Uros Islands: Totora reed islands

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About the Uros Islands

As you will see, in Lake Titicaca there are several islands that you can visit, the ones that are closer to the port and, therefore, the first to visit are the Floating Islands of the Uros, one of the most popular of the Puno highlands because these islands are not natural but artificial, created by the Uros people themselves over hundreds of years ago in order to flee the Inca Empire and preserve their integrity as a native people (Uros people).

The islands are made of a plant that grows in the lake itself: the totora reed, which is also used to make boats, houses, suspension bridges, among other objects. There is no doubt that the people of the Uros are creative when using totora reeds, they even make various handicrafts for travelers.

It is really respectable to know how they live in their environment, using the flora of their ecosystem and making it useful for them and their families, without destroying what they have next to them but living in peace with nature.

At what altitude is the Uros Island, Lake Titicaca in Puno?

The Uros Island is located at 3,927 meters above sea level.

What activities can you do in Uros Island?

The inhabitants of the Uros Islands offer several activities to travelers, here I will show you some of them:

1.-Enjoy the chants of the Uros.

Many times when disembarking in one of the Uros islands, the locals decide to sing and dance as a sign of welcome.

2.- Ride in a totora reed boat

This was an activity that I really liked and having the opportunity to sail a few meters in these handmade boats is a unique experience, some boats have capacity for several travelers and others only for a couple of passengers, you can choose the option you like best.

3.- Kayak ride

This activity is very fun and preferred by travelers who enjoy adrenaline, if you are an amateur athlete and this seems very simple you can do it without help, but if it is your first time you can ask a local to accompany you.

4.- Artisanal fishing

This activity I had never done before and I really loved it, I recommend you do it if it is your first time visiting Lake Titicaca, after fishing you can leave the animal free or give it to the villagers to feed on it.

5.- Experiential tourism

Doing experiential tourism more than an activity is a unique experience that gives you the opportunity to learn about new cultures and way of life.
If you want to know more about our experience with experiential tourism in Taquile Island, click on this link: Experiential tourism in Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca

How much do the activities in Uros Island cost?

The prices of the activities are quite affordable ranging from S/. 10 soles to 20 soles (USD 2 to 8 dollars) per person and you would be getting a good service and helping several communities with your contribution. You can plan certain activities through a tourist agency.

Totora reed boat ride, Uros Island – Lake Titicaca

Uros Island Uros Lake Titicaca – Puno

Uros Island Uros Lake Titicaca – Puno

How to get to the Uros Islands?

• On your own (without a travel agency)

To get to some of the Uros Floating Islands you must arrive at the Port of Puno and board one of the public boats.

I suggest you arrive early at the Port of Puno, around 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning so that you have enough time to patiently tour the islands and perform various activities. Every day boats leave for the Uros Islands from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The travel time to the Uros Island from the Port of Puno is approximately 30 minutes and the trip lasts between 4 to 5 hours in total, since normally other nearby islands such as Taquile Island are visited, everything depends on the destination of the boats and this information can be obtained at the booth where you buy your transportation ticket.

Remember that if you are thinking of going to a specific Uros Island, I suggest that you talk to a travel agency or directly with the people who are in the booths where you buy the tickets for the boats, because most of the boats that go to the Uros Islands do it randomly (the Uros Islands are composed of more than 50 floating islands), so that all the villagers get profits from tourism.

Another suggestion, if you want to stay a few hours longer than scheduled on one of the Uros Islands and you are going on your own, you have to talk directly with the person who is navigating the boat or check with the ticket booth at the Port of Puno so they can pick you up from the island where you want to stay for a few hours more. Or you can do like me (a more adventurous way), go directly to the port of the island of choice and try your luck finding some available seats back to the Port of Puno, the people are honest and very friendly, I felt super comfortable and found available seats.

Where do I buy my ticket for the Uros Floating Islands?

Tickets to board the boats to the Uros Floating Islands or other islands of your choice can be purchased at the official booth at the Port of Puno.

How much does a ticket for the Uros Floating Islands cost?

Before boarding you must buy your boarding ticket at the booth located a few meters from the Port of Puno, the cost of the ticket is S/. 10 to 15 soles (USD 2.5 to 3 dollars) per person (round trip).

• With a tourist agency

The other option to get to the Uros Island is through a travel agency, they are in charge of buying the tickets and, depending on the travel agency, they pick you up from your accommodation to take you to the Port of Puno. The trip from the Port of Puno to the Uros Islands is approximately 30 minutes. In addition, you can visit other islands, such as Taquile Island or Amantani Island.

How long is the full day tour to the Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca, Puno?

The full day tour starts at 8:30 am and ends at approximately 5:30 pm. Some stops are made so you can take pictures, videos and also for lunch. In addition, other islands are usually visited, such as Taquile Island or Amantani Island.

How much does the day tour to the Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca, Puno cost?

The cost of a full day tour to the Uros Islands is approximately S/. 50 to 60 soles ( USD 14 to 17 dollars) per person.

View of the Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca – Puno

What to bring and how to prepare for the Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca in Puno?

Bring a good hat (covering ears, neck and face), sunglasses and sunscreen.

A coat, gloves and scarves as from 6:00 pm the temperature begins to drop.

Bring hiking shoes, in several places of the islands you will find wet and rugged terrain.

Bring medication for “altitude sickness” or “soroche”, coca tea or coca leaves to chacctar (chew).

Bring cash (Peruvian nuevos soles) preferably coins, remember that, being far from the city most of the locals only receive cash. So I suggest you go prepared.

Some snacks can be very useful, although if you prefer you can buy food and drinks typical of the locals, but yes, I suggest you always bring a bottle of water.

Can I do experiential tourism in the Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca-Puno?

This form of tourism is growing every day, many villagers offer rooms in their homes for travelers to have the experience of living with them for a few days and learn about their daily life.

Remember that experiential tourism is not only an accommodation, it is a unique experience with the locals of a community, so when doing experiential tourism should be done with respect for their customs and open to new experiences.

To know our experience with experiential tourism in Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca click on this link: Experiential Tourism Taquile Island

If you want to do Experiential Tourism in the Uros Islands, we suggest you these lodges:

Asociación de Turismo Vivencial Uros Qhantati

Contact: (051) 951695121

Mail: marielpurima@hotmail.com and uroskhantati@hotmail.com

Another family gave me their email so I can recommend them: corazondellago@outlook.com

Uros Island Uros Lake Titicaca – Puno

Learn more about Lake Titicaca and its islands.