Cusco to Uros & Taquile: Sleeper Bus & Food Review

Thinking about hopping on that overnight bus from Cusco to visit the floating islands of Uros and the beautiful Taquile Island? The option is out there, but is the reality as dreamy as the postcards suggest? So, very, recently, I made that very trip, you know, and I’m here to spill the tea on what the experience is truly like, what to maybe expect from that sleeper bus adventure, plus the grub, and the views along the way.

The Allure of Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, sitting way up high in the Andes, has that certain draw, right? So, its shimmering blue waters and the cultures all around its shores present something that makes it attractive to those with a craving for a real Andean vibe, maybe even some soul-soothing experiences. You have the floating Uros Islands, which have that really fascinating story, plus, Taquile Island, offering textiles so awesome, so it becomes a pretty popular part of pretty much anyone’s Peru trip, really. That’s where that adventure started for me, as a matter of fact, like almost all adventures, too, it started with planning, planning everything to make the most of this lake escape.

The Sleeper Bus Experience: Comfort or Chaos?

The sleeper bus – it just sounds awesome, doesn’t it? So, it gives you that hope of saving cash on accommodations and just waking up already at your destination, sort of, anyway, ready to rock the day. That Cusco to Puno leg of the trip is quite long. Now, depending on the tour you take, you might find something just fine or perhaps, that type, you know, the kind with seats that recline a good bit. Did I get a perfect night’s sleep? A little. It’s sort of subjective, arguably. Bring an eye mask, maybe a travel pillow; you could thank me later. Just be prepared for those hairpin turns, arguably, as you snake through those highlands. Even earplugs can make or break it if the person right by you is any sort of a snorer. Just thinking about it, I might even have been that person! All that said, maybe view it like this; just see it as part of the total adventure and then try and go with the flow. You do have that beautiful sunrise potentially greeting you, and it can happen just as you come closer to Lake Titicaca.

Floating into Uros: Touristy But Touching

The Uros Islands, oh they have that rep of being sort of touristy, alright, that’s the truth of it. Still, you see, it’s very awesome to actually witness what it takes for real people to keep that ancient way of living right on these floating islands made of reeds, just there. We took off from Puno very early, taking a short boat ride to the islands. Once we landed, we were welcomed by locals dressed in their very bright and beautiful clothing. That history is, after all, all there. Those islanders willingly explained just how they build and care for the islands; it’s an intensive thing they do, arguably. There was, that is so true, a demo on reed construction, a tiny ride in one of their reed boats (which you’re going to be expected to pay for). But then there was purchasing of their handy work – textiles and crafts. You’re going to find that prices there tend to be steeper when you compare to mainland shops. To tell the truth, the best way to look at your visit to the Uros Islands is almost like this: think of it like you are putting money right into that island community. It will actually let you feel better ’bout the “touristy” element involved.

Taquile Island: Textiles and Traditions

Then came Taquile Island, which has very different vibes from Uros. So, picture something peaceful, with terrain kind of rocky. Taquile is really well known for its textile art and some pretty long-held cultural customs. You need to be prepared; so you can expect to do a bit of hiking, that’s part of the deal with Taquile! The trails will definitely present some really stunning lake views, very true. Once we got to the village, we had a look into how the Taquileños create those unbelievable textiles. Very different from many places; the knitting’s done by males there, just a little interesting cultural nugget right there. The community there really protects and upholds its traditions. Getting a chance to sit with people from the village is such a really cool learning experience. That meal served on Taquile will generally be part of what your tour cost already covered. I will tell you about that shortly.

Grub on the Go: What’s on the Menu?

Now let’s talk food, sort of a biggie while traveling. That food you get along the Cusco to Uros and Taquile tour run the full range. When talking about that sleeper bus trip, remember to just bring along some snacks. Now some companies stop somewhere where you can snag some roadside eats, yet, having something on you is arguably a play that’s really smart. At the islands, Uros really has zero in terms of food places. On Taquile, you can normally expect just a pretty straightforward lunch that’s included with most tours. I enjoyed a meal of quinoa soup that had some local fish; maybe it won’t blow you away, but it will absolutely give you the nutrition you want. Remember: altitude does change how you feel. Lighter is really the key. So, really, stay hydrated and think simple food that will provide energy.

Altitude Awareness: A Note on Acclimatization

Altitude – oh it’s important. Both Cusco and Lake Titicaca sit way high above sea level, actually, and altitude can be really tough if you’re coming from someplace near the coast. I actually really recommend, maybe spend a handful of days in Cusco just before the trip in order to get your body a little more used to that thinner air, if at all possible. When you get to feeling symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, or perhaps feeling kind of dizzy, you should go easy. Water! The guide always had coca tea ready; that’s an age-old remedy they got right in that region for tackling the effects from high altitude. You can take medication beforehand for altitude, but you want to talk about this choice with the doc well before your trip. Going to higher altitudes requires some seriousness, so be prepared.

Things to Bring

Having some well thought-out stuff can make or break your overall experiences. You probably need layers, due to mountain climates and because it can change a good bit. Get an easy backpack that you will use on those day trips around the lake; Leave larger bags back in Cusco. Always carry sunscreen with you and you may apply it all the time! That sun way up high is absolutely no joke, honestly. Hats and sunglasses go a distance when you think about protecting you, as a matter of fact. Cash. Small bills are very helpful with all these purchases. Most little places at the islands do not deal in card payments, or just mark up rates when they do, potentially.

Is the Tour Worth It?

Right, the million-dollar query, in a way. So, if the schedule’s tight and you’re all about seeing all that you possibly can, then this Cusco to Uros and Taquile overnight tour works. Even considering it comes with some pretty long travel times. The truth is you get an authentic peek inside Andean life, the floating Uros Islands and on Taquile. But do consider just a few factors there before just whipping out your credit card: Know that you might be a bit tired getting off of this bus; altitude could pose that obstacle. Now if either sound terrible to you, then that overnight trip possibly isn’t what you want. Maybe just go the calmer route to Lake Titicaca. All that said, if you prepare properly and adjust what you anticipate, you’ll have that really neat, very memorable journey from Cusco to Uros and Taquile.