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Amantani Homestay: Experience Titicaca from Cusco (4 Days)

overview

Visit Titicaca from Cusco

This four-day extension from Cusco to Lake Titicaca begins with a scenic ten-hour journey across the high Altiplano by tourist bus, stopping to explore the Andahuaylillas Church, the impressive Inca storehouses at Raqchi, and the Pucara Museum near the ancient fortress site of Pucara. After settling into your lakeside hotel in Puno, you embark on a full exploration of the world’s highest navigable lake. A private boat takes you across the crystal-clear waters of Titicaca to the famous floating reed islands of Uros, followed by an immersive homestay on Amantani Island, where local traditions, warm hospitality, and panoramic sunsets create lasting memories. The following day continues with a visit to Taquile Island, renowned for its vibrant weaving culture and breathtaking vistas, before returning to Puno for a relaxing evening by the water.

Your journey concludes with a guided transfer to Juliaca airport, stopping en route at the remarkable pre-Inca burial towers of Sillustani. Overlooking the serene Lake Umayo, these chullpas—tower-like tombs aligned to the rising sun—offer a fascinating insight into Aymara beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. This Lake Titicaca extension combines cultural immersion, spectacular Andean landscapes, and meaningful encounters with the region’s living traditions.

Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

Trip Highlights
  • Exploring the floating reed islands of Uros and learning about their unique way of life.
  • Overnight homestay on Amantani Island, offering authentic cultural immersion and spectacular sunset views.
  • Visit to Taquile Island, famous for its stunning landscapes and textile traditions.
  • Tour of the Sillustani burial towers, overlooking Lake Umayo.
Included
  • Private transfers in Cusco and Puno
  • Tourist bus ticket from Cusco to Puno
  • English-speaking guide throughout the journey
  • Entrance fees: Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi, Pukara Museum, Uros Islands, Amantani, Taquile Island, Sillustani
  • Breakfats, Lunches and dinner during the Lake Titicaca tour
  • Homestay accommodation on Amantani Island
NOT Included
  • Personal insurance (strongly recommended)
  • International or domestic flights

Our private vehicle will meet you at your hotel and transport you in comfort to Cusco bus station. From there you catch Bus to Puno which includes an English speaking guide, which makes stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Pukara museum, Abra La Raya, includes a buffet lunch at Restaurant Turistico La Pascana. You are also entitled to free hot drinks on board the bus. A private vehicle will pick you up from the station in Puno and transfer you to your hotel for your stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Summary
  • Take a tourist bus from Cusco to Puno and stop at inca sites along the way.
  • Visit Andahuayilillas, Raqchi, Abra la Raya and more.

With your private guide, you board your private boat on Lake Titicaca. Your guide will explain the local history, traditions and agricultural methods as you visit the amazing floating reed islands of Uros and onto Amantani Island for lunch.

Here you will be allocated your family homestay and once settled in, if you wish, you can attempt a tough climb to the top of the island to be rewarded by spectacular views of Lake Titicaca and an amazing sunset.

You then return to your family for dinner. Whilst the accommodation is fairly basic, the experience of staying with a family is truly amazing and a great chance for a unique cultural exchange.

Summary
  • Visit Lake Titicaca and the Uros Islands
  • Stay with a local family on Amantani Island

From Amantani you take the boat across the sapphire waters to Taquile Island, famous for its beautiful weaving, friendly people and great hiking opportunities.

You will have lunch in a typical restaurant before returning to Puno and transferring back to your hotel.

Summary
  • Visit Taquile Islands
  • Return to Puno for the night

Four hours before your flight your guide and transport will collect you for your transfer to Juliaca airport. En route we visit the fascinating pre-Inca burial site at Silustani. The tombs are built above the ground in tower-like structures called ‘chullpas’. Some contained entire groups of extended Aymara families. The only openings in the buildings face East, where they believed the sun is reborn by ‘mother-earth’ every morning. This beautiful site overlooks the crystal blue waters of Lake Umayo. Your guide will explain the full history and recent findings.

Your guide will then escort you to the airport and help you check in for your onward flight.

Summary
  • Visit Silustrani Ruins
  • Onwards Travel
Titicaca Lake

Equipment & Packing List

Cultural day trips kitlist

Important Trip Details

Dates
All year Round
Pickup
Cusco Hotel
TRIP LENGTH
Four days
Difficulty
Easy
Peak Altitude
~3800m

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

Peru EXPERTS

I’m not sure anyone knows more about having adventures in the Cusco area of Peru (and beyond) than Amazonas Explorer. Guides are properly trained, itineraries are well-thought-out; the emphasis is on safety but also on FUN! They do the classic trips brilliantly but also have lots of ideas for more offbeat escapades. And they’re a B Corporation, too, so have excellent environmental credentials. Check out Sarah’s adventure, our in depth Sacred Valley Explorer, here.
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