Cultural

Titicaca Lake tour 2 days / 1 night

Duration 2 days

Group size Max 10

Difficulty Moderate

Tour Overview

Lake Titicaca tour 2 days / 1 night

Pick-Up & Start Time:
04:30 – 05:00 am (Puno Bus Terminal)
Hotel pick-up available if located in downtown Puno.

Return Time:
Around 3:30 pm at Puno Main Square (Plaza de Armas).

Discover the magic of Lake Titicaca on a 2-day cultural adventure visiting the floating islands of Uros, the peaceful island of Amantani, and the traditional island of Taquile.

Navigate across the highest navigable lake in the world, share authentic experiences with local families, enjoy countryside-style meals, and spend the night with a host family on Amantani under a breathtaking star-filled sky.

This immersive experience connects you with Andean traditions, ancestral knowledge, and stunning natural landscapes.

Itinerary — 2 Days

Early morning pick-up from the bus terminal or your hotel in central Puno.

From the port of Puno, we board a motorboat and navigate toward the famous Uros Floating Islands, built entirely from totora reeds. Here, you’ll learn about their ancestral construction techniques and daily lifestyle.

We then continue by boat to Amantani Island, where local families warmly welcome you into their homes.

After a traditional countryside lunch, you will hike to the highest point of the island, the ceremonial temple of Pacha Tata, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and a spectacular sunset.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by your host family. Later, you’ll participate in a small folkloric gathering, wearing traditional clothing and experiencing local music and dance.

Overnight stay with a local host family in Amantani.

Altitudes

Puno Port: 3,830 m (12,566 ft)
Uros Islands: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Amantani Island: 3,817 m (12,522 ft)

Meals included: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast with your host family, we navigate toward Taquile Island.

Upon arrival, we begin a scenic walk to the main square. Taquile is famous for its traditional textile art, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

You will learn about their weaving techniques and social traditions while enjoying panoramic views of the lake.

After a countryside lunch, we descend to the port and return by boat to Puno, arriving around 3:30 – 4:00 pm.

Altitudes

Taquile Island: 3,950 m (12,959 ft)
Puno: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Includes

Hotel Pick-Up in Downtown PunoConvenient pick-up directly from your hotel located in the historic center of Puno, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your Lake Titicaca adventure.
Tourist Transport (Hotel – Port – Hotel)Comfortable and safe tourist transportation between your hotel and the port of Puno at the beginning and end of the tour.
Motorboat Transportation on Lake TiticacaTravel across the highest navigable lake in the world aboard a well-equipped motorboat, operated by experienced local captains.
Entrance Tickets to Uros, Amantani, and TaquileAll community entrance fees are included, allowing you to explore the floating islands of Uros and the traditional islands of Amantani and Taquile without additional payments.
2 Countryside Lunches (Amantani & Taquile)Enjoy authentic Andean-style meals prepared with local ingredients, served in a peaceful natural setting overlooking Lake Titicaca.
1 Traditional Dinner in AmantaniExperience a homemade dinner prepared by your host family, offering a taste of local flavors and traditional cooking methods.
1 Breakfast in AmantaniStart your second day with a simple but nourishing breakfast provided by your host family before continuing to Taquile Island.
1 Night Accommodation with a Local FamilySpend the night in a family home on Amantani Island. This cultural homestay offers a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions, daily life, and hospitality.
Professional Bilingual Guide (Spanish / English)Certified local guide who will provide cultural insights, historical context, and assistance throughout the tour.
First Aid Kit and Oxygen TankFor your safety and comfort at high altitude, basic medical assistance and oxygen are available during the tour.

Not included

Excludes

Breakfast Before the Tour BeginsIf you arrive early in Puno on the same day, breakfast is not included before departure.
Water and BeveragesDrinks are not included during meals. You may purchase beverages locally or bring your own.
Traditional Reed Boat Ride (Optional)At the Uros Islands, you may choose to take a short ride on a handmade totora reed boat for an additional cost (approximately S/ 15).
Accommodation in Puno CityHotel stay before or after the tour in Puno is not included.
Travel InsuranceWe strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip to Peru.
Tips (Optional)Gratuities for guides, boat operators, and host families are optional but appreciated.

Gallery 5 photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking with Happy Gringo Tours is easy! Simply click the “Book Now” button, choose your desired departure date, fill in the required traveler information, and pay the $250 deposit by credit or debit card. Once your Inca Trail permits are confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed confirmation email.

The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or soles) at our office one day before your departure.
You may also pay via PayPal (7% fee) or credit card (5% fee) at least one week before your tour.

Students aged 11 to 17 receive a $25 USD discount. A valid student card and passport copy must be sent at the time of booking. The student must be under 18 on the date of the hike.

Yes, your Machu Picchu entry ticket is included in the Short Inca Trail package.

Our itinerary includes two circuits for a complete Machu Picchu experience. On Day 1, you’ll arrive via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and explore Circuit 1 (Upper Terrace) for the iconic panoramic view. On Day 2, you’ll return to explore Circuit 3 (Royal Route) — the inner citadel with temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas.

Yes! You may safely store your luggage at our Cusco office or at your hotel. We recommend bringing only what you need for the two days on the trail.

Unfortunately, once permits are issued, the Peruvian government does not allow date changes or refunds. Only passport number updates are permitted.

We usually visit early — starting at 6:00 a.m. — to enjoy the sunrise and avoid crowds.

If you add Huayna Picchu, your entry will be scheduled between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. after your guided tour. The hike takes about 2.5 hours round-trip. For Machu Picchu Mountain, entry is from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and takes about 3 hours. Both must be reserved at the time of booking, as spaces are very limited.

Yes! You must carry your original passport (the same one used for your permit). It will be checked at the trail entrance, Machu Picchu, and before boarding the train.

The best season is April to October, during the dry months. The trail is busier from May to August. The rainy season (Nov–Mar) is still possible, but waterproof gear is essential.

The trek is rated moderate to challenging, with gradual ascents and stairs. A basic level of fitness is recommended.

We typically book the 06:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 on Day 1, and the 2:55 p.m. train for the return to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m.

Of course! If you prefer to book your own hotel, we’ll reduce $40 per person from the total price. Just let us know your hotel name so we can coordinate your drop-off.

No pets are allowed on the Inca Trail or at Machu Picchu, except for certified guide dogs with proper permits.

Since March 2022, single-use plastic bottles are banned on the Inca Trail. Bring a reusable bottle or hydration pack to refill along the way.

There’s no specific weight limit for your personal backpack. Porters, however, are limited to 20 kg each and carry only boxed lunches, not personal belongings.

On Day 1, groups usually reach the Sun Gate at 2:00 p.m., then hike 45 minutes to Machu Picchu, arriving around 3:00 p.m. before taking the bus to Aguas Calientes.

Arrive at least 2 days before your trek to acclimate to the altitude, especially if you’re coming from sea level.

The Short Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance and safety.

Porters are included in our Short Inca Trail 2 day with the hotel. However, they only carry your box lunch, not your belongings. If you want to hire a personal porter, the Price will be $50 per porter. Note: Porters are not allowed all the way to Machu Picchu. They will only go to Wiñayywayna campsite then they go straight to Aguas Calientes where they will leave your belongings.

No. The Short Inca Trail can only be done with a licensed tour operator and an authorized guide. Independent hiking is not permitted.

Yes! If you stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, your pick-up will be about 1.5 hours later than the Cusco pick-up — perfect for a bit of extra sleep.

There’s no official age limit, but we recommend a minimum age of 7 years old due to steep sections of the trail.