2 Days / 1 Night Uros – Amantani – Taquile
This is the classic tour that a pool of travel agencies puts together for small budget travelers. 
Even though it is a very popular trip, there is a lot of controversy about this low-priced tour group because it does not pay fairly to the locals for their food and home stay services. The 3,600 inhabitants of Amantani have also a Quechua origin and they are mainly small farmers. The most important crops in Amantani are Andean potatoes, bailey and green beans. The “Amantaneños” have not been as successful in their tourism entrepreneurial initiatives as their neighbors from Taquile. However, they are able to welcome you with much appreciation and sincerity. A visit to Amantani necessarily implies to stay one night on the island. The houses are very simple and services are basic. There is no running water, no electricity and of course no toilets or showers. For many people this home-stay experience and the encounter with the host family is a revelation of the reality of Andean people at such altitude. Amantani Island is located 26 miles (38 Km) away from the city of Puno (3 ½ hours of navigation in normal boat). Because of a more distant location, tourism on the island of Amantani has not developed as much as in Taquile.
Itinerary
Uros – Amantani and Taquile Island Description:
07:00 h. Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transferred to the harbor. We start off our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting “The Uros Floating Islands”, a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world. After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards “Amantani Island”, where we will spend the rest of the day and the night. Upon arrival, a group of native families will welcomed you at the harbor, and afterwards the guide will introduce you the family that will provide you lodging in their house. The group is split in couples, so each couple goes with one family. In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the Islands to explore ancient ruins on a mountain called by locals Pachamama. There are stunning views of the Lake from this lookout point and an amazing sunset. Soon after nightfall, we descend to the main plaza and meet our local families, and then we go to their houses for dinner. At dinner you will be invited to go to the little kitchen (mind the head when entering, their doorways are very small), a warm place where they cook with a primitive stove made of clay. By night, visitors are invited to a particular party. Our local families will provide traditional clothing to attend this nice Andean party, at the house; men are given ponchos and wooly hats, the hats are hand-made by the families, with unique styles, so that they can recognize you in the hall. Women are given colorful skirts, blouses and veils. The party takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local orchestras. Overnight at a family house on the Amantani island.
Included:
- 07:00 h. Pick up from your hotel in Puno.
- Transportation to the dock of the Lake Titicaca.
- Entrance fee to the National Park of the Lake Titicaca.
- Boat transportation with toilet facitlities.
- A short tour on the little original Totora reed boat.
- Professional English speaking guide.
- Lunch & dinner at a local family house on Amantani Island.
- Overnight at a family house on Amantani Island.
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Not Included:
- Extras & gratuities
- Hotel in Puno
- Lunch in Taquile.
- Soft or alcoholic drinks.
