Kayak to Uros Floating Islands Tour
We have read and heard many contrasting opinions about the Uros community tours. As a traveller, try to see what is beyond the appearance and approach this community with curious eyes because, in fact, they are preserving for us a very ancient way of life.
For about 30 years tourism has opened a door to visit this ancestral ethnic group. Tourism grew fast without much planning and the Uro people understood quickly how to benefit from this flow of visitors. They have become excellent handicraft sellers, boat captains and today, they even host tourists in their reed made homes. Also, you might be surprised to know that many of the professional young tour guides from Puno are native from the Uros community!
Moreover, these tour guides are fluent in more than 2 foreign languages! When travellers arrive on the islands, the Uro families gather together with their children and they all start to sing classic songs in different languages from English to Japanese. Some travelers have found this action fake and superficial but the truth is the Uro people find it fascinating to express themselves in other languages. They are proud and eager to show to travelers that they can communicate in many foreign languages. Who wouldn´t be?
Tour Itinerary
ITINERARY: PUNO – FLOATING ISLANDS UROS – CONTINUATION TO AMANTANI OR TAQUILE ISLANDS.
All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.
ROUTE: Start point from Puno (pier at Isla esteves) to floating islands.
Duration: 3 hours paddling round-trip,
Size of group: 6 people maximum
This tour starts at 8:00 a.m. We will go to pick you up from your hotel and bring you near the small pier at Isla Esteves. The bus ride takes 15 minutes from the city. The guide will provide your equipment and after a briefing and technical explanation from the guide you will start your adventure. .
While paddling through the reeds you will spot native birds and feel the magic of this natural environment. The kayak ride will take about 1 hour and a half until you reach one of the uros islands. The guide will go with you through a visit of the community and you will be able to get to know the locals in their houses or around. After enjoying a cultural encounter with the Uro inhabitants you will go back to Puno with the kayak. The arrival time in Puno is around 11:50 a.m. Our mini bus is going to take you back to your hotel.
ROUTE: Start point in Puno (Isla Esteves)
Duration:
- Puno-Uros-Continuation to Amantani or Taquile islands. (1 hour and 30 minutes paddling)
Local guide: English/Spanish speaking guide only
Size of group: 6 people maximum
This adventure will start at around 5:30 a.m. We will take you from the hotel to the pier near Isla Esteves. We will offer some hot tea or coffee before starting the journey. After a briefing and a technical explanation, your guide will provide you with the equipment to start kayaking.
You will enjoy a beautiful kayak ride with the sun slowly rising over the lake. You will enjoy spotting native birds and feel the magic of this natural environment. The kayak ride will take about 1 hour and a half until you reach one of the Uros islands. The arrival time on the island will be around 7:30 a.m.The guide will go with you through a visit to the community until the motorboat will arrive on the island to pick you up. You will join the shared basis group going to Taquile island (full day) or Amantani island (2-day tour)
- English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Support staff
- Entrance fees
- Transfers to/from hotel
- Kayak equipment
- Safety boat
- Safety equipment (life jackets, first aid kit)
- Gloves, sunscreen, hats, alcoholic beverages, personal clothing, extras, insurance, camera gear and toiletries
- Tips
WHAT ESSENTIALS SHOULD I BRING?
It is recommended to bring your sunglasses, sunscreen with high SPF, moisturizing cream, bathing suit (just in case water is cold in the lake!), a hat, warm and comfortable clothes for night and dawn hours, cotton T-shirts during the daytime, hand sanitizer and camera.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR YOUR CAMERA.
Kayak To Uros
See options and prices below.
Early morning Kayak on the way to Amantani or Taquile
USD55 /pp
Kayak Half-Day
USD55 /pp
ANY DOUBTS OR MORE INFORMATION? CHECK OUT THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.)