Lake Titicaca 2-Day Tour with Amantani Homestay
Our Lake Titicaca 2-day tour begins and ends in Puno and visits the Uros Floating Islands, Amantani Island, and Taquile Island by motorboat. The trip includes one night with a host family on Amantani and returns to your Puno hotel on the afternoon of Day 2.
This tour is recommended for travelers who want more time with the lake’s island communities than a standard day trip provides. Guests should be comfortable spending several hours on a boat, walking uphill above 3,800 meters, and staying in a simple family home rather than a hotel.
The service includes pickup and drop-off at your Puno hotel, boat transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, island entrance fees, four meals, and the Amantani homestay.
What makes this tour different is the complete two-day route. Instead of returning to Puno after a short island visit, you stay overnight on Amantani, share meals with your host family, and continue to Taquile the following morning. Small-group and private services are available.
Tour Highlights
- Boat trip across the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca
- Visit to the Uros Floating Islands
- Introduction to traditional totora reed construction
- Overnight homestay with a family on Amantani
- Sunset walk to the Pachatata viewpoint
- Home-cooked meals served on Amantani
- Visit to Taquile Island and its textile traditions
- Lake views from Taquile’s stone walking paths
Itinerary
Island by Island Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Puno – Uros Floating Islands – Amantani
Your journey begins with morning pickup from your hotel in Puno and a transfer to the harbor. After meeting your guide, you’ll board a motorboat and travel across the deep-blue waters of Lake Titicaca.
The first visit is to the Uros Floating Islands. Here, local residents will explain how the islands, homes, and traditional boats are built with layers of totora reeds. You’ll have time to walk around, take photos, and learn how families maintain their floating community.
The boat then continues to Amantani Island. Upon arrival, your host family will welcome you into their home and serve a freshly prepared lunch. After settling into your room, you’ll have time to rest before the afternoon walk.
Later, your guide will lead you toward the Pachatata viewpoint. The uphill walk is gradual but more demanding because of the elevation. Weather permitting, you’ll watch the sunset over the lake before returning to your host family’s home for dinner and an overnight stay.
Practical details: Approximately 3 hours of total boat travel · Lake elevation: 3,812 m / 12,506 ft · Uphill island walking · Overnight in a family home · Lunch and dinner included
- Puno Harbor
- Uros Floating Islands
- Amantani Island
- Pachatata viewpoint
Day 2
Amantani – Taquile Island – Puno
After breakfast with your host family, you’ll say goodbye and return to the boat for the journey to Taquile Island.
Taquile is known for its stone pathways, agricultural terraces, and textile traditions. Your guide will introduce you to the island’s community organization and explain why its textile art holds such cultural importance.
You’ll walk toward the central area of the island, with wide views of Lake Titicaca along the way. After exploring the community and enjoying a locally prepared lunch, you’ll descend toward the dock and board the return boat.
The tour finishes at Puno harbor in the afternoon. Transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, with arrival expected at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Practical details: Breakfast and lunch included · Walking on stone paths and stairs · Highest listed elevation: approximately 4,050 m / 13,287 ft · About 3 hours of return boat travel · Puno hotel drop-off around 4:00 p.m.
- Amantani Island
- Taquile Island
- Taquile main square
- Puno Harbor
Inclusions
Your Tour Covers
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Puno
- Motorboat transportation throughout the route
- Life jackets on board
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Admission and community fees for Uros, Amantani, and Taquile
- One-night family homestay on Amantani Island
- Day 1 lunch and dinner
- Day 2 breakfast and lunch
- Local coordination throughout the trip
Not Included
- Transportation to Puno from Cusco, Arequipa, Lima, or La Paz
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Drinking water and additional snacks
- Optional traditional reed-boat ride at Uros
- Travel or medical insurance
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide, boat crew, or host family
- Services not specifically listed as included
The optional reed-boat ride is arranged and paid for directly on the island. Availability and price are determined by the local community.
Packing List
What to Pack for the Overnight Island Stay
Keep in Your Daypack
- Original passport or identification used for the reservation
- Small overnight backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Phone or camera
- Portable power bank
- Light snacks
Clothing for the Lake
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Long pants
- Warm sleepwear
- Fresh shirt and undergarments for Day 2
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
Useful Overnight Items
- Personal toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper
Bring only what you need for one night. Large suitcases are difficult to manage on the boat and along the island’s stone paths. Ask your Puno hotel whether it can store your main luggage until you return.
Price
Prices
Small-Group Service
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$130 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$120 |
| Eligible children or students | US$100 |
A good option for travelers who enjoy meeting others while sharing the guide and scheduled boat service. Departure requires a minimum of two confirmed participants.
Private Service
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$190 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$170 |
| Eligible children or students | US$150 |
Recommended for families, couples, and travelers who prefer more guide attention and greater control over the pace of each visit. Final transportation arrangements will be specified in your booking confirmation.
Price Notes
- All prices are listed in U.S. dollars and are charged per person.
- Child and student rates require eligibility confirmation before payment.
- Students may be asked to present valid identification.
- Optional activities and personal purchases are paid separately.
- Island access and accommodations remain subject to availability.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour depart from Cusco?
No. The tour begins and ends in Puno. Transportation between Cusco and Puno is not part of the package and must be arranged separately.
Is the Amantani homestay similar to a hotel?
No. It is a simple overnight stay in a local family home. It offers cultural interaction and basic comfort, but travelers should not expect hotel-style facilities or service.
Will I have a private bathroom and hot shower?
Facilities depend on the assigned host family. Private bathrooms, heating, and reliable hot water cannot be assumed. Contact us before booking if any of these amenities are essential.
How physically demanding is the trip?
The activities are nontechnical, but the elevation makes the walks more demanding. Guests should be comfortable walking uphill and using uneven stone paths and stairs.
How long should I acclimate before visiting the islands?
Travelers arriving directly from sea level should ideally spend at least one or two days at altitude before the tour. Anyone who has previously experienced severe altitude sickness should seek medical advice.
How much time will I spend on the boat?
The itinerary includes approximately three hours of combined boat travel on Day 1 and around three hours during the return route on Day 2. Actual travel time can change with lake conditions.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Vegetarian and other common dietary requests may be possible when communicated in advance. Because meals are prepared in family homes and small community kitchens, highly specialized diets cannot be guaranteed without prior confirmation.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The published recommended minimum age is 12. Suitability depends on the child’s experience with altitude, boat travel, simple accommodations, and uphill walking. A private service may be more comfortable for families.
Is the traditional Uros reed-boat ride included?
No. The ride is an optional community-operated activity and is paid for locally. Participation is entirely voluntary.
What is the best season for this trip?
May through October generally brings drier weather and clearer views, although mornings and nights can be very cold. November through April has a greater chance of rain and changing lake conditions.
Will my phone work on the islands?
Coverage varies and may be weak or unavailable. Electricity can also be limited, so download important information in advance and bring a power bank.
Can solo travelers book this experience?
The service requires at least two confirmed participants. Solo travelers may join an existing departure when space is available or request a private quotation.
What happens if weather affects the boat schedule?
Strong wind, rain, or lake conditions can delay departures or require operational adjustments. The boat crew and guide will prioritize safe navigation, even if this changes the planned timing.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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