Cusco: 2 day in Puno from Cusco with drop-off in Cusco

Experience the Magic of Lake Titicaca with a 3-Day Tour from Cusco

If you’re craving a journey that combines awe-inspiring scenery, vibrant local culture, and a taste of island life, this 2-day tour from Cusco to Puno is worth considering. For $140 per person, you’ll spend two nights traveling and three days exploring some of South America’s most unique sites, including the Uros Floating Islands, Amantani, and Taquile islands, with a convenient drop-off back in Cusco.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see the Uros floating islands, made entirely from reeds, and to stay overnight with local families on Amantani Island, where you’ll get a real sense of daily life in this high-altitude community. Plus, the culture—dressing in local costumes, participating in a traditional party, and learning about weaving—adds a genuine touch that many travelers cherish.

However, keep in mind that the overnight bus and the altitude at various sites (up to 4,150 meters/13,600 feet) can be physically demanding. If you’re prepared for the travel and altitude, this tour offers a great balance of adventure and authenticity. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see the less touristy side of Lake Titicaca and those comfortable with basic group accommodations and on-the-go scheduling.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Staying overnight with local families offers a genuine glimpse into island life.
• Cultural Activities: Opportunities to dress in traditional clothes, participate in local parties, and learn weaving techniques.
• Scenic Highlights: Floating islands, panoramic views from temples, and walks through authentic villages.
• Transportation: Comfortable overnight bus from Cusco, boat rides on Lake Titicaca, and guided tours.
• Value for Price: Includes guided visits, boat rides, and a hearty lunch, making it good value for such an immersive experience.
• Altitude Consideration: Expect to be at high elevations—prepare accordingly for physical exertion and altitude sickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Journey

Starting Off: Overnight Bus from Cusco to Puno

The journey begins late at night, with a reliable transfer to the bus station around 9:30 PM. The bus departs at 10:00 PM, offering reclining, bed-type seats and onboard service. It’s a comfortable way to cover the roughly 6-7 hours to Puno, especially if you’re tired from other adventures. We recommend bringing a light blanket, as it can get chilly at night, and the ride offers a chance to rest before the busy day ahead.

Day 1: Exploring the Uros Floating Islands

Arriving in Puno early in the morning, you’ll transfer to the Lake Titicaca port for your boat tour. The highlight here is the Uros Floating Islands, made by local communities from totora reeds. While there are over 50 islands, your guide will focus on just two, giving you plenty of time to explore and snap photos.

What makes the Uros islands special? It’s not just the floating aspect but the way locals have kept their traditions alive, crafting islands and boats entirely from reeds. A guide will share stories about how they’ve maintained their lifestyle despite modern influences. Travelers often find the experience captivating; one reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way they explained how they build and live on these reed islands.”

Evening: Staying with Local Families on Amantani

After the boat ride, you’ll arrive at Amantani Island, where you’ll stay overnight in a local family’s home. This part of the tour is what many consider the heart of the experience. You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality, enjoy a home-cooked lunch, and get a real taste of island hospitality.

In the afternoon, some guests opt for an optional hike to the Pachatata Temple, perched at 4,150 meters. The climb offers stunning views and a chance to see the island’s terraced fields and traditional houses. The temple itself is a simple stone structure but holds significant spiritual value for locals.

In the evening, a cultural party is organized, where you can dress in traditional costumes if you like. The locals often put on music and dance, making for a lively and memorable experience. One traveler noted, “It was delightful to dance and learn about their traditions firsthand.”

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Day 2: Learning and Exploring on Amantani & Taquile

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to your hosts and head to Taquile Island, famous for its weaving traditions. The hike up to the main square at 3,950 meters offers sweeping views of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding mountains.

On Taquile, you’ll visit a local family to see their weaving process—fascinating intricate patterns that have been passed down for generations. You’ll also have time to browse handicraft stores, where brightly colored textiles and souvenirs are plentiful. The island’s artisans are proud of their craftsmanship, and many products are made using traditional methods.

The last stop is the second port, from where you’ll return to Puno, arriving around 3:30 PM. The entire day is filled with scenic vistas, cultural insights, and ample opportunities to interact with locals, which many travelers find enriching.

Returning to Cusco

In the evening, at 10:00 PM, you’ll board the overnight bus back to Cusco. The trip is comparable to the journey south, giving you time to relax and reflect on the adventure. Expect to arrive in Cusco around 5:00 AM, ready for whatever adventures await next.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $140 covers overnight bus travel from Cusco to Puno, transfers to the boat, guided tour of the Uros Islands, boat rides, lunch in Taquile, and entrance fees for the sites. The tour offers good value for the comprehensive cultural and scenic experiences it provides.

However, breakfast is not included, so you’ll want to plan for that either in Cusco before departure or once you arrive in Puno. Personal expenses, snacks, souvenirs, and travel insurance are also not covered—always a smart move to have extra cash on hand.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those interested in authentic cultural encounters, especially if you enjoy hands-on traditions like weaving or dressing in local costumes. It suits travelers comfortable with bus rides and high-altitude walking, as well as those eager to see less-touristy aspects of Lake Titicaca. If you’re seeking a relaxed pace with meaningful interactions, this trip delivers.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, culture, and authentic traditions. For around $140, you get to explore floating reed islands, stay overnight with locals, and visit two of the most iconic islands in Lake Titicaca. It’s a great value, especially if you’re curious about high-altitude island communities and want a genuine experience rather than just passing through.

Travelers who love interactive experiences, like learning weaving or participating in local dances, will find this tour particularly rewarding. The combination of guided insights and free time to explore makes it a flexible yet structured journey.

Keep in mind the altitude challenges and the overnight travel, but for those ready for adventure and cultural discovery, this tour offers a memorable and rewarding excursion that captures the spirit of Lake Titicaca beyond the typical tourist trail.

FAQ

How do I get to Puno from Cusco?
You take an overnight bus departing around 10:00 PM, which offers reclining seats and onboard service, making the journey comfortable and restful.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the overnight bus from Cusco to Puno, transfers from the bus station to the port, guided visits to the Uros Floating Islands, boat rides, lunch on Taquile Island, and entrance fees to sites.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast is not included, but lunch on Taquile Island is part of the tour.

How long is each boat ride?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, boat rides are part of the day’s activities, typically around an hour or more between islands.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and a light blanket for the bus ride. Remember to pack some cash for personal expenses.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves some walking and high-altitude exposure, so it’s best for active travelers comfortable with these conditions.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes, the tour has guides speaking both English and Spanish, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

What is the altitude like?
Sites like Pachatata and Taquile are at around 3,950 meters, and Amantani is at 4,150 meters, so expect some breathlessness and plan accordingly.

How long does the tour take altogether?
The total duration is three days, including travel time, with the main activities packed into the second day.

What is the best time to go?
Check availability for upcoming dates, but generally, dry seasons from May to October offer clearer skies and better conditions for sightseeing.

This comprehensive tour offers a genuine glimpse into the life and landscape of Lake Titicaca, perfect for curious travelers eager to connect with local traditions amid stunning scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby