Detailed itinerary Short Tour:

06:00am – 06:30am

Hostel/Hotel pick up.

06:30am – 08:30am

Boat out to Lake Titicaca for a guided tour of the floating islands. Find out how the Uros people make their home islands entirely from one of the lake reeds, totora, and how they forge a subsistent lifestyle floating in the middle of Lake Titicaca! There are lots of lessons to be learned about the relationship of the Uros people and their natural environment.

Out of the ‘totora’ reed not only do they make the entirety of these intriguing floating islands on which they live, but it also contributes towards shelter, transport (reed boats) and nutrition. The totora reed is also a source of iodine traditionally used to prevent thyroid tumours, and even has pain and hangover relief properties.

The days of subsistence living are gone and tourism is now one of the greatest incomes on the islands. The islands have become a victim of their own success and are very popular with tourists. That being said, the history and subsistence of these incredible people is a truly unique experience not to be missed…who knows if there will be the chance to do so in years to come…

(afternoon itinerary is similar)

Included:

• Boat transport
• English speaking guide
• Entry ticket to Uros Floating Islands

Not Included:

• Reed Boat Ride (Kontiki) in Uros Islands: S/.10 soles – this is OPTIONAL but the locals will try to sell this to you.

What to bring:

• Light backpack
• Water
• Sunscreen (very important)
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Sweater or jacket (very important)
• Basics like toilet paper, personal medications, etc
• Money for tips.

Recommendations:

• Wear warm layers of clothing as it tends to feel colder when the wind blows.

Detailed itinerary Short Tour:

07:15am – 09:00am

Boat out to the Floating Islands of the Uros for a guided tour of the floating islands. Find out how the Uros people make their home islands entirely from one of the lake reeds, totora, and how they forge a subsistent lifestyle floating in the middle of Lake Titicaca!

09:00am – 12:00am

Boat ride out to the Island of Taquile. Sunbathe on the top deck, or watch the world go by as you cruise the world’s highest navigable lake!

12:00pm – 14:30pm

Guided Tour of Taquile Island. Learn the traditional history, lifestyle and cultures of the island community until recently closed off to the rest of the world. Includes walk along the island to some of the best viewpoints. Lunch on the island.

14:30pm

Return boat ride to Puno.

17:00pm

Arrive into Puno.

Included:

• Boat transport
• English speaking guide
• Entry ticket to Uros Floating Islands
• Entry ticket to Taquile Island
• Lunch in Taquile

Not Included:

• Reed Boat Ride (Kontiki) in Uros Islands: S/.10 soles – this is OPTIONAL but the locals will try to sell this to you.

What to bring:

• Light backpack
• Water
• Sunscreen (very important)
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Sweater or jacket (very important)
• Basics like toilet paper, personal medications, etc
• Money for tips.

Recommendations:

• Wear warm layers of clothing as it tends to feel colder when the wind blows.

Day 1: Puno city to Uros islands to Amantani Island

This excursion begins at 07:45am with a transfer from your hotel to the port. We then depart to Uros floating Islands. We check out 2 of the 60 islands, see inside the houses, and rides on traditional reed boats can also be arranged. Later, after a 3-hour motorboat journey, we arrive to the Amantani Island. On arrival, you will probably see local families running down the hill to welcome you. There you will meet your designated host family. With them you will have a typical lunch made from natural products. Throughout the day, you will be able to participate in intercultural activities until dinner time. After dinner, you will watch a typical show.

Day 2: Amantani Island to Taquile Island to Puno city

The day begins at 07:00am with breakfast with your host family, then depart to Taquile Island. Once in Taquile, we will walk to the village where we will enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. When finished, we walk down to the port to return to Puno at approximately 16:00pm and we will then transfer you to your hotel or hostel.

Included:

• Boat transport
• English speaking guide
• Entry ticket to Uros Floating Islands
• Entry ticket to Taquile Island
• Lunch in Taquile

Not Included:

• Reed Boat Ride (Kontiki) in Uros Islands: S/.10 soles – this is OPTIONAL but the locals will try to sell this to you.

What to bring:

• Light backpack
• Water
• Sunscreen (very important)
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Sweater or jacket (very important)
• Basics like toilet paper, personal medications, etc
• Money for tips.

Recommendations:

• Wear warm layers of clothing as it tends to feel colder when the wind blows.

Isla del Sol (Bolivia)

This excursion begins at 07:45am with a transfer from your hotel to the port. We then depart to Uros floating Islands. We check out 2 of the 60 islands, see inside the houses, and rides on traditional reed boats can also be arranged. Later, after a 3-hour motorboat journey, we arrive to the Amantani Island. On arrival, you will probably see local families running down the hill to welcome you. There you will meet your designated host family. With them you will have a typical lunch made from natural products. Throughout the day, you will be able to participate in intercultural activities until dinner time. After dinner, you will watch a typical show.

Bolivia Hop operates our own private boat service to and from the stunning Isla del Sol every day. Our boats are safe and secure, and very importantly they contain 2 motor powered engines unlike public boats that only have 1. This means our boats are faster and more powerful, meaning they get you to and from Copacabana quicker and thus giving you more time on the Island. Sit on the top deck in the sunshine, relax, and bask in the stunning surroundings.

NOTE: This is a private boat and NOT a guided tour, you are free to explore the Isla yourself and even stay 1 or 2 nights and take a boat back a different day. We provide you with our own map of the Isla del Sol clearly marking all of the best points to see on the Isla.

The 4 hour round trip will take you to the southern part of the island – the Pilkokaina Pre-Inca Sun Temple, the Inca Stairway and Fountains of Youth, and the southern port of Yumani. Journey time to/from the island itself is around 80 mins (weather dependent) so you enjoy at least an hour on the island itself. Our private boat will dock at the ancient sun temple Pilkokaina where you can hop off and walk the length of the southern coast to the southern port of Yumani, passing by some of the very best viewpoints of the island! Public boats arrive and depart from Yumani itself, which does not allow enough time to get up to these amazing photo spots!

Wish to see more of the island? If you have time, we highly recommend to stay overnight and trek the length of the island for the best panoramic views of Titicaca.

Included:

• Due to the flexible nature of our tickets you can book and pay for the Isla Del Sol Boat Trip onboard the bus with your Bolivia Hop guide on the way to Copacabana. There is no need to book in advance. Last minute availability is not an issue.
• If you have already paid for it online when you bought your Bolivia Hop pass just let your guide know the date you want to do it and he will confirm the reservation for you.

Not Included:

• Reed Boat Ride (Kontiki) in Uros Islands: S/.10 soles – this is OPTIONAL but the locals will try to sell this to you.

What to bring:

• It can get chilly on the boat so it is recommended to bring a wind jacket or jumper if necessary against wind/spray. If you are planning to stay on the island then warm layers are required at night.
• Trainers / comfortable shoes for those planning on doing the hike (45-60 min walk).
• It can be very sunny so do not forget your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
• Camera or cell phone to take pictures – always ask permission before taking photos of the island people.
• Bring enough money with you should you wish to stay overnight as there are no cash ATMs on the whole island.