DESCRIPTION of the Kayak Tour from Puno to Uros

View of one of the Uros floating islands from the water on Lake Titicaca.

A half-day group kayak tour from Puno to the Uros Floating Islands is a unique adventure that combines sport, culture, and nature. You'll paddle through the calm waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 m.a.s.l. (12,500 ft), surrounded by impressive Andean landscapes. During the tour, you'll be able to observe endemic and migratory birds and pass through the channels between the iconic floating islands built from totora reeds. An expert local guide will accompany you at all times, providing insights into the lake's biodiversity and the Uro community's way of life. Puno will be the starting and return point for this experience, allowing you to get up close to the ancestral Uros culture in an active and ecological way.

Detailed Itinerary / Schedule

• 7:00 AM: Pickup from hotels in Puno and transfer to the embarkation point.
• 7:30 AM: Preparations: distribution of kayak equipment and briefing with the guide.
• 08:00 AM: Start of the kayak journey towards Uros (approx. 1 hour of paddling). En route, you'll see totora reed beds, Andean birds, and Titicaca landscapes.
• 9:15 AM: Arrival at Uros islands. Local welcome and guided visit to learn about the island construction and the Uros' life. Free time to explore and take photos (optional: totora reed boat ride with an additional charge of S/20 per person).
• 10:30 AM: Return to Puno (aboard the support boat). Arrival at the port around 11:00 AM and transfer back to the hotel.

Includes:

• Transfers: Transportation from your hotel in Puno to the embarkation point and return at the end.
• Kayak equipment: Kayak (single or double), paddles, and life vest for each participant.
• Bilingual instructor guide (Spanish/English) with kayaking experience and local knowledge.
• Support boat with auxiliary staff during the journey for assistance and safety.
• Entrance fees to the Uros islands and a guided visit on a floating island.

Does not include:

• Food and drinks not specified (it's recommended to bring personal water and snacks).
• Optional totora reed boat ride in Uros (optional activity offered by the islanders, approximate cost S/20).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

No. This tour is designed for beginners; no previous kayaking experience is required. Before starting, the guide provides basic paddling and safety instructions so that anyone with average physical condition can participate.

Is the kayak tour safe?

Yes, it is a safe activity as long as you follow the instructions. The tour includes a professional guide-instructor and a support boat that accompanies the group at all times. All participants wear life vests. Furthermore, routes are conducted in calm waters near Puno, within the lake reserve, avoiding areas with strong waves.

What if I get tired or can't keep paddling?

No problem. There is a support boat where you can get on if you feel exhausted or unwell. The guide and support staff will be attentive; in case of fatigue, you can take a break by holding onto the boat or even return on it without having to paddle.

Can I do the tour if I don't know how to swim?

Yes, not knowing how to swim is not an impediment, but please inform the guide. Everyone wears a life vest at all times, which will keep you afloat even if you were to fall into the water (a very unlikely situation if instructions are followed).

Can children participate in the kayak to Uros?

Generally yes, children from ~12 years old are allowed to participate, always accompanied by an adult. For safety, many operators recommend this minimum age so that children have enough strength and height to paddle and follow instructions.

How many people per group does the tour accommodate?

Groups are usually small, providing a more personalized experience. Typically, there are 8 participants. It is a group tour, but unlike large boat excursions, you won't find crowds here.

What happens if there's bad weather or rain?

In case of adverse weather conditions (storm, strong winds), the activity might be rescheduled or canceled for safety.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable, layered sportswear: it's cold in the morning but the sun is intense at midday. Bring a light windbreaker/waterproof jacket, a hat for the early cold, and a breathable T-shirt underneath. Use sunscreen (even if it's cloudy) and a hat or cap for the sun. Wear sneakers or adjustable sandals that can get a little wet. Don't forget sunglasses and bring water and an energetic snack.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, it is recommended to use a water-resistant camera or mobile phone or one with a waterproof case, as there might be splashes. The guide can help you take photos from safe angles (even from the support boat).

Description

The tour with Kayaks on the highest navigable lake in the world, begins with the transfer from the hotel to the island at 7.30am approx from Esteves Island; we will paddle 1 hour to the floating islands of Uros. We can see the richness of the flora and fauna of Lake Titicaca. After our visit to Uros, we will take our motor boat to Amantani Island, where we will sleep and share activities with local families, next day, we will visit the island of Taquile. Returning around 3.30pm of the second day.

INCLUDED

• Instructor Guide (English / Spanish).
• Support Staff and boat.
• Entrance fees to Uros and Taquile.
• Transfer Hotel - Port - Hotel.
• Professional Equipment Kayak + " Sea Kayak " + first aid kit.
• Shared boat from Uros to Taquile and return
• LUNCH IN TAQUILE.

NOT INCLUDED

Personal expenses

Description

Transfer from the hotel at 6:45am around (according to your hotel we will give you a closer time) to the Esteves Island (local Uros port), paddling 1 hour after we arrive to Uros floating islands, in the route you can see: a variety of birds, flora, fauna, the landscape of the lake Titicaca and an full rock island before arriving.

When we arrive to Uros Island the families present us,their main different activities of the islanders, after that, we will continue to Taquile Island by Fast boat (1h20min trip). Taquile is the place of the best weavers. People wear colorful traditional clothes, which they make by themselves; Taquile Island is famous for its crafts productions, particularly for its beautiful textiles and landscapes. We will get back to Puno around 15hrs:30min.

INCLUDED

• Transfer: Hotel / Port / Hotel.
• Instructor Guide (English / Spanish).
• Support motorboat.
• Entrance fees Uros and Taquile Island.
• All equipment Adventure + Sea Kayak.
• Motor fastboat from Uros to Taquile and Puno.
• Group guide during Taquile island.
• Lunch in Taquile.

NOT INCLUDED

Personal expenses

Description

The tour with Kayaks on the highest navigable lake in the world, begins with the transfer from the hotel to the island at 7.30am approx from Esteves Island; we will paddle 1 hour to the floating islands of Uros. We can see the richness of the flora and fauna of Lake Titicaca. After our visit to Uros, we will take our motor boat to Amantani Island, where we will sleep and share activities with local families, next day, we will visit the island of Taquile. Returning around 3.30pm of the second day.

INCLUDED

• Instructor Guide (English / Spanish).
• Support Staff and motor boat.
• Entrance fees to Uros, Amantani and Taquile.
• Transfer: Hotel / Port / Hotel.
• 3 basic meals and basic lodgement in Amantani.
• Adventure gear + " Sea Kayak " + First- aid kit.
• Shared motor boat from Uros to Amantani Taquile and back
• LUNCH IN TAQUILE