Uros, Amantani & Taquile: Honest 2-Day Excursion Review

Lake Titicaca, South America’s biggest lake and thought to be the highest navigable lake across the world, holds so much cultural significance and amazing sights. When visiting, lots of people think about taking an excursion to see the famous floating Uros Islands and get to visit the more remote islands of Amantani and Taquile. This experience usually takes two days and one night, and provides a look at the traditional ways of life on the lake. I went on the “Desde Puno Excursion De 2 Dias a Uros Amantani Y Taquile” tour, and right here is a fair and straightforward breakdown of what you might expect if you plan to go.

First Stop: The Uros Floating Islands

Right, so the tour kicked off super early, like 7 in the morning, from Puno. First up were the Uros Islands, man-made floating islands that is, constructed entirely from totora reeds. It’s actually quite the thing seeing these islands, and that, but the whole visit felt a bit… well, stage-managed, really. We were shown how the islands are built, and there were locals trying to sell handmade crafts, you know, that sort of thing. It definitely felt really touristy. I think it’s almost more of a demonstration than an authentic slice of local life. Don’t get me wrong, very interesting, just very touristy.

One of the most common ways the islanders get around on a regular basis is with the traditional reed boats. For a little cost, so a little extra, you can hitch a ride on one of these brightly painted boats from one side of the islands to the next, that sounds really nice. Honestly, that was fun. I just kinda wish there wasn’t quite as much pressure to buy stuff.

Staying with a Family on Amantani Island

From Uros, so we headed to Amantani Island. This is that island that’s much bigger and, too it’s less about tourism and more about getting a peek into the islanders’ regular way of life, isn’t that just great? One of the great things that a lot of tours offer is an overnight stay with a local family. Which sounds great, right? Actually, it really was! I was hosted by a lovely family, that treated me to a traditional home-cooked meal and really made me feel at home. The lodgings were super basic – I mean very, very basic. Still, the experience of hanging out with the family, chatting (despite my not-so-great Spanish), and learning about their traditions was amazing, and totally worth any minor discomfort.

In the afternoon, usually everyone on the tours hikes up to Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) temples to catch the sunset, really. The hike, well, it’s quite a climb, to be honest! Very steep! But you get some amazing views of Lake Titicaca from up there, you see. Very gorgeous views from the top of the mountains, just so gorgeous that they’re breathtaking, is that even right? The sunset itself? Absolutely stunning, just stunning.

Taquile Island and its Textile Heritage

Day two is the time to check out Taquile Island. So this island is known for its exquisite textiles and clothing. The community here has held onto its traditional way of life, and actually, that’s shown in the elaborate weaving and knitting the locals do. Men do the knitting, yet, and women do the weaving—that’s what’s common to see on a regular basis. The textiles have really complex designs and that tell stories about the community’s history and beliefs. You could stroll around the island, go to the local cooperative, and just maybe get to watch the artisans at work. Very cool, really.

Getting to Taquile involves an uphill hike, so be ready for a bit of a workout, that is. Once you are at the main plaza, I mean, very beautiful views all around! Taquile’s actually less touristy than Uros, in some respects, giving you that feel like more of an authentic cultural experience. The tour normally wraps up around mid-afternoon, heading back to Puno, usually giving you plenty of time to get dinner or, for instance, get ready for your onward travels.

Food on the Tour

Food-wise, expect it’s almost simple, homemade meals, like your dinner with the family on Amantani. This commonly includes quinoa soup, fresh fish from the lake (trout usually), potatoes, rice, and also just the random local vegetables, you get. A great number of these meals are pretty filling, still, they aren’t winning any culinary awards anytime soon! Take a bit of change for snacks and bottled water, given that what’s included will be very simple. Most people like your average picky eater will get something good, still.

What to Bring

When preparing for this particular excursion, just consider Lake Titicaca’s high altitude—12,500 feet above sea level! So, that makes a huge difference. Sunscreen is actually really needed given how close you will be to the sun, it sounds just like common sense to protect yourself, right? Sunglasses are quite the plus to help out with the glare off the water. Layers are quite wise, since the temperatures could switch quickly, so keep them near you. Comfy walking shoes are highly suggested for all of the walking you are gonna do. Furthermore, take a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and your camera gear, too it’s more than worth it, actually. Actually, many tour operators advise bringing cash, so keep that in mind, both for souvenirs and maybe extras.

Is This Trip for You?

So, if you want to view the way of life of the people on Lake Titicaca and, too are willing to go without little amenities for a day, that is, this tour is great for you. Keep in mind, though, that this is not your fancy five-star experience, it’s a chance to be totally immersed in the cultural aspects. Think about the fact that there can be little moments of discomfort or touristy-ness, just little minor things you know. When you plan for this stuff in advance, it makes all the difference, honestly. I came away with awesome memories and, as a matter of fact, with a completely new outlook.

• Cultural Immersion: Really see the customs and ways of life on Lake Titicaca.
• Simple Accommodations: The lodgings are modest, so bear that in mind before you get there.
• Altitude Considerations: Keep in mind to pack for the high altitude of Lake Titicaca and protect from sun exposure.
• Authenticity: A number of parts of the tour are highly touristy, but others are genuinely authentic and really worthwhile, like when you spend time with local people.