Puno & Lake Titicaca — Peru Travelogue
- Bus to Puno: 8 hours, without air conditioning and fully occupied
- Uros Floating Islands: floating islands made of Tortora reeds
- It is possible to spend the night on a floating island.
- Kayaking and canoeing are included.
Contents of this post6 chapters
The first day of the new year
Once again, we took the plunge and boarded a bus that was supposed to take us to Puno, an eight-hour journey. And once again, we regretted it. The bus felt like it was 50 degrees Celsius, which isn't exactly pleasant without air conditioning. On top of that, every single seat was taken, and it seemed like everyone was breathing too much. Luckily, after a few hours, we managed to snag seats in the lower carriage where the temperatures were more bearable. So, that's how we started the new year. In a stuffy, rickety bus, haha.
But not too bad, because we were on our way to our next adventure!
Uros Floating Islands
Once we arrived, we hopped on a boat to visit the so-called "Uros Floating Islands." Uros Floating Iceland ".
It's a very impressive group of islands floating on the water, built from totora reeds.
Fascinating! Many families live here right in the middle of Lake Titicaca.
A local explained to us briefly how it all works. Apparently, the reeds have a very thick root that floats on the water's surface. If you connect several pieces of roots together, they grow together after a few years. Then, reeds are laid out in a cross shape on the ground, and voila! You have the foundation to build a shelter.
It's somehow completely unimaginable: a "floating" home on the water. But for the families here, it's completely normal.
The fact is: We have to try this.
"Sleeping on a floating island in the middle of the famous Lake Titicaca once!"
An incredible panorama unfolded. Pure tranquility and fabulous sunsets.
Of course, kayaking and canoeing were also part of the experience!
The traditional boats are filled with collected plastic bottles so they don't lose their buoyancy.
But, like almost everywhere in the world, not everything is perfect here either.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, tourism, which previously supported the locals' livelihoods, has almost completely ceased. As a result, many families have had to move to the city to find work. There is also a school on the floating islands, but it has been closed for months due to the pandemic. No education for the children… Even in the city, the schools remain closed!
Tours and activities: Lake Titicaca
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Next stop: Arequipa
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More about the trip
Lake Titicaca trip: Altitude sickness and health in Puno
Puno lies high in the Andes, and anyone who has previously been near the coast will quickly notice the difference. The following information comes from the Travel and safety advice from the Federal Foreign Office (As of October 15, 2026).
Preventing altitude sickness in Peru
- Altitude sickness (soroche) is an occasionally life-threatening condition. The danger begins at around 2,500 meters above sea level, and symptoms often do not appear until more than 24 hours later.
- Warning signs include sleep disturbances, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and increasing shortness of breath.
- Tip: If the symptoms do not disappear after a break or overnight stay, you should descend, according to the Foreign Office, to below 2,000 meters.
- Good to know: Mate de Coca does not offer reliable protection. Most medications for altitude sickness require a prescription; consult your doctor before traveling.
Malaria and yellow fever around Puno
Puno, Arequipa, Lima, Ica, and Nazca are considered malaria-free, as are highland regions above 2,500 meters. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for lower-lying areas below 2,300 meters, but not above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the bus ride to Puno take?
Eight hours. It felt like 50 degrees in our bus, every seat was occupied and there was no air conditioning — it only became more bearable in the lower compartment.
How are the floating islands constructed?
Made from Tortora reeds. The root is very thick and floats on the water; if several pieces of root are joined together, they grow together after a few years. Reeds are then laid crosswise on top – this forms the base for the huts.
Is it possible to stay overnight on the Uros Islands?
Yes, that's exactly what we did. An incredible panorama unfolded before us, along with peace and quiet and fabulous sunsets.
How can I prevent altitude sickness in Puno?
Take your time to acclimatize. The danger begins at around 2,500 meters, and symptoms often don't appear until more than 24 hours later. If headache, dizziness, or nausea persist, descending is the only option. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, mate de coca does not provide reliable protection.
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“Life is too short for ‘someday’.”
Janet Dannehl
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