From Cusco to Lake Titicaca: 2-Day Homestay Tour

Experience the Heart of Lake Titicaca with a 2-Day Homestay from Cusco

If you’re looking to step beyond the usual tourist trail and get a real taste of local life on Lake Titicaca, this 2-day homestay tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and culture. Starting from Cusco, you’ll journey overnight to Puno, then spend two days visiting iconic floating islands of Uros and the remote Amantani Island, staying overnight with local families. The tour is priced at $109 per person, which includes transportation, guided visits, and homestay experiences, making it a generous value for travelers eager for an authentic glimpse into Andean traditions.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see real island life firsthand—staying with families, sharing meals, and participating in local customs. We also appreciate the small-group atmosphere, which makes the experience more personal and manageable. One thing to consider is the overnight bus rides—both to and from Cusco—that are part of the journey. For some, these can be a bit tiring, but they also add to the adventure and are worth it for the immersive experience.

This tour suits travelers who are curious about local cultures, enjoy natural scenery, and don’t mind a bit of travel time. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect with Peru’s highland communities while exploring one of the world’s highest lakes, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Homestay: Spend a night living with local families on Amantani Island, gaining genuine insight into island traditions.
• Iconic Islands: Visit the floating reed islands of Uros and witness rural life on Llachon Peninsula.
• Cultural Activities: Enjoy guided tours, traditional meals, and intercultural exchanges with island residents.
• Travel Logistics: Includes overnight bus transfers, making it a seamless experience despite the long hours.
• Value for Money: For around $109, you get guided tours, homestay, meals, and transportation—truly a comprehensive package.
• Limited Flexibility: The schedule is fixed, with specific departure and return times—great for planning but less so for spontaneous changes.

A Deep Dive into the Lake Titicaca Homestay Tour

Starting from Cusco
The adventure begins late at night with an overnight bus from Cusco at 9:30 pm. It’s about a nine-hour ride—most travelers find these buses comfortable, especially with air conditioning, restrooms onboard, and the promise of arriving early morning in Puno. The experience of traveling overnight means you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to start exploring by dawn. Some reviewers note that the buses are well-organized and clean, making the long ride less taxing than expected.

Morning Arrivals & Uros Floating Islands
Once in Puno, you’ll meet up at the partner hostel before heading out to the Uros Islands around 8:15 am. These floating islands are a highlight of the trip—constructed entirely from totora reeds, they have a surreal, otherworldly feel. The guided tour here is about two hours, where you’ll learn how the Uros inhabitants have kept their reed islands afloat for generations. One reviewer mentioned the optional reed boat ride for an extra S/.10 soles, which might add a fun, if slightly touristy, touch.

Journey to Amantani
Later, around 10:30 am, you’ll set out to Amantani Island, the highest navigable point on Lake Titicaca. This part of the tour truly shines because of the chance to live like a local. The guided tour of the island offers insight into the traditional ways of life, with a focus on history, customs, and daily routines passed down through generations. You’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by the host family, made from local, natural ingredients.

Cultural Immersion & Sunset Views
The afternoon includes intercultural activities with your host family—sharing stories, participating in local crafts, or simply chatting over tea. If you’re up for a short hike, you can ascend to the Pachatata temple to watch the sunset, a moment highlighted by travelers who describe it as a magical experience. The evening dinner is a traditional meal, and spending the night in a family home provides a rare glimpse into highland life, often praised as a warm, welcoming experience.

Day 3: Exploring More & Moving South
The next morning, after breakfast with your host family, you’ll head out by boat to the Llachon Peninsula, where rural life continues to thrive. Here, you’ll witness seasonal activities—farming, herding, or crafts—and have some free time to enjoy the stunning lake views. Lunch is included, and the journey back to Puno around 4 pm allows for some free evening time before catching the overnight bus back to Cusco at 9 pm.

Getting Back & Final Impressions
The return trip offers a chance to reflect on your experience while relaxing on the bus. Reviewers mention that the bus service is comfortable and that guides like Sandra or Andrea make the journey enjoyable with helpful tips and friendly service.

What Truly Makes This Tour Special

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—a key factor making this experience stand out. Multiple reviews highlight guides such as Chris, MAVERICK, and Sandra for their warm, informative, and engaging approach, which turns a simple sightseeing trip into a meaningful cultural exchange. This personal touch helps travelers connect deeply with local traditions and feel like they are part of the community, if only briefly.

The scenery itself is a highlight—Lake Titicaca’s expansive waters, dotted with floating islands and surrounded by rugged mountains, create a stunning backdrop. The village life on Amantani offers a glimpse of a slower, less commercialized way of living, providing a contrast to bustling Cusco or Puno city streets.

Practical Considerations & Value

At $109 per person, the tour offers a lot of value—guided island visits, homestays, meals, transportation, and cultural activities—all bundled into one manageable package. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want a budget-friendly option that emphasizes authentic experiences rather than luxury. Keep in mind that the overnight bus rides are part of the package, which some might find tiring, but most consider it a small price for such a rich experience.

The schedule is tight—arriving early, departing late—so this tour is best suited for those comfortable with long travel days and eager to maximize their time exploring. It’s also ideal for those interested in living with locals, sharing meals, and participating in daily routines rather than just sightseeing from a distance.

The Sum Up

This From Cusco to Lake Titicaca: 2-Day Homestay Tour offers a genuinely immersive journey into one of South America’s most captivating lakes and its communities. The chance to stay overnight with local families and see traditional island life firsthand makes it a standout experience for anyone looking to add depth to their Peruvian adventure.

Travelers who value authentic cultural interactions, scenic landscapes, and straightforward logistics will find this tour a worthwhile investment. The guides’ warmth and knowledge often receive high praise, making the journey not just about the sights but about connecting with real people. It’s an excellent choice for curious, open-minded travelers eager to see a side of Peru that few travelers get to experience.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $109 per person, which covers transportation, guided visits, homestay accommodation, and meals.

How long are the bus rides?
The overnight bus from Cusco to Puno departs at 9:30 pm and arrives around 6:00 am, lasting approximately nine hours. The return journey is similar, departing from Puno at 9:00 pm.

What is included in the tour?
Included are guided tours of the Uros Islands and Amantani, a homestay experience, meals (lunches and dinners), boat transfers, and transportation between locations.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can opt for a reed boat ride in Uros Islands for S/.10 soles, and there’s a chance to hike up to the Pachatata temple for sunset viewing.

Is overnight accommodation provided?
Yes, you’ll spend the night with a local family on Amantani Island, experiencing authentic rural life firsthand.

What about transportation?
Transportation includes air-conditioned buses for the long overnight journey and boat transfers on Lake Titicaca, all organized for comfort and safety.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for travelers interested in culture, scenic landscapes, and authentic local experiences. Suitable for those comfortable with travel logistics, long days, and overnight bus rides.

This tour strikes a lovely balance between adventure, cultural insight, and value, making it a memorable way to explore the high-altitude wonders of Lake Titicaca while connecting with Peru’s warm and resilient island communities.