Homestay Experience with Overnight on Amantaní Island
Amantaní Homestay: A Night with a Local Family among Andean Temples and Living Traditions
Our Amantaní homestay sails Lake Titicaca to the Uros and Amantaní Island, where you stay with a local family. Then you climb to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples at sunset and share a night of music and dance before visiting Taquile.
A family awaits you in the middle of Titicaca
Summary
Trip overview
This Amantaní homestay offers one of the most authentic experiences on Lake Titicaca, because you spend a night in the home of an island family, sharing their daily life, food and customs.
On the first day, you visit the Uros floating islands and then sail to Amantaní, where your host family welcomes you. Later, in the afternoon, you climb to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples, on the island’s summits, to watch the sunset over the lake; in the evening, you join a party with music and traditional dress.
On the second day, you sail to Taquile Island to discover its UNESCO-recognized textile art before returning to Puno in the afternoon. You can complement the program with Sillustani, the funerary towers on Lake Umayo.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Puno, Uros islands and Amantaní
Floating islands, then the arrival on Amantaní and a night with a family.
We pick you up at your hotel in Puno and sail to the Uros floating islands, where you learn how the islanders build their reed islands. Then we continue for about three hours by boat to Amantaní Island, where your host family welcomes you and you share lunch together. Later, in the afternoon, we climb to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples, on the island’s summits, to watch the sunset over the lake. Finally, after dinner with the family, you join a traditional party where you can wear the island’s typical clothing and dance to local music.
Day 2
Taquile Island and return to Puno
Textile art and a walk around the island before the return.
After breakfast with your host family, we say goodbye and sail to Taquile Island. Then we walk along its stone paths to the main square and learn about its textile art and community organization. Later, we have lunch in Taquile overlooking the lake and, in the afternoon, sail back to Puno, where we transfer you to your hotel.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pickup from hotels in central Puno
- Boat trip on Lake Titicaca
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- 1 night of homestay accommodation on Amantaní
- Lunch, dinner and breakfast with the host family
- Lunch in Taquile
- Traditional party on Amantaní
- Entrance to the Uros, Amantaní and Taquile islands
What's not included?
- Reed boat ride at the Uros
- Drinks and snacks
- Handicraft purchases
- Gifts for the host family (optional)
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- Small backpack for the night on the island
- Very warm clothing, beanie and gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Personal toiletries and toilet paper
- Water and snacks
- Cash in soles
- Passport or identification document
Weather
On the lake days are sunny and nights very cold, especially between May and August. Amantaní homes have no heating; however, families provide warm blankets.
Best season
The program operates all year. However, from May to October skies are clear and the sunsets from the temples are especially impressive.
Acclimatization
Amantaní’s summits are over 4,000 meters. Therefore, we recommend spending at least one day in Puno before the program and walking slowly during the climb to the temples.
Recommendations
Homes have basic facilities and electricity is limited. Also, if you would like to bring a gift for your family, foods such as rice, fruit or school supplies for the children are appreciated.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Homestay
Simple accommodation in the home of an Amantaní family, including a private room and basic facilities.
River transportation
Boat trips between Puno, the Uros, Amantaní and, finally, Taquile.
Meals
Home-cooked meals prepared by the host family with island products, as well as lunch in Taquile.
Transfers
Pickup at your hotel in Puno, transfer to the port and, then, the return to the hotel.
Travel assistance
Professional guide who coordinates with the families while accompanying you throughout the program.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the accommodation on Amantaní like?
On the Amantaní homestay, you stay in a simple family home, with a private room and beds with warm blankets. However, bathrooms are usually shared and facilities are basic.
Is there electricity and hot water?
Electricity is limited and, in many homes, comes from solar panels. Also, hot water is not always available.
What do you eat with the family?
Home-cooked meals made with island products, such as quinoa soups, potatoes, fava beans, oca and cheese. Therefore, let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is a very enriching experience for families, although the altitude and the cold at night should be considered.
What is the difference with the full day to Uros and Taquile?
The Amantaní homestay includes a night on the island, time with a local family, the sunset from the temples and, also, the traditional party.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service or, alternatively, combine it with Sillustani, Arequipa or Cusco.
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