Explore Lake Titicaca

Book Lake Titicaca tours, homestays, and experiences. Discover the highest navigable lake in the world.

Lake Titicaca Peru Guide: Puno, Uros & Taquile 2025

Complete Lake Titicaca guide. Learn about Puno, Uros Islands, Taquile, tours, transportation, and altitude tips for your visit.

Lake Titicaca sits on the border between Peru and Bolivia and is the highest lake in the world where boats can travel, at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet). The lake is home to unique cultures, including the Uros people who live on man-made floating islands, and traditional communities on islands like Taquile and Amantani. This guide tells you helpful information for visiting Lake Titicaca from Puno, Peru.

Important: How to Prepare for Lake Titicaca's High Altitude

Lake Titicaca is at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. Visitors should know about the high altitude and give themselves time to get used to it. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, feeling sick, tired, and hard to breathe.

CDC Travel Health: Peru | WHO: Altitude Sickness Info

What Are the Top Attractions on Lake Titicaca?

Uros Floating Islands

The Uros Islands are man-made floating islands made from totora reeds. These unique islands are built and kept up by the Uros people, who have lived on the lake for hundreds of years. Visitors can learn about Uros culture, see how the islands are built, and buy handicrafts.

Man-made floating islands made from reeds
Uros culture and traditions
Handicrafts and textiles
Distance from Puno: About 30 minutes by boat
Tour time: Half-day tours available

Taquile Island

Taquile is a traditional island where people speak Quechua and are known for their amazing textile art and community-based tourism. The island has beautiful lake views, traditional culture, and you can stay with local families. Taquile textiles are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Traditional Quechua culture
UNESCO-recognized textile art
Homestay opportunities
Beautiful lake views
Distance from Puno: About 2 to 3 hours by boat

UNESCO: Taquile Textile Art

Amantani Island

Amantani offers real homestay experiences with local families. Visitors can take part in traditional activities, enjoy home-cooked meals, and experience Andean culture. The island is less touristy than Taquile and gives you a more real experience.

Real homestay experiences
Traditional Andean culture
Less touristy than Taquile
Community-based tourism
Overnight stays recommended

What Are the Best Lake Titicaca Tours?

Tour Options

Half-day Uros tour: Visit Uros floating islands (2 to 3 hours)
Full-day Uros and Taquile: Visit both Uros and Taquile islands (full day)
2-day homestay: Stay overnight on Taquile or Amantani with local families
Custom tours: Private tours and special itineraries available

Book Lake Titicaca Tours

Secure your Lake Titicaca tour and homestay experience

How to Get to Lake Titicaca from Cusco and Arequipa?

From Cusco

Bus: 6 to 8 hours to Puno
Beautiful route through Andean mountains
Overnight buses available
Book ahead during busy season

From Arequipa

Bus: 5 to 6 hours to Puno
Direct bus services available
Beautiful journey through the altiplano (high plains)
Day or overnight options

Book transportation:

Buses: Cruz del Sur | Oltursa | See our complete transportation guide for more options

Plan Your Lake Titicaca Adventure

Book accommodation in Puno, tours, and homestay experiences on Lake Titicaca.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is easy to get to from Puno, Peru. You can reach Puno by bus from Cusco (6 to 8 hours) or Arequipa (5 to 6 hours), or by flying to Juliaca (near Puno). From Puno, boat tours go to the Uros Islands, Taquile, and other islands on the lake.

What are the Uros Islands?

The Uros Islands are man-made floating islands made from totora reeds, built and kept up by the Uros people. These unique islands are a major tourist attraction, and visitors can learn about Uros culture, see how the islands are built, and buy handicrafts.

Can I stay overnight on Lake Titicaca islands?

Yes, you can stay with local families on islands like Taquile and Amantani. This gives you a real cultural experience. Visitors stay with local families, eat traditional meals, and take part in local activities. This is a great way to experience Andean culture and help local communities.

What is the altitude of Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level, making it the highest lake in the world where boats can travel. Visitors should know about the high altitude and give themselves time to get used to it, especially if coming from lower places.

Start Your Lake Titicaca Adventure

Book your Puno accommodation and Lake Titicaca tours.