Do you have 2 spare days? Then, come to enjoy two days on the Titicaca Lake (3,810 m.a.s.l.), the highest navigable lake on the planet! The enormous lake evokes a Mediterranean atmosphere! On the first day, you visit the famous Uros Floating Islands consisting of about 70 man-made islands. Their history dates back to the pre-Inca times when they were created by the Uros Tribe of “totora” (a kind of reed). Present inhabitants show you their lifestyle during a stop at one of the islands.
Then, you sail to the Amantani Island, 40 km away from the Puno City. This island covers an area of 9.28 km2 and it has around 3,700 inhabitants. You can see ancient Inca and (older) Tiwanaco ruins on the top of the mountains called Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth)! Moreover, you enjoy hospitality of the Amantani people who prepare you typical meals and shows you traditional music and dances. Then, you experience a night on the Titicaca Lake during a family homestay!
You wake up in to the unspoiled atmosphere of Amantani as there are no cars an its inhabitants live in a traditional way. After this unique moment and breakfast, you ride to another awesome island: Taquile. You can see picturesque scenery there. Its soil is of a deep earthy-red colour and it contrasts magnificently with the intense blue of the lake. Taquile´s inhabitants wear typical colourful clothes, keeping their traditional way of life, farming, fishing and most importantly weaving. The latter is a significant aspect of women´s as well as men´s lives and it was recognized by the UNESCO as an intangible heritage!
By joining the Titicaca Lake 2D/1N trip, you not only gain unbeatable moments, but you also contribute to the local economies of the islanders!
Your Tour Guide picks you up from your hotel in Puno at 7:30 am to bring you to the local port. There, you board a motorboat. After a 30-minute ride, you step on one of the incredible Uros Floating Islands. The islands were made by the Uros People of „totora“ (a kind of reed). Your Tour Guide shows you around the island, explains you the technique it was made and introduces you to its inhabitants. Finally, you can buy some of their “totora” handicraft and/or have a ride on a totora horse-like boat (not included in the tour price).
After that, you head for the Amantani Island which was nicknamed the “Island of the Kantuta” for the abundance of kantuta flowers (Cantua buxifolia). You arrive at Amantani approximately at 1:30 pm since it is situated far on the Titicaca Lake, near the peninsulas of Chucuito and Capachica. Firstly, you have a typical lunch at a local house. Secondly, you hike to two ceremonial centers located atop of the mountains Pachatata and Pachamama. Excepting that, you can enjoy the whole panorama of the lake and the sunset while the sky is completely clear.
The Titicaca Lake 2D/1N trip is very popular because you can interact with the natives who still keep their traditions due to the very simple and peaceful lifestyle they have. They prepare you dinner and present you their music and dances which you can obviously join. Then, you have the opportunity to overnight at a local family house. The house is very simple yet comfortable and it overlooks the lake. Such a combination of culture with the nature makes this place wonderful!
Your local family prepares you breakfast early in the morning. Afterwards, you need to tell them good-bye as you continue to another fascinating island: Taquile. It has several hills offering beautiful sceneries, including a view of the snow-capped Cordillera. When you land, you walk from a dock towards the Communal House of Taquile for 30 minutes. On the way, you may observe the splendid nature as well as local people (Taquileños) wearing colorful traditional clothes.
Taquileños still keep their traditions and dedicate themselves to fishing, farming and weaving. It is interesting that not only women weave, but men too. Taquile´s woven handicraft is recognized by the UNESCO as an intangible heritage! For that reason, it is a very popular kind of souvenir. After the Guide shows you around, you have lunch at a local house. When you finish, you walk through the island descending 538 historical steps until you reach another dock. You board the motorboat again to return to Puno. Upon arrival, you are taken back to your hotel.
Drop-off at the Puno’s hotel.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?
Personal medication (if applicable)
