VISITING UROS ISLANDS: A Guide to Lake Titicaca’s Floating Villages
Located on Lake Titicaca, only 5 km from Puno, the Uros floating islands have been constructed from reeds for centuries.
While the islands are often criticized as being extremely touristic, the Uros Islands are still worth a visit because there is simply nothing like them anywhere else in the world. They stand as a testament to the Uros culture and society.
Even if it can feel staged at times, the Uros people once lived this way—and some still do, which is reason enough to make a stop when travelling around Peru.
Here is our guide to visiting the islands with or without a tour, along with our honest opinion about the place.
What are the Uros floating islands?
It is said that the islands were created by the Uros people – one of the oldest inhabitants of Lake Titicaca – to escape from attacks on the mainland.
When a threat was detected, they would navigate and hide on the floating island of Lake Titicaca, avoiding capture. Over the years, this adaptation became a distinctive way of life until the Incas conquered the area and the Uros customs started to diminish.
The islands themselves are marvels of traditional engineering, made of interwoven reeds layered up to 2 meters thick and secured by ropes anchored to the lake’s bottom. New layers are added every other week to replace those that have rotted, ensuring the islands’ buoyancy and stability.
Traditionally, the islands, boats, houses, and furniture were all made from reeds, a plant that proliferates in this part of Lake Titicaca. The reeds were also used for medicinal purposes and as food.
Where are the Uros islands?
Geographically, the Uros Islands are located a few kilometres from Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. They were once more centrally placed within the lake but were moved closer to the shore after a devastating storm in 1986.
This relocation has helped safeguard their cultural heritage and protect the islands from natural elements, ensuring their survival for future generations.
They are also a lot more accessible today which is certainly convenient to bring tourists, an important source of income for the descendants of the original Uru People.
Nowadays, it is said that the islands are still inhabited permanently, with more than 1,200 people still living there. However, some of the locals prefer travelling every day to their Floating islands from Puno where they settled.
How to visit the Uros Islands from Puno?
The most convenient option to visit the floating islands is through a half-day tour. It can be arranged in the morning, at midday or in the afternoon. We arranged our tour last minute with our hostel, but you can also go there on your own or book online if you don’t have a lot of time or enough flexibility.
Uros floating Islands without a guide
If you wish to visit the Uros floating island on your own, you can head down to the port and take a return boat trip to the Uros Islands for 10 Soles per person plus an additional fee of 5 Soles per person for the entrance to the islands.
Boats leave frequently and may wait a short time to fill up, which could include local school children or other visitors, making the trip less congested than typical tourist-packed tours.
The boat ride to the Uros Islands takes about 25 minutes, and upon arrival, you can listen to a presentation by the island’s president, usually in Spanish, explaining the history and construction of the islands.
While tours may offer English-speaking guides, travelling independently may limit your understanding if you don’t speak Spanish, although some islanders speak English.
After the presentation, there’s time for photographs and interaction with the locals, including a look inside their homes. You can also opt for a short reed boat ride to another island for an additional 5 Soles.
Each visit to an island lasts about 20-35 minutes, allowing for a quick yet thorough exploration.
The total cost for one person, excluding optional expenses, comes to approximately 22 Soles, which is a very small savings compared to most guided tours. Though, including a taxi ride from your hotel to the port, you might just meet the exact same price as most guided tours.
Take a tour of the Floating Uros islands
If you wish to go to the islands with a guide, there are many companies on the pier, but you can also book online or directly at your hostel.
For a 3 to 4-hour tour, including pick up by a minivan at your hotel, you shouldn’t be asked to pay more than 25 Sol each (€6.50).
Although, if you are planning your tour ahead of your trip to Peru and need to do so online, expect a higher price, from €10 to €30 per person. Here are some recommendations based on good reviews:
- From Puno: 3-Hour Uros Floating Islands Tour – 4.5/5 stars with 27 reviews
- 3h Boat Tour to Uros Island from Puno – 5/5 stars with 53 reviews
Our Experience with a guided tour
We were picked up at our hostel by our guide around 9 am and drove to Puno’s port. The 25-minute boat ride from Puno to Uros took us through reeds that were being cut down by locals. We also passed a soccer field made on the reed islands and fishermen heading out for the day.
Traditionally, each island can host several families and we were introduced to one who lived in basic reed huts. The leader of the family told us the story of the islands in his own language while our guide translated it into English. They both demonstrated how reeds were used in all areas of their daily lives.
After this introduction to the Uros lifestyle, the women of the island brought us around to show us the inside of their houses which were entirely made of reeds with a mattress and several thick blankets on top. It gets cold up here as Lake Titicaca is located at an altitude of 3,800 masl.
While in the house they offered to dress us up in traditional clothing – which we didn’t feel comfortable doing, and kindly refused. They then brought us around the island to show us their “handmade crafts” which we could buy. In fairness, these so-called local and handmade products can be found all around the markets in Peru, so I was a bit sceptical about their origin.
One of the best parts of the tour was the dragon boat, which is an additional 10 soles (€2.60) per person. The family leader brought us onto his reed boat and took us navigating on the lake. We didn’t get very far because of the strong winds which made the steering and rowing difficult, and in the end, the boat got pushed back to the islands by an engine-powered dinghy…
Before heading back to Puno our group stopped off on the “café island” to allow us to buy snacks and take a group photo. We waited here for 20 minutes before heading back into town. Here, you can also get your passport stamped for a couple of Soles.
Our honest thoughts about the floating island tour
The tour was disappointing because it was probably the most touristy thing we have ever done in South America.
Though, if you overcome this, learning how the reeds were picked, dried and layered to create islands and houses was interesting. It is incredible to think that people lived on these islands for such a long time. But honestly, it all felt a bit like a re-enactment for the tourists.
If you prefer spending more time with the locals, seeing how they live and learning about their life on Lake Titicaca, then visiting Taquile is probably a better option.
We heard that it can also be a bit of a performance, and we wouldn’t be surprised, because after spending 3 months in Bolivia… we’ve had the same feeling all through our trip in Peru.
Taquile and Amantani, the island-hopping
Another option is the Island Hopping Trip to Taquile and Amantani. Traditionally, backpacker do this trip on their own and spend the night on one of the islands.
Note: Taquile and Amantani are not floating islands made of reed but large islets, such as the Isla del Sol in Bolivia, where you can expect a more traditional, yet very touristy experience with locals.
For this, you’ll need to take the morning ferry to the island you wish to visit. The ferry to Taquile leaves at 7:30 am and to Amantani at 8 am. Once on those islands, you can hop on another ferry to reach the other island as desired and ask a local for a room to spend the night. I cannot provide more information on this, as I have not done it.
You don’t have the time to organise everything yourself? Book this two-day tour from Puno to Amantani. It offers an immersive experience in rural life on Amantani Island, including cultural activities, meals with local families, and overnight homestay accommodations.
Take a day trip from Puno to Taquile
With Taquile and Amantani increasing in popularity among visitors, there are now few day-tours combining both the Floating islands and either Taquile or Amantani.
This full-day tour from Puno includes a boat ride across the lake Titicaca, a stop at the Uros Floating island and a lunch on Taquile Island. It is a great way to experience different lifestyles in this part of Peru.
Did you know: The textile art of Taquile Island, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is renowned for its intricate and colourful designs woven entirely by hand.
This traditional craft is unique in that men predominantly do the weaving from as young as eight years old, learning to create complex patterns that represent the Taquilean community’s cultural identity and social values.
The artistry is so integral to their culture that Taquilean textiles are often used in daily clothing and festivities, making them a living expression of the island’s rich heritage.
Kayak on Lake Titicaca
For the outdoor people looking for a different way to experience Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world) and explore Uros Island, make sure to join this 3-hour kayaking tour!
Setting off from Puno, hopefully, on a calm day, you will glide across the Totora reed used to make the islands and get to enjoy unique views of the vast lake before reaching the Uros Islands and visiting the floating village.
Puno, the entrance to the Uros Islands
Puro is located right on the edge of Lake Titikaka and is the main entrance to visit the famous floating islands.
Let’s be frank, there isn’t much to do in Puno other than visiting the islands, and most people skip deliberately this place. While we think it wouldn’t be worth a detour, we still think that if you are passing by Puno on your way in or out of Peru from or to Bolivia, stopping for a day could be a good idea.
Things to do in Puno except visiting the Uros Islands
Exploring Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca, offers a blend of cultural experiences, historical sights, and scenic beauty. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Puno to enhance your stay:
- Walk Calle Lima: Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the pedestrian-only main shopping street. This is a great spot for purchasing local crafts and souvenirs.
- Visit the Basilica of St. Charles Borromeo: Located on Plaza Republicana (also known as Plaza de Armas), this beautiful cathedral is a must-see for its architectural splendour.
- Take a walking tour of Puno: This is probably the best way to learn about Puno’s history and culture. It included a visit to the most important landmarks in Puno like the Cathedral, the Balcony of the Conde de Lemos and the Central Market.
- Ride in a Taxi-Cholo: Experience Puno’s unique version of a tuk-tuk, which resembles a giant white egg. It’s an inexpensive and fun way to get around the city.
- Explore Sillustani Ruins: Just outside of Puno, these ancient burial towers offer a glimpse into the area’s pre-Incan and Incan history and provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It is best to visit at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset. You can join a half-day tour for €20 per person.
- Hike Up to Mirador el Condor (Condor Viewpoint Map): For breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and Puno, a hike up to this viewpoint is a must. The climb is relatively challenging, but the rewarding views from the top, where you can spot condors if you’re lucky, make it worthwhile.
- Try Local Street Food: Sample hard-boiled quail eggs sold by local vendors. They’re inexpensive and make a tasty, protein-rich snack.
- Explore the Yavari Iron Ship Museum: Tour this historic British-built steamship, now converted into a museum and bed and breakfast, moored at the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- Attend the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival: If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss this vibrant festival featuring music, dance, and colourful costumes, celebrating Puno’s patron saint.
- Visit the Coca Museum: This unique museum provides an insightful look into the historical and cultural significance of the coca plant in the Andes. It’s a small but informative venue that explains the traditional uses of coca and its importance in Andean society.
- Discover the Carlos Dreyer Museum: Located in the city centre, this museum houses a collection of artefacts from the pre-Columbian era, textiles, and paintings, offering deep insights into regional history and culture.
- Tour the Chucuito Fertility Temple: Just outside Puno, this intriguing site, known locally as “Inca Uyo,” is dotted with phallic stone sculptures. It’s a curious place that offers a glimpse into Inca fertility rites. This Aymara Route Day Trip will take you to Ch ucuito, Acora, Amaru Muru and Juli, 4 incredible sites off the beaten path near Puno! Check it out!!
- Hike Up to Pachamama & Pachatata: These sacred hills on the Island of Amantaní are visited for their archaeological remains and the panoramic views they offer. The hike takes you to the temples dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth).
- Visit the Lampa “Pink City”: Known for its pink colonial buildings, Lampa is a short drive from Puno and offers attractions like the Santiago Apóstol church, which houses a replica of Michelangelo’s La Pietà. The site can be visited as part of a day tour to Sillutani and Pucara for a complete archaeological adventure!
Where to stay in Puno?
The city of Puno isn’t as developed for tourism as most of Peru, so accommodation options are limited. We stayed at the Bothy hostel which was basic but cheap for a double bed with a free breakfast that included avocado! It also had a kitchen.
The owners were nice and arranged our tour to Uros for pretty much the same price as if we arranged it ourselves.
Here are three choices for each category to consider when planning your stay:
Budget-Friendly
- Pacha Hostel – A popular choice among backpackers, offering clean, basic rooms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s located near the city centre and provides amenities like free WiFi and communal kitchen facilities.
- Bothy Hostel Puno – Known for its vibrant social scene, making it perfect for solo travellers looking to meet others. They offer dormitory-style rooms, private rooms, and free breakfast.
- Inka’s Rest Hostel – A cosy and comfortable option with a variety of room choices, including private and dormitory accommodations. It’s a great place for travellers on a budget who don’t want to compromise on a warm, inviting environment.
Mid-Range
- Tierra Viva Puno Plaza Hotel – Centrally located and just a short walk from Plaza de Armas, this hotel offers modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and excellent service at a reasonable price.
- Casona Plaza Hotel – Offers a touch of tradition with modern comforts. Located near Puno’s central hub, it provides convenient access to local attractions, restaurants, and bars.
- Hotel Hacienda Puno – Known for its charming decor and attentive service, this hotel is a few minutes walk from Lake Titicaca, with some rooms offering views of the lake.
How to get to Puno?
Puno is accessible from major cities like Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, and even from Copacabana in Bolivia. Here’s how you can travel to Puno from these locations:
From Cusco
Bus: This is the most common and economical way to reach Puno from Cusco. Several bus companies operate daily services, with the journey taking approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Train: The Andean Explorer is a luxury train operated by PeruRail that runs from Cusco to Puno. The journey takes roughly 10 hours and offers spectacular views of the Andes, gourmet dining, and onboard entertainment. It’s a more expensive but a scenic option with a lot of comfort.
From Lima
Flight: The quickest way to travel from Lima to Puno is by taking a flight to Juliaca, which is about 45 minutes from Puno by road. Daily flights are operated by airlines like LATAM and Avianca, with regular Juliaca shuttle buses to and from Puno.
Bus: Buses from Lima to Puno are readily available and provide an economical though long journey, typically taking around 20 hours. Most people would breakdown the trip with stops along the way like Nasca, Ica or Arequipa.
From Arequipa
Bus: Several bus companies offer daily services from Arequipa to Puno. The trip takes about 6 hours and travels through some scenic areas, including parts the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Tour: Because of its closeness to Puno, there are a few tours offering one way trips to Puno from Arequipa with a stop at the Colca Canyon. This is particularly a good option if you are on a tight schedule and want to combine your trip to Puno with a nice stop at one of the most incredible sites in Peru.
From Bolivia
Bus: Direct buses are available from Copacabana and La Paz to Puno. Both are popular routes for travellers coming from Bolivia, with stunning views across Lake Titicaca.
You will need to account for some time at the border so bring food and snack with you. Find more details on how to cross the border from Bolivia to Peru in our Copacabana article.
FAQ about Puno, Uros Island and Lake Titicaca!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen – Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than 60 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!
>> Favourite countries: New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland.
>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska.
>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page.
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