True Andean Hospitality on the Highest Navigable Lake
Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of the Andean people on this spectacular 2-day shared expedition. While the vast blue expanse of Lake Titicaca is visually stunning, its true magic lies in the communities that call it home. 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 comprehensive journey begins with the engineering marvels of the Uros Floating Islands, where you will glide on a traditional totora reed canoe. Continuing deep into the lake, you will arrive at Amantani Island. Here, life is simple and fascinating—there are no cars, no hotels, and limited electricity. You will be warmly welcomed by your host family, enjoying home-cooked meals and exploring ancient hillside paths. Although the accommodation is deeply traditional, your comfort is ensured with a private bedroom and private bathroom. On the second day, after a breathtaking sunrise over the water, the expedition sails to Taquile Island to discover its UNESCO-recognized textile art and pre-Incan agricultural terraces before returning to Puno.
Expedition Highlights
Authentic Family Homestay
Live alongside an 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 native lake reeds.
Taquile's Master Weavers
Explore Taquile Island to witness incredible pre-Incan stone terraces and learn about the profound symbolism behind their world-renowned textile art.
Unplug & Disconnect
Embrace a simpler way of life on an island with no cars and limited electricity, offering spectacular, unobstructed starry nights and sunrises.
Detailed Itinerary
The Cultural Crossing
Overnight Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
DAY 1: Uros Islands & Amantani Homestay
Uros Floating Islands
Today, you will be met at your hotel and taken to the main port of Lake Titicaca. In the morning, you will visit the unique Uros Floating Islands, engineered entirely from totora reeds. You will learn how locals use this water plant to build their homes and tools, and you will enjoy a smooth, pleasant ride around the islands in a traditional totora reed canoe.
Arrival at Amantani Island
From Uros, we will continue via shared motorboat for approximately 2 hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning lake scenery. Upon arriving at Amantani Island, you will spend time exploring its beautiful landscapes. You will be welcomed into a local home where your host family will prepare a delicious traditional lunch.
Island Hike & Andean Dinner
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a short hike to the highest points of the island (Pachatata or Pachamama) to witness a spectacular sunset. During the evening, you will return to your host family's house for a locally cooked Peruvian dinner. You will pass the night in your cozy homestay, which provides the comfort of a private room and a private bathroom.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Taquile Island & Return to Puno
Sunrise on Amantani & Navigation to Taquile
Early in the morning, you will rise to a locally cooked breakfast with a spectacular view of the sun illuminating Lake Titicaca. After bidding farewell to your host family, we will board our boat and take a scenic 1-hour ride to the neighboring Taquile Island.
Taquile's Textiles & Pre-Incan Terraces
On Taquile, you will enjoy a guided walk to learn about its impressive pre-Incan stone constructions and agricultural terraces. You will also take part in cultural activities, getting in touch with the local people to learn about their daily life and their famous textile weaving, renowned worldwide. You will then enjoy a tasty lunch featuring local ingredients at a traditional Taquile restaurant.
Return Journey to Puno
After a deeply enriching two days on the water, we will depart Taquile Island in the mid-afternoon. We will navigate back across the lake to Puno, where transportation will be waiting to transfer you safely 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 in Amantani (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 water, 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 hikes, please bring only a small overnight backpack with your essentials. Large luggage can be securely stored at your hotel in Puno.
- Cold Nights: While the days are sunny and warm, temperatures drop significantly at night on Amantani. Bring thermal layers, a warm fleece, and a good jacket.
- Island Facilities: Life on Amantani is beautifully simple. There are no cars and limited electricity. While you will have a private bathroom, hot water may not always be reliably available. It is a true cultural disconnect.