True Andean Hospitality on the Highest Navigable Lake
Immerse yourself in the ancestral rhythms of the Quechua people on this unforgettable 2-day shared expedition across Lake Titicaca. While the vast azure expanse of the world's highest navigable lake is visually breathtaking, its deepest magic lies in the island communities that preserve millennia-old traditions. This tour offers a rare, authentic opportunity to disconnect from modern distractions and experience a genuine cultural exchange by spending the night in a local family's home on Amantani Island.
Your journey begins with the floating engineering marvels of the Uros Islands, where you will glide across the water aboard a traditional totora reed canoe. Continuing deeper into the lake, you will arrive at Amantani Island—a tranquil sanctuary with no cars, no commercial hotels, and star-filled Altiplano skies. You will be warmly welcomed by your host family, enjoying home-cooked Andean meals while resting comfortably in your own private bedroom and private bathroom. On the second day, after sunrise over the lake, the expedition sails to Taquile Island to discover its UNESCO-recognized textile art before returning to Puno. Prefer a 100% private boat or lodge stay? Explore our Taquile Island 2-Day Retreat or our 12-Day Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu Package.
Expedition Highlights
Authentic Family Homestay
Live alongside a welcoming Amantani family. Enjoy their warm hospitality and home-cooked Andean meals while resting comfortably in a private room and bathroom.
Uros Reed Canoe Ride
Marvel at the floating islands of Uros and experience a smooth, peaceful ride in a traditional boat built entirely from buoyant totora reeds.
Taquile's Master Weavers
Explore Taquile Island to witness pre-Incan stone terraces and learn about the profound symbolism behind their UNESCO-protected textile art.
Unplug & Disconnect
Embrace a peaceful way of life on an island free of cars, offering spectacular sunset hikes to the Pachatata temple and unobstructed starry nights.
Detailed 2-Day Lake Titicaca Itinerary
The Cultural Crossing: Uros, Amantani & Taquile
Overnight Altitude: 3,812 m / 12,506 ft (Amantani Island)
DAY 1: Uros Islands & Amantani Homestay
Uros Floating Islands
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Puno and transferred to the main port of Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the unique Uros Floating Islands, hand-built entirely from native totora reeds. You will learn how local families use this aquatic plant to construct their homes, islands, and boats, and enjoy a peaceful ride around the reed channels aboard a traditional totora canoe.
Arrival at Amantani Island
From Uros, we continue via motorboat for approximately 2 hours across the open lake, allowing you to relax and admire the distant snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Upon arriving at Amantani Island, your host family will greet you at the port and escort you to their home, where they will prepare a delicious, organic Andean lunch.
Island Hike to Pachatata & Andean Dinner
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic walk along stone pathways to the ceremonial summits of the island (Pachatata and Pachamama temples) to witness a breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca. In the evening, return to your host family's house for a freshly cooked dinner and rest in your cozy homestay, equipped with a private bedroom and private bathroom.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Taquile Island & Return to Puno
Sunrise on Amantani & Navigation to Taquile
Early in the morning, rise to a traditional breakfast with panoramic views of the sun illuminating Lake Titicaca. After bidding farewell to your host family, board our motorboat for a scenic 1-hour crossing to neighboring Taquile Island.
Taquile's Textiles & Pre-Incan Terraces
On Taquile, enjoy a guided walk to explore its pre-Incan stone constructions and agricultural terraces. You will meet local community members to learn about their daily customs and their UNESCO-recognized textile weaving—where men knit intricate chullos and women weave symbolic belts. Afterward, savor a freshly prepared lunch featuring local lake trout or Andean quinoa at a community restaurant.
Return Journey to Puno
After an enriching two days on the lake, we depart Taquile Island in the afternoon and navigate back to Puno port, where our transport will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions & Prices
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puno.
- Shared motorboat transportation across Lake Titicaca.
- Professional English-speaking local guide.
- 1 Night Homestay on Amantani Island (Private Room & Private Bathroom).
- Traditional Totora Reed Canoe ride at the Uros Islands.
- Meals: 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner (Locally prepared).
- All island entrance fees and community contributions.
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1 / Dinner on Day 2 in Puno.
- Personal expenses, bottled beverages, or textile souvenirs.
- Gratuities for your guide, boat captain, and host family (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Packing Light: For logistical ease on the boat and during the island walks, please bring only a small overnight backpack with your essentials. Large luggage can be securely stored at your hotel in Puno.
- Cold Nights: While daytime sun on the lake is warm and bright, temperatures drop significantly at night on Amantani. Bring thermal layers, a warm fleece, a hat, and a windproof jacket.
- Island Facilities: Life on Amantani is authentically simple, with no cars and solar-powered electricity. While you will have a private room and private bathroom, hot water is limited.