Lake Titicaca Full Day Tour

The Uros Islands are probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The islands, which are about a 20-minute boat ride from Puno, are made up of giant piles of reeds that are anchored to the lake bottom. The reed, or tótora, is cut and continually replaced to keep the lake afloat. The scenery here – with the bright blue waters of Lake Titicaca shining in the background – is absolutely spectacular.

The Uros people are thought to have fled to these islands to escape forced labor in the Spanish mines. The locals still have a simple existence, fishing in huge tótora rafts adorned with dragon heads.

After visiting the Uros Islands, your tour continues on to Taquile Island, which is located about 22 miles (35 km) from Puno. The island is inhabited by about 2,000 Quechua speaking locals and offers travelers a good look at indigenous life. The island is small and has a few beaches and simple pre-Inca ruins. While here you’ll admire some impressive handicrafts and enjoy lunch.

At a staggering 12,467 feet (3,800 m) above sea level, Lake Titicaca seems to nearly touch the sky. Maybe this is why the Inca believed that it was here that Viracocha, the creator god, created the sun. According to Inca legend, other Titicaca natives include the first Inca king, Manco Copac. One of the highest lakes in the world, surrounded by mountains on either side, Titicaca is an obvious candidate for the stuff of legends.