Cultural Tour to Uros Floating Island - Non touristic
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Most visitors see the Uros floating islands from a tour boat and move on. This experience puts you on the islands themselves, working alongside the families who've built and rebuilt their homes on layers of totora reed for generations.
You'll cut fresh reeds from the lake and help lay them down — the same maintenance routine the Uros follow every couple of weeks to keep their islands from sinking. There's also a chance to set up fishing nets along the shore using traditional methods, and if you'd like, you can try on traditional Uro clothing for a while.
Between activities, the community opens up about their daily craft work. You'll watch them weave textiles and shape intricate jewelry, and they're happy to walk you through the process. Waterfowl come and go across the lake the whole time, so there's always something happening around you — part of what makes the islands feel less like a destination and more like someone's living, working home.
Available options
Cultural Tour to Uros Floating Island - Non touristic
Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Motor boat
Cultural activities
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
This tour skips the usual tourist circuit and takes you straight into daily life on the Uros floating islands. You'll cut totora reeds right from the lake, help set up fishing nets along the shore, and even dress in traditional Uro clothing — the kind of things most visitors to Lake Titicaca never get to do.
Between activities, keep an eye on the water: ibises, coots, and other waterfowl are constantly moving through the reeds around you. Your Uro hosts will walk you through how they craft everything from miniature boats to woven tapestries, explaining techniques passed down over generations. It's less of a show and more of a conversation — a chance to see how this community actually lives on the lake, not just how it's presented to tourists.
2
Stop 2
Your route crosses through the Titicaca National Reserve, where the landscape shifts between open water, dense totora marshes, and clusters of floating islands in the distance. Grebes, Andean gulls, and cormorants are a common sight here — your guide will point them out as the boat moves through the reserve.
Once on the islands, you'll see firsthand how the Uros maintain their home: cutting fresh totora reeds and layering them over the island's surface to keep it firm and buoyant. You're welcome to grab a knife and join in. It's physical, a little muddy, and one of the clearest ways to understand how deeply this community's daily life is tied to the lake around them.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Reedboat ride while in Uros (20 soles per person)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
14 reviews
5★
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Important notes
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Puno
Puno is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural beauty, Puno is a must-visit destination for those exploring Peru's cultural heartland. The city is the gateway to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Top Attractions
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unique islands like the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
Nature
Full day
Budget to Moderate (Boat tours range from 50-150 PEN)
Sillustani
Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.
Historical
Half day
Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Puno, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, churches, and vibrant local life. It's a great place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Cathedral of Puno
The Cathedral of Puno is a beautiful colonial-era church located on the Plaza de Armas. It features a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and houses several religious artifacts.
Religious
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Puno Museum of Art and Culture
This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Puno region, featuring artifacts, textiles, and art from the Aymara and Quechua cultures, as well as pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
Museum
1-2 hours
Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trucha a la Plancha (Grilled Trout)
Fresh trout from Lake Titicaca, grilled and served with local potatoes and vegetables. A must-try for seafood lovers.
Main Course
Gluten-free, but may contain allergens like fish.
Chairo
A hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, corn, and quinoa, flavored with local herbs and spices. A traditional dish of the Puno region.
Soup
Contains meat and gluten.
Sopa de Quinoa (Quinoa Soup)
A nutritious and flavorful soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes meat. A staple in the Andean diet.
Soup
Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.
Pique a la Puneña
A spicy and flavorful dish made with diced beef, potatoes, onions, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper). A popular appetizer in Puno.
Appetizer
Contains meat and gluten.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Boating
Cultural tours
Lakefront walks
Spa treatments
Coffee shop visits
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
May to October (Dry Season)
This is the best time to visit Puno as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the attractions. The temperatures are cool but comfortable.
5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
41°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: Aymara, Quechua, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Puno is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid scams.
- • Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or purified water.
Getting there
By air
- Puno International Airport (JUL) • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
By train
Puno Station
By bus
Puno Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Public buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Puno. They cover most of the city and surrounding areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Alto de la Alameda
El Mirador
Day trips
Uros Floating Islands
1-2 hours by boat • Half day to full day
The Uros Floating Islands are a unique attraction in Lake Titicaca, made entirely of totora reeds by the Uros people. Visitors can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Taquile Island
3-4 hours by boat • Full day to overnight
Taquile Island is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional textiles, and unique culture. The island is home to a close-knit community that preserves its ancient customs and way of life.
Sillustani
35 km (22 miles) from Puno • Half day
Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.
Festivals
Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria • February
Puno Week • November 5-12
Carnaval de Puno • February or March (depending on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Acclimate to the high altitude by taking it easy for the first day or two.
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season and festivals.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Try local dishes and support local businesses to get an authentic experience.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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