to the floating islands takes around 30 minutes, and a professional guide, fluent in English and Spanish, leads the 4-hour guided tour.

Travelers are transported to the port, where a 30-minute motor boat ride and 4-hour guided tour await, led by a bilingual professional.

Entrance fees to all tourist attractions are covered, and a first aid kit is available.

Lastly, the tour offers flexible cancellation and date change options, providing customers with peace of mind.

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Important Information and Tips

When visiting the Uros Floating Islands, travelers should bring along a few essential items to enhance their experience. These include a passport, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, rain gear, and comfortable clothing. It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for any additional expenses. The tour operates at three different times throughout the day, starting at 8:45 am, 11:45 am, and 3:30 pm, with the tours concluding at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm, respectively. Customer reviews have been mixed, with some concerns about additional costs and guide communication.

| Items to Bring | Tour Schedule |

|—————-|—————|

| Passport | 8:45 am – 12 pm |

| Sunglasses | 11:45 am – 3 pm |

| Sun hat | 3:30 pm – 6 pm |

| Camera | |

| Sunscreen | |

| Rain gear | |

| Comfortable clothing | |

| Cash | |

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Exploring the Uros Culture and Traditions

As visitors step onto the Uros Floating Islands, they’re met with a captivating display of the Uros people’s centuries-old traditions and ingenious island construction.

The islands are entirely built from totora reeds, which the Uros skillfully weave and layer to create their buoyant homes.

The Uros people skillfully weave and layer totora reeds to construct their buoyant, reed-based island homes.

Visitors can witness the Uros sharing their unique way of life, from traditional dress and music to the intricate process of maintaining the islands.

Guests have the option to ride traditional reed boats, allowing them to fully enjoy the Uros’ aquatic lifestyle on the highest navigable lake in the world.

The Unique Reed Island Construction

The Uros Floating Islands are an engineering marvel, constructed entirely from the ubiquitous totora reeds that thrive in the shallow waters of Lake Titicaca.

These islands are constantly rebuilt, with new layers of reeds added to the base as the bottom ones decay. Visitors are amazed by the intricate design and craftsmanship, as the reeds are woven together to form sturdy platforms that can support houses, schools, and even hotels.

The islands are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Uros people, who’ve adapted to life on the water for centuries.

Scenic Views and Boat Rides on Lake Titicaca

Visitors aboard the motor boats are treated to stunning vistas of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. At an elevation of 3,812 meters above sea level, the expansive blue waters shimmer under the bright sun.

Towering mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, their snow-capped peaks reflecting on the glassy surface.

The boat ride to the Uros Islands takes approximately 30 minutes, offering plenty of time to take in the serene scenery.
Along the way, guests may spot local fishermen in their traditional reed boats, known as "balsas".
The scenic journey culminates with arrival at the floating islands, where the tour continues on foot to explore the unique reed construction and Uros culture.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information doesn’t explicitly prohibit outside food and beverages, so you’re free to pack a snack or refreshment to enjoy during the excursion.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but there’s a reserve now & pay later option available if you need more flexibility. The standard tour lasts 4 hours and includes pickup, transport, and a guided visit of the Uros Islands.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Kids of all ages are welcome to join the excursion. Families can explore the floating islands together and experience the unique Uros culture and traditions during the 4-hour tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but you’re free to explore the islands at your own pace during the guided tour. Additional activities like reed boat rides may be available for an extra fee.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

Yes, there’s a discount for booking the Uros Floating Islands Tour in advance. The tour is priced from Kč 299 per person, and you can reserve it now and pay later to take advantage of the full refund policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Sum Up

The Uros Floating Islands Tour offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience on the stunning Lake Titicaca. Visitors can enjoy the traditional way of life of the Uros people, exploring their unique reed-constructed islands and taking in breathtaking Andean vistas. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to connect with an indigenous community and witness the preservation of their centuries-old traditions.