Cusco to Uros & Taquile Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Thinking about visiting Lake Titicaca from Cusco and trying the Uros and Taquile Tour? You are, perhaps, wondering if it’s all that great. Well, so it is; the full-day trip is quite the adventure. Is the time commitment worthwhile? I took the plunge myself. I thought I would offer up some of what I learned to aid your decision. You know, help you decide whether it lives up to the hype.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Basically, the “From Cusco Uros and Taquile Tour Full Day” promises a look into unique cultures and scenery. The tour usually begins super early from Cusco. Then, there’s a bus trip over to Puno. I mean, that is basically where Lake Titicaca does its thing. From Puno, so it is, a boat will take you out on the lake. The floating Uros Islands are usually the first stop. You might be interested to find that they are made entirely of reeds. After the Uros Islands, the tour goes on to Taquile Island. That’s where you get to see a more traditional way of Peruvian life. Finally, after your day you make your way back to Puno, and ultimately Cusco.

First Stop: The Amazing Uros Floating Islands

So, after that early morning bus from Cusco, reaching the Uros Islands actually feels a bit surreal. Apparently, these islands are not natural; they’re constructed from totora reeds. It’s really something, that construction process. Families that live on these islands have actually maintained this way of life for ages. When you step onto one of the islands, you’ll notice that the ground is, well, it’s kind of bouncy. In some respects, that’s due to all those reeds. The locals are pretty welcoming and so they usually wear bright clothing. They share aspects of their daily lives with you. The experience feels touristy at times. Still, talking with the residents gives you an intriguing view of their culture. They describe how they build and keep up the islands. By the way, they may even offer a ride in a reed boat (which usually costs extra).

Taquile Island: A Step Back in Time

After the Uros Islands, so the tour goes to Taquile Island, which offers quite a different experience. The island is far away enough that it avoids feeling too touristy. The island way of life is much more traditional than on Uros. When you arrive, you face a bit of a climb up some steep paths to reach the main part of the island. The views from the top, that is where the local community is, are absolutely worth the effort. What makes Taquile unique, could be the textiles the men knit. Yes, the men. It’s their job. You’ll spot them knitting everywhere, and their handiwork is seriously impressive. They use the garments to signify status in their community. The garments communicate, arguably, marital status and position within Taquile society. The locals on Taquile are also warm and friendly. They, so it is, happily share some details about their traditions, farming methods, and community rules. It’s cool to notice that they have a very strong sense of communal living. If you take the time to walk around the island, you will discover a very different take on time and community.

Food on the Tour: What to Expect

Lunch is generally included in the tour price, yet it is actually rather basic. Typically, the meal takes place on Taquile Island in a local restaurant. The meals are rather simple. Still, the fresh fish from Lake Titicaca makes a nice addition. Some tours might offer a vegetarian option, so it’s almost a great thought to double-check when you are making arrangements. Keep in mind that drinks might cost extra, so that’s something you may want to think about beforehand. While it’s maybe not a gourmet dining experience, that, in a way, does give you a taste of local fare.

What to Bring With You

Okay, when planning for this tour, so it is, bring some layers. The weather near Lake Titicaca does tend to be really changeable. It, too, can be quite sunny one minute and rather chilly the next, very fast. Sunscreen and a hat are seriously helpful. The sun at that altitude (Lake Titicaca is more than 12,500 feet above sea level) is strong, anyway. Comfortable shoes are essential, yet, especially if you want to trek around Taquile Island. Also, bring some cash. While certain things are included, you, so it is, probably will want to purchase some souvenirs, snacks, or even those reed boat rides on the Uros Islands. Bottled water is advisable to help stay hydrated, too.

Is the Tour Right for You?

This full-day tour from Cusco is, so it is, most suited to travelers with some time to spend. Remember that you might face some seriously long travel days to get to and from Lake Titicaca. The Uros and Taquile Tour, that’s basically something of value for you, is great, perhaps, if you want a brief glance at local cultures in the area without digging deeper. It could be that you have a particular interest in indigenous communities or how people adapt to challenging living situations.

Potential Downsides

Even though the tour can, arguably, be wonderful, still, it has some downsides. The long travel times, very often, may be tiring, mainly because of the early start. Some parts, noticeably the Uros Islands, often, feel really touristy. Also, the altitude can impact some folks, very often leading to headaches or shortness of breath. Keep in mind that the experiences are a bit cursory. That is something you get with a single-day excursion, anyway.

How to Prepare for Altitude Sickness

Lake Titicaca’s high elevation can pose challenges, so it is, even for seasoned travelers. Spending a few days in Cusco beforehand really helps you become acclimated, arguably cutting the risk and severity of altitude sickness. Drinking lots of water and avoiding very heavy meals or alcohol before the tour is, also, prudent. Some people find that chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea lessens the impact. It’s definitely worth chatting with your doctor, too, more or less, if you’re concerned, especially if you have any prior conditions. They are able to recommend specific meds that will help ease symptoms. If you find you are getting some altitude sickness, don’t overexert yourself. Instead, relax. It sounds easy, yet rest really helps.

Booking Your Tour

Tours can often be booked online through quite a few travel agencies, that is. So, to be clear, numerous tour operators provide options ranging in price and amenities. Some may want a private tour or perhaps a tour that is given in different languages. To guarantee that you get a tour in the language you want, very often, it is ideal to book ahead. Have a look at the customer reviews prior to selecting a tour, since experience counts. Also, to be clear, look to see what is included and what is not.

A Few Alternatives to This Specific Tour

If a day trip is, in fact, far away enough, consider an extended stay at Lake Titicaca. In other words, consider multi-day excursions. You could spend one night with one of the local families that live on Amantani Island, near Taquile. If you travel onward to Bolivia from Puno, so it is, you can go see Isla del Sol. Taking an overnight tour opens the area up more, still. You can avoid that lengthy journey from Cusco in one day.

Making the Most of Your Time

Respect is seriously important as you move around. Keep an eye on how you behave, and also when you engage the community members. Get consent before taking pics. As it goes without saying, being nice helps the experience.

Overall Verdict

So, should you take the “From Cusco Uros and Taquile Tour Full Day?” That actually relies on what you are looking to get from your travel experience. The tour, very often, really provides an intriguing sneak peek into a couple of totally unique cultures. However, the experience is brief. Still, the journey back and forth is long. For travelers a bit strapped for time yet are quite curious to visit Lake Titicaca, that actually may be worth it. If you do prefer something very immersive, though, consider spending a couple of days in the region to enjoy something different. In other words, it would depend upon your available time, your interests, and what style of travel that you really enjoy. So it seems, whatever you determine, Lake Titicaca definitely offers quite a memorable adventure!