LAKE TITICACA PROGRAM WITH HOMESTAY ON THE AMANTANI ISLAND.

Program: 2 days / 1 night - Homestay

Day 1º: Visit to the Uros Floating Islands & homestay on Amantani Island

07:00 hrs. Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transferred to the harbor. We start off our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting “The Uros Floating Islands”, a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world. After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards “Amantani Island”, where we will spend the rest of the day and the night. Upon arrival, a group of native families will welcomed you at the harbor, and afterwards the guide will introduce you the family that will provide you lodging in their house. The group is split in couples, so each couple goes with one family. In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the Islands to explore ancient ruins on a mountain called by locals Pachamama. There are stunning views of the Lake from this lookout point and an amazing sunset. Soon after nightfall, we descend to the main plaza and meet our local families, and then we go to their houses for dinner. At dinner you will be invited to go to the little kitchen (mind the head when entering, their doorways are very small), a warm place where they cook with a primitive stove made of clay. By night, visitors are invited to a particular party. Our local families will provide traditional clothing to attend this nice Andean party, at the house; men are given ponchos and wooly hats, the hats are hand-made by the families, with unique styles, so that they can recognize you in the hall. Women are given colorful skirts, blouses and veils. The party takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local orchestras. Overnight at a family house on the Amantani island.

What is included on this day?

• 07:00 hrs. Pick up from your hotel in Puno.
• Transportation to the dock of the Lake Titicaca.
• Entrance fee to the National Park of the Lake Titicaca.
• Boat transportation with toilet facitlities.
• A short tour on the little original Totora reed boat.
• English speaking guide.
• Lunch & dinner at a local family house on Amantani Island (very basic food)
• Overnight at a family house on Amantani Island.

What is not included?

• Extras & gratuities.

Day 2º: Return to Puno by local boat.

08:00 hrs. After breakfast, we will have to say goodbye to our local family and go down to the harbor to meet the rest of the group. Afterwards we will sail back to the city of Puno. On this program we will be taken a local boat to return to Puno. We wil be back in Puno at around 12:30 h. Upon your arrival in Puno you will be picked up from the dock and then transferred to your hotel. End of the tour.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast at the family house. (very basic breakfast)
• Public boat transportation back to Puno.
• Pick up from the dock in Puno and transfer to your hotel.

What is not included?

• Lunch, extras & gratuities.

Daily Departures Time. :

07:00 hrs.

Finishing Time on the second day:

12:30 hrs.

You need to bring:

• Bear in mind that meals offered on this homestay program is very basic, so we suggest to bring some fruits and snacks extra just in case.
• On this tour you must bring warm clothing, as temperarures at night are very cold sometimes. We strongly suggest to bring along, gloves, wooly hats, chocolates, and a botle of water.
• Local families will provide every customer a bed and blankets. Accommodation provided on Amantani Island is very simple. If need more blankets just requet them to your local family.
• Bathrooms are located outside the rooms, so bring a flashlight along, as there is no electricity on Amantani island. Headlights are very useful.
• We suggest to bring also some toys for the little kids on the islands or notebooks, pencils, pens, books, which can be easily purchased at the harbor market before departing. They would really appreciate that nice gesture from you. Don't give chocolates to the kids, no dentist on the islands.