🏞️ Amantani Tour - 1 Day from Puno

You can see a tour video here

💲 Price per person: 49 USD 🕒 Times: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM ⏳ Duration: 10 hours

Discover the beauty of Amantani with an unforgettable tour that starts at the famous Floating Islands of the Uros, wonders built with totora reeds. From 8:30 AM, you'll be welcomed by their inhabitants, who will share their ancestral traditions with you and show you how they keep these islands and rafts afloat on the bright waters of Lake Titicaca.

In Uros, you can participate in activities like totora reed boat rides (20 soles p/p), learn about the construction of the islands, and appreciate the handmade crafts by the locals.

The journey continues to Amantani Island, known for its scenic beauty in the middle of the lake. Here, you'll experience an authentic cultural connection as you're welcomed by Quechua families proud of their traditional customs. You'll enjoy a homemade lunch prepared with local products while learning about their beliefs and lifestyle in harmony with nature.

During the visit, you'll hike to ceremonial temples and high points like Pachamama and Pachatata, offering impressive panoramic views. The tour concludes at 5:30 PM, returning to Puno.

✅ Includes: Round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees to Uros and Amantani, typical lunch. ❌ Does not include: Personal expenses, tips, totora reed boat ride (20 soles p/p). 🎒 What to bring: Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat, water, and camera.

Tour available / Free rescheduling

Detailed Itinerary: 1-Day Uros and Amantani Tour

• 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Hotel pickup for travelers from central hotels in Puno.
• 8:00 AM: Boarding at Puno port and departure by tourist boat to the Uros floating islands (approx. 30-40 minute journey).
• 8:30 AM (approx.): Arrival at Uros islands. Guided tour of one or two floating islands, where the inhabitants share their customs and show how they keep their totora reed islands afloat. Optional: ride on a traditional totora reed raft (not included in the tour).
• 9:30 AM: Continue the journey by boat to Amantani Island, crossing the larger part of Lake Titicaca (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours navigation).
• 12:00 PM (approx.): Arrival at Amantani Island. Welcome by local Quechua families and a walk (20-30 minutes uphill) to the main village for lunch.
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Typical Andean lunch offered by an Amantani family (e.g., quinoa soup followed by fried trout with side dishes).
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Island tour after eating: visit the main square or other points of interest. Time to appreciate the panoramic views of the lake and learn more about the islanders' daily life.
• 2:30 PM: Descent to Amantani pier and board the boat for the return to Puno.
• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Arrival at Puno port. Return transfer to the city center (or nearby hotels), concluding the tour.

✅ What's Included in the 1-Day Uros and Amantani Tour

• 🚐 Land transportation: Pickup from central hotels in Puno and transfer to the port.
• 🛥️ Tourist boat transportation: Shared vessel equipped with seats, a roof, and a restroom.
• 🗣️ Bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English): Professional accompaniment throughout the entire tour.
• 🎟️ Entrance fees: Admission tickets to the Uros and Amantani islands.
• 🍲 Typical lunch in Amantani: Prepared by the community (quinoa soup and main dish of trout with sides).
• 🚖 Return and transfer to central Puno: Drop-off near Plaza de Armas at the end of the tour.

❌ What's Not Included in the Tour

• 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner.
• 💸 Other expenses not specified in the itinerary.
• 🚣‍♂️ Optional totora reed boat ride in Uros (approx. S/ 15 per person, paid directly to the community).
• 🏨 Transfers to/from hotels located outside central Puno (GHL, Sonesta Posadas del Inca, Casa Andina Premium, Xima Hoteles, José Antonio, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1-Day Uros and Amantani Tour

What is the physical effort involved upon arriving at Amantani?

The physical effort required upon arriving at Amantani is moderate. Upon disembarking on the island, visitors typically walk along steep paths and stone stairs to explore the island. The island is at a significant altitude (around 3,950 meters/12,960 feet above sea level), which can make the hike more challenging.

Is the 1-day tour to Uros and Amantani Islands worth it?

The answer depends on your interests and the time you have in Puno. It's highly recommended if you only have one day available.

Are there any special activities during the tour?

A ride in a traditional totora reed boat is usually offered. Although not included in the tour price (it costs S/20 per person), you can pay for it directly on site.

How long does it take to get from Puno to Amantani?

The boat trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is there to see in Amantani?

The island offers marvelous views and a pleasant village with its beautiful main square.

How many days are recommended for Lake Titicaca?

A one-day visit is possible, but if you prefer to take things slower, two nights would be ideal, one in Uros and another in Taquile.

What exactly are the Uros floating islands? And who are the Uros?

The Uros Islands are inhabited artificial floating platforms, constructed from totora reeds, a type of bulrush. The Uros, an Aymara-speaking people, originally lived on solid ground but moved to these floating islands to avoid conflicts with other Inca and pre-Inca peoples.

Will the altitude affect me, and how can I manage altitude sickness?

The altitude of Lake Titicaca can cause mild altitude sickness (soroche) in some visitors. It's advisable to arrive in Puno at least one day before to acclimatize and rest well before the tour. During the tour, staying hydrated and drinking coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms. It's also useful to carry altitude sickness pills as a precaution. Avoid sudden strenuous efforts at the beginning and consume light meals; most travelers adapt well by following these recommendations.

What type of boat is used, and does it have a restroom on board?

A shared tourist boat is used, with capacity for groups (usually 20 to 30 passengers). They have a small, basic restroom on board. Your guide will show you its location. It's recommended to use the restrooms at Puno port before departing and in Amantani (during lunch) for greater comfort.

Who is this tour recommended/not recommended for?

This tour is suitable for most travelers; however, it is not recommended in specific cases:

• People with severe health problems: If you suffer from heart, lung, or uncontrolled high blood pressure conditions.
• Pregnant women.
• People with reduced mobility: If you have severe difficulty walking, using stairs, or significant spinal/knee problems, this tour might be uncomfortable. In Amantani, walking on uneven terrain and climbing steep slopes is required.
• Those seeking luxury comfort: The charm of the tour is experiential and rural – it involves sharing with local communities in simple environments. If your priority is absolute comfort, be aware that facilities are basic (e.g., simple bathrooms on the island, humble homemade lunch). The tour is more geared towards travelers with a flexible and adventurous spirit, willing to enjoy the culture above comforts.

Travel Tips for the 1-Day Amantani Tour

• Acclimatization: Plan to arrive in Puno at least 1 day before the tour to get used to the altitude. This way, you can rest, hydrate, and be better prepared for the excursion, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
• Best Season: If possible, schedule your visit between May and October, when the weather is drier and sunnier. During this time, you'll enjoy clear days (ideal for photos) and lower chances of rain. If you travel between November and March (rainy season), bring waterproof clothing and be aware that it might rain during the day.
• Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers. Early in the morning and late afternoon, it's cold (temperatures near 0°C/32°F in winter), while at midday the sun is strong. Bring a windproof jacket/coat, a sweater or fleece, as well as a light polo/T-shirt underneath; this way, you can add or remove layers according to the temperature. Don't forget a wool hat or headband for boat trips (the wind on the lake is cool).
• Sun Protection: At this altitude, the sun is intense even on cloudy days. Use high-factor sunscreen, reapplying it throughout the day. Also, bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays and the sun's reflection on the water.
• Hydration and Food: Stay hydrated by drinking water during the tour (bring your own bottle, as it's not usually provided) and consume light foods. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night before to sleep well and reduce altitude discomfort. You can carry coca leaves or candies and take them during the journey, as they help mitigate soroche.
• Coordination if arriving the same day: If you plan to arrive in Puno on an overnight bus on the morning of the tour, please let us know so we can assist you.
• Cash: Bring Peruvian soles in cash, in small denominations. They will be useful for paying for the totora reed boat ride (if you choose to do it), buying handicrafts or other souvenirs in Amantani, or giving voluntary tips. There's no way to pay by card on the islands. An amount of S/20 to S/50 in coins and small bills is usually sufficient for typical extra expenses.