Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Fast Boat Cultural Immersion

Very interesting tour offering a unique experience. I was able to ride in a reed boat and learn about the cultures on these 2 islands. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

Got picked up and dropped off from GHL hotel and had to pay a supplement since the hotel is not in the middle of town. The boat boarding seemed a bit chaotic. You are accompanied by a guide with you for the whole time from boarding the boat till you get back to Puno. The trip itself was good with visit to one of the floating reed island in Uros and some information about the islands by the guide. Then you are given an option of boating one of the reed boats (you pay cash separately) for about 15 minutes and then you get shown more information and then the islanders will sell you stuff. Once this is done, you board your fast boat and go to Taquile. Once you are off the boat, you climb uphill to the square and while it is paved, it is a good climb up. Once you are at the top, you see a dance show in the square and then go for local lunch, which was simple but delicious, have some time for looking around, shopping etc and then walk a different way downhill and get your boat back from a different pier. Then straight back to Puno. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable day, even though some of it is very commercial push to the tourists.

Both the floating islands of Uros and Taquile were quite fascinating; both communities have their own way very unique ways of living. I was particularly enamored with the mating customs of the latter, and the different clothes the men and women wear, and different responsibilities they both have. Our guide was great, answering all of our questions informatively. It should be noted that the climb up Taquile is a bit difficult if you are not in good shape. The air is rather thin and it is a long climb up. But you get to see a lovely view and lots of sheep and chickens and meet friendly locals, so I feel it was worth it. I would also recommend bringing some toilet paper and one or two Sols for bathroom breaks. Uros cost money to use the facilities, I don't believe Taquile did.

Our guide Heber Johnny absolutely made this experience one that I will not forget. On our way to both islands, he provided SO MUCH information about the communities, their customs, their way of life, and the differences between their traditions. I know this is a very touristic excursion but with how much I learned, I think it was so worth it!! Our captain Jonathan kept us safe an on time as well! I only had one day in Puno and I’m very glad to have spent it doing this trip!

Carlos was an excellent guide, lots of knowledge and humour made this a fun trip to be a part of. Sleeping one night at the island was a unique experience and gave us a brief insight into a completely different way of life! All in all a great trip!

Taquile Island is nice, but the Uros bit was probably most interesting to me. The guide was great! Boat driver was great too. Comfortable transport.

Great experience. Both islands are incredible and very different in culture and vibe. Make sure to take plenty of water and cash (soles) if you want to buy local crafts. The tour guide was local and it added great cultural engagement. His name is Ever Johny.

The hill in Taquile island is a little steep for 10 min the occ slight tilt up. 45 min . Walk . Uros floating islands are amazing ! So much information given. Stunning view . Wonderful lunch. Highly recommend !

We (my wife and I) did this tour in July 2025. It was an excellent experience that exceeded our expectations. We were worried about how much time we would have to spend on the boat, but it was comfortable and didn't feel like it was too long. The islands (Uros and Taquile) are a truly unique experience that was unlike anything else we've experienced in our travels. Our guide, Victor, was great and helped us understand everything we were experiencing.

Our tour guide was Heber Johnny and he was fantastic. His English and Spanish was perfect. He was educational but also very funny. I felt very safe and cared for around him. I am also vegan and he made sure I was able to get a modified meal, which I appreciated greatly. He is very knowledgeable! I highly recommend!