TOUR UROS + TAQUILE (Full Day)

Titicaca lake (Quechua = Titiqaqa Qucha) is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, known as the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake in South America.

Other cultures lived on Lake Titicaca prior to the arrival of the Incas, according to legend, the Uru people originated in the Amazon, migrated to the area of Lake Titicaca in the pre-Columbian era, where they were oppressed by the local population and were unable to secure land of their own. They built the reed islands, which could be moved into deep water or to different parts of the lake, as necessary, for greater safety from their hostile neighbors on land.

On the other hand Taquile is a hilly island located 45 km (28 mi) east of Puno. Culture is very much alive, which can be seen in the traditional clothes everyone wears. Taquileans run their society based on community collectivism and on the Inca moral code Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, Ama Qhilla, (Do not steal, Do not lie, Do not be lazy).

Itinerary
We Pick you up from your hotel at (06:45am Regular Boat) or (7:15am Fast Boat) and then we go to the port, once we board the boat we will have an incredible experience as we will be sailing on the highest navigable lake in the world, that has an average altitude of 3812 m.a.s.l. from our boat we can appreciate the beauty of the Lake and its amazing landscape surrounded by hills and mountains typical of the Altiplano in the central Andes. Uros The floating islands are located in the bay of Puno 12 km away from the port, we sail between 25 and 30 minutes, when we arrive to Uros island we will get a nice experience  learning about the lifestyle and traditions that are still preserved in this place, So we have to take a journey to the past to understand the reality that still remains alive, millenary activities, fundamental for the survival of the local population, dedicating themselves to fishing and hunting birds depending completely on the Totora (Aquatic Plant of the Lake) Plant with which they build their islands, houses, rafts and also serves as food and fuel. On the island live very friendly people descendants of the Uros who were one of the oldest ethnic groups that inhabited the highlands, they will be very glad to show us how they have built their islands made with large blocks of the Totora roots that makes them float due to the porosity of the blocks aided by the gases that produce their decomposition, People have a very hard job joining the blocks and also placing a layer of Totora, the same that must be replaced every 20 days. In the Uros Island we have time to explore and also buy some souvenirs to support this magical place.

Continuing the tour we head towards the natural Taquile Island once we arrive we have an small hike to the top of island it takes about 30 minutes, the summit is a perfect natural lookout point to appreciate the immensity of the lake. Then we have plenty of time to enjoy a very delicious lunch and after that we will be able to appreciate the great alive culture on the island, Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, which are regarded as among the highest quality handicrafts not only in Peru, but also in the world. Knitting is exclusively performed by males, beginning in early boyhood. Women spin wool and use vegetables and minerals to dye the wool to be used by the community. Taquile is narrow and long, it was used as a prison during the Spanish Colony In 1970, it became property of the Taquile people, who have inhabited the island since then. After that we have to hike back to the place where the boat is going to be waiting for us and we then return to Puno and to the hotel.

Tour Uros + Taquile Includes

o   Transfer hotel - port - hotel
o   Departure time at your disposal (SUPERIOR SERVICE)
o   Professional Tour guide in Spanish / English
o Tour Guide in another language, ask at the booking time (SUPERIOR SERVICE)
o   Souvenir Kit PERU ULTIMATE EXPEDITION
o   Private Regular Boat (with toilet and very comfortable  seats)(SUPERIOR SERVICE)
o   Fast Shared Boat (STANDARD SERVICE)
o   Regular Shared boat (ECONOMIC SERVICE)
o   Entrance ticket to the islands
o   Buffet lunch in Taquile (SUPERIOR SERVICE)
o   Regular lunch ECONOMIC and STANDAR SERVICE
o   Water bottle and snacks (SUPERIOR SERVICE)

It Does Not Include

o   Breakfast on the first day
o   Alcoholic beverages
o   Tips for the tour Guide and assistant staff
o   Travel insurance

What do you need to bring?

Q     Light and warm clothes, the weather in the morning is cold, at midday a little hot, wind in the afternoon
Q     Hat and sunscreen
Q     Comfortable shoes for the ride
Q     Cash if you want to buy souvenirs
Q     Drinks and / or snacks

Note
If you apply to the (ECONOMIC or STANDARD SERVICE) and your hotel is Sonesta Posada del Inka - Casa Andina Premium - Xima - Libertador Puno. You must add an extra payment for round trip transfer (From 1 to 4 people $ 7.00 USD) - (From 5 to 7 people $ 13.00 USD)

The main reason for the tour Uros + Taquile in FAST BOAT is that we shortened the time of Sailing in the lake, having more time to enjoy the visits in Uros and Taquile, have more calm walks and be more comfortable since the boat is also a little wider and more comfortable. The places to visit are the same, the difference is basically the Sailing time as shown below.

GENERAL ITINERARY
Regular Boat: From 6:45am to 5:30pm

      Fast Boat: From 7:15am to 3:30pm

TIME IN REGULAR BOAT                                     TIME IN FAST BOAT

From Port of Puno to Uros 30 minutes                   10 minutes

From Uros to Taquile   2 hours 30 min                    1 hour 15 min

From Taquile to Puno port 2 hours 45 min            1 hour 20 min

The private tour has been created for all people who want to have a more personalized experience, where the pick-up time is more flexible and adapted to their plans and pace of travel, No group is shared and you can stay longer on the island, private tours give you the opportunity to learn more about the places visited, because there is a private tour guide attentive to your needs, during the time the tour lasts.