Puno Uros & Taquile Islands Day Trip: A Complete Review with Lunch

Lake Titicaca, it’s almost South America’s biggest lake, really, is more than just a pretty body of water. So, it’s also home to some genuinely unique cultures and pretty amazing landscapes. Anyway, I took a day trip from Puno that covered the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island, so I want to tell you all about that, and also share my experiences, providing a lowdown on what to expect, right down to whether the lunch is actually worth it.

First Stop: The Floating Uros Islands

The Uros Islands, they’re totally made of totora reeds, are just an amazing example of human ingenuity. So, the residents, they built these artificial islands centuries ago, might be to escape mainland conflicts. Actually, it’s now more about keeping traditions alive, I think, that makes the place so magnetic for visitors like myself.

So, we pulled up to one of the islands, and that the feeling was kind of surreal, as a matter of fact, like stepping onto a giant, spongy water bed. The ground it sort of gives way under your feet a bit, you know? So, it took a little getting used to, I guess. What amazed me was that the whole island, all of it, even the houses, very, very made from these reeds. That the guide, a local Islander, he or she showed us how they continuously add new layers of reeds to the top, yet preventing the bottom ones from rotting, that is pretty clever, really.

We had the chance to peek inside their homes, I mean small reed huts decorated with handwoven textiles. The islanders shared stories about their culture and way of life, anyway demonstrating how they fish, cook, and make handicrafts. You know, it’s all using the lake’s resources, too it’s quite self-sufficient, I think.

Of course, so there’s a chance to buy souvenirs. But it wasn’t too pushy at all. I picked up a little woven bracelet, kind of as a memento, yet it was directly supporting the local economy. The highlight, that was a ride on one of their traditional reed boats, or a kind of ‘Mercedes Benz’ as they call it. That that cost extra, yet it was a fun way to see the islands from a different angle. And honestly, a bit of a giggle.

Next Up: Taquile Island and its Textile Heritage

After bobbing around the Uros Islands, you know, the boat took us to Taquile Island, I mean the scenery changes significantly. So, Taquile is a hilly island with stone paths, also providing seriously stunning views of Lake Titicaca. Might be, keep in mind, the altitude there is over 13,000 feet (almost 4,000 meters). Also that, so take it easy on yourself to avoid altitude sickness. Bring coca leaves to chew, yet drink lots of water. Just the little things, you know?

So, what makes Taquile very special, well that’s its living textile tradition, so, actually recognized by UNESCO. It may be, Taquileños have very specific roles, you see. It’s almost knitting is exclusively done by men. Yet weaving is primarily women’s work. More or less that, their textiles, well that are extremely detailed and full of symbolism, that communicates their history, beliefs, and way of life.

As a matter of fact the hike up to the main village is somewhat challenging, you know, because of the altitude. Take your time, so rest if you need to, it could be worth it for the scenery alone. Just the views are panoramic and honestly pretty stunning.

Once you arrive at the village, clearly that there’s a central plaza surrounded by local shops. Also it’s where you can watch demonstrations of weaving and knitting. So, I was seriously impressed by the skill and artistry involved, kind of. Also that, I bought a hand-knitted hat. Partly to keep my head warm, also as a keepsake. These purchases, basically they directly support the artisans, I believe.

Lunch on Taquile: Was it Worth the Hype?

Okay, let’s talk about lunch, and I mean that’s usually included in the day tour package. As a matter of fact, that’s served at a local restaurant. Basically the menu, I think it offers pretty simple choices. I mean generally a trout dish, or a vegetarian option like an omelet. Typically that, the meals are pretty filling, providing energy you will need for the rest of the day. A lot.

Frankly, the food isn’t exactly gourmet, just pretty good honest grub. But the setting is kind of something, anyway. Lunch happens outside on tables, or the view of the lake. That honestly it’s breathtaking and definitely enhances the whole dining experience, maybe. Basically the conversation flows pretty easily, also the fellow travelers. Plus a view, pretty nice really.

Now, that does come with a cost, even if the meal is part of the tour package. So, drinks usually aren’t included. As I was saying, so expect to pay a bit extra if you would like something other than tap water. That prices, that they’re fair, nothing outrageous, for sure. To be honest that, you’re also paying a premium for the location. Makes sense.

Really, if you’re a total foodie searching for an amazing culinary delight, the lunch I am telling you is unlikely to blow you away. Though, for the experience itself, eating tasty grub while drinking in mind blowing panoramic lake views, anyway that’s absolutely worthwhile. Pretty priceless.

What to Expect from the Tour Operators

Now, picking the tour operator can seriously make or break your experience, very. In fact, there are tons of tour companies in Puno that, anyway offering pretty much the same itinerary, you see? From what I know the differences, well they usually boil down to the tour guide’s proficiency in English, as I was saying, the boat’s comfort, yet how crowded the tour will be.

We really, well booked my tour via a recommendation from my hotel, you see. Anyway it’s also, that to go online. Really read reviews carefully, you see. Search for ones that prioritize the quality of the guides, honestly ensuring they are knowledgeable about the local culture. You need that.

A seriously ethical tour operator, what they are doing, that pays fair wages to the islanders and I mean that it respects their traditions. Also I was very glad, basically our guide actively discouraged tourists from taking photos without permission or handing out sweets to children, also it’s becoming a pretty serious problem because I have heard. Right thing to do.

Also make certain that, before you put any money down, basically you fully know what’s included, you see. More or less entrance fees to both islands should really be covered in the total cost, so too with the lunch, arguably. Though double check whether drinks are included, as a matter of fact or if there’s any hidden costs, such as the reed boat ride in Uros, it could be.

So, as I was saying, the size of the boat matters actually. Honestly smaller groups provide a more person touch. It also enables for more interaction with the locals. Large boats, more or less they tend to be impersonal. Honestly feeling like you’re herded from one place to the next. A personal opinion.

Tips for an Amazing Day Trip

• Acclimatize: So, if you can, very spend a day or two in Puno really before taking the boat trip, yet helping your body adjust to the elevation, clearly. It makes it a way pleasant journey if you are not blowing chunks.
• Dress in Layers: In fact the weather can be seriously unpredictable on Lake Titicaca. Layers keep you cosy. Starts cold, gets warm, so too back to cold. Pack them!
• Wear Sunscreen and a Hat: Now the sun at that altitude can actually be quite intense. So also it can damage your skin super-quick too! Keep protected! Even when cloudy! I have seen that first hand.
• Bring Cash: Seriously many of the smaller vendors on the islands actually don’t accept credit cards, now they would, anyway you need smaller denomination notes and you will not regret this. I did. Big Time!
• Learn a Few Phrases: Arguably even simple greetings in Spanish or the local languages, anyway Aymara or Quechua. Basically this goes a serious long way, right and is just kind of respectful in any way.
• Respect Local Customs: Very ask before taking photos of the islanders or their homes. As I was saying. Always be courteous and listen actively when they share information about their way of life, yet is very very cool really.

Basically taking a day trip to the Uros and Taquile Islands kind of provides you with, honestly a super special insight into the traditions and histories of Lake Titicaca. To be honest the floating islands, also you can actually view the real thing. Now the textiles on Taquile Islands, as I was saying, are just a serious beautiful testaments really to human craftsmanship.

Might be planning’s involved too, yet it gets even more easy to plan. Get even greater rewards, actually.

Now to be honest that is actually is some of the greatest. Really unforgettable.