From Puno: Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour

The "From Puno: Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour" offers an intriguing glimpse into the ancient Uros society and the captivating Lake Titicaca. Visitors can experience a 20-minute boat ride to the remarkable floating islands made from Totora reeds, learning about the Uros’ traditional practices. With convenient hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, this culturally enriching tour provides a unique opportunity to take in local traditions. Whether seeking adventure or cultural insight, this half-day excursion promises to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

A 3-hour boat tour from Puno to the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca, providing an opportunity to learn about the ancient Uros society and the lake’s natural beauty.
The tour includes a 20-minute boat ride, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and hotel-to-port transfers, with an optional handmade boat ride available for an additional cost.
The Uros floating islands are constructed from resilient Totora reeds and require regular maintenance to remain buoyant, demonstrating the Uros’ adaptability and resourcefulness.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old, and guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for additional purchases.
The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 15 customer reviews, with mixed opinions on the transportation and logistics aspects of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour is an approximately 3-hour activity priced from $10.00 per person.

The Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour is an approximately 3-hour activity priced from $10.00 per person.

Tourists can check for starting times and reserve now with payment later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is provided from hotels in the historic center of Puno, excluding distant hotels.

Travelers will take a 20-minute boat ride to reach the iconic floating islands, where they’ll learn about the ancient Uros society and their unique culture while taking in the beauty of Lake Titicaca.

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Itinerary and Experience

Pickup for the tour is provided at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm from hotels in the historic center of Puno, excluding distant hotels.

A 20-minute boat ride takes visitors 10 km across Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros.

On the islands, travelers learn about the ancient Uros society, whose members have long relied on fishing and hunting birds for sustenance.

The islands themselves are constructed from Totora reeds and must be maintained every 20 days to keep them afloat.

Visitors can contemplate the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca throughout the experience.

Cultural Significance

One of the oldest ethnic groups in the region, the Uros society has long been reliant on fishing and hunting birds for their sustenance.

They’ve constructed their floating islands using Totora reeds, a resilient aquatic plant that allows the islands to remain buoyant.

These islands require regular maintenance, with the inhabitants reinforcing them every 20 days to prevent deterioration.

This ancient way of life highlights the Uros’ remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness, as they’ve learned to thrive on the waters of Lake Titicaca for centuries.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes tickets to the Uros Islands, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, hotel-to-port transfers, and motorboat transportation.

However, several items aren’t included:

Several items aren’t included: handmade boat ride (optional), extra expenses not mentioned, and pickup from hotels outside the city center.

Handmade boat ride (optional)
Extra expenses not mentioned
Pickup from hotels outside the city center

Plus, certain restrictions apply. Alcohol, drugs, and fireworks aren’t allowed.

The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old.

Guests are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases.

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Recommendations and Restrictions

Guests are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases.

Alcohol, drugs, and fireworks are strictly prohibited on the tour. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old. This is due to the uneven terrain and the need to navigate the floating islands.

Guests should be aware of these restrictions and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. With the right preparation, visitors can fully enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of the Uros floating islands.

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Customer Reviews

According to the information provided, 15 customer reviews have been aggregated, resulting in an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 for the Uros Floating Islands Tour.

While the transportation has a lower rating of 2.5/5, the guide and cultural experience received more positive feedback. Customers recommend bringing cash for any additional purchases.

Key takeaways from the reviews include:

Mixed opinions on logistics and transportation
Positive remarks about the culture and knowledgeable guide
Suggestion to have cash on hand for optional activities
Concerns raised about the value proposition
Overall, a moderately satisfactory experience for most participants.

Pricing and Availability

From $10.00 per person, the Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour offers an accessible way to experience this unique cultural attraction.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and operates with departures at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. It’s available for booking, with payment due later.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour includes pickup from hotels in Puno’s historic center, boat transportation, and an English/Spanish guide.

Optional activities, like a handmade boat ride, and pickup from distant hotels cost extra. Guests should plan accordingly and book their tour in advance to secure their desired schedule.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour can be booked online, with payment due later.

This tour offers flexible scheduling, with pickup times at 9:00 am and 12:00 pm from hotels in the historic center of Puno.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for travellers.

The tour’s highlights, including visiting the floating islands and learning about the Uros culture, make it a popular and accessible experience for visitors to the Puno region.

Flexible booking
Payment due later
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Accessible pickup locations
Cultural immersion experience

Things To Know

Can I Get a Discount for Group Bookings?

Group discounts may be available for the tour, though the specific rates are not provided in the information given. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator about any group pricing options when making the booking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Visitors can add more time to explore the floating islands and learn more about the Uros culture and lifestyle for an additional cost.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Islands?

The tour includes restroom facilities on the floating islands. Visitors can use basic toilet facilities during their time exploring the Uros Island community and learning about their unique culture and way of life.

Can I Take Pictures or Videos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour of the Uros Floating Islands. However, it’s polite to ask for permission before taking pictures of the local people and their homes.

How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Floating Islands?

The boat ride to the floating islands takes approximately 20 minutes and covers a distance of 10 km. The tour overview indicates this is part of the overall 3-hour experience visiting the Uros Floating Islands.

Sum Up

The Uros Floating Islands Half Day Tour offers a unique cultural experience on Lake Titicaca. For just $10 per person, visitors can explore the remarkable reed islands, learn about traditional Uros practices, and enjoy the local way of life. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an enriching glimpse into an ancient society and the stunning natural beauty of the region.