There's no doubt that Machu Picchu is the most visited attraction in Peru, receiving 1,5 million tourists per year. While travelers often plan their itinerary around the ancient Inca citadel and Cusco, the country has a lot to offer in other regions. Peru is home to many natural wonders, and Titicaca Lake is one of them.

The world's highest navigable lake, which stretches over the Bolivian territory, is part of the history of both countries. One of the most thrilling spots to visit is the Uros Floating Islands, an artificial archipelago with nearly 80 islands. This place is one of Peru's most instagrammable spots, and here is everything travelers should know about it.

The Floating Islands Date From Hundred Of Years Ago

The history behind the floating islands dates from hundreds of years ago, pre-dating the Incas. When the Incas arrived in the region, the inhabitants of Uros didn't want to fight, and to avoid the war; they built floating islands using torora reeds. It's believed that people living on those islands today are the descendants of Titicaca Lake's first inhabitants.

The islands and the houses are still built with reeds, and visitors can see how people lived in Uros hundreds of years ago. Tourism is now the locals' primary income, so they commonly try to sell souvenirs to visitors. Although some travelers can be disappointed and feel it's too "touristy," staying longer on the islands can change how they think about the excursion.

How To Get To The Islands

The floating islands are located near Puno, where travelers can find countless agencies selling the tours. The city is located nearly 240 miles from Cusco, and travelers can reach it by bus, train, or plane. It's easy to include it on the journey when visiting Machu Picchu, but travelers need to add at least two days to their itinerary.

• Flights: The closest airport is in Juliana (27 miles away), and travelers can catch a direct flight from Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa. From there, they can easily catch a bus to Puno.
• Train: Peru has some of the most scenic train rides in South America, and it's possible to travel from Cusco to Puno by train.
• Bus: Travelers can catch a night bus and travel approximately eight hours from Cusco to Puno. Peru has some great bus lines with reclinable chairs and snacks included.

Exploring The Floating Islands

Travelers need to spend at least one night in Puno to visit the islands. Tourists need half a day to see the floating islands, but they can also extend the trip to other places. The tours start leaving the pier every morning around 7 a.m. and have a similar itinerary. In Uros, travelers can travel between the floating islands on a handmade reed boat, but they need to pay extra.

• Half-Day Tour: The boat navigates for approximately 20 minutes until they reach the first island, and the guide will explain the history behind the island and show how people live there. Travelers can enter a traditional house and meet locals. The islanders always end the presentation by offering souvenirs, and it's also possible to have a stamp on the passport.

Travelers can also sleep one day on the floating islands, and they will have a chance to hang out with locals.

• Ful-Day: After visiting the floating islands, the tour heads towards Taquile, a traditional island famous for its textile traditions. Travelers need to climb 500 steps to the central plaza, but they are rewarded with a panoramic view of Titicaca Lake.

• Two Days and One Night: After visiting the floating islands, the boats go straight to Amantani, a remote island where visitors stay with a local family. It's a great experience for travelers looking for cultural exchange, and they can join locals for different activities: playing soccer, going to a traditional party, or visiting the Inca ruins. The best time to do this tour is during the full moon when the moonlight is reflected on the lake. The boat leaves the islands early in the morning and stops in Taquile before going to Puno.

• Suasi Island: Travelers can also catch a scheduled boat to Suasi Island, which stops in Uros and Taquile. The island has a hotel where tourists can stay as long as they want, and its remote location makes it the perfect getaway. The place receives fewer tourists than the other islands, which means travelers will find empty beaches where they can go kayaking. The hotel also offers a full-service spa.

What To Know Before Visiting The Islands

The Titicaca Lakes stands 12,507 feet above sea level, and it's the highest lake in the world, so travelers are likely to feel altitude sickness. The dry season happens between April and November, the best months to visit the islands.

Bringing a backpack is enough; travelers should pack comfortable shoes, warm clothes, sunscreen protection, water, and some snacks. It's not necessary to book a tour in advance, and travelers can bargain the price in the agencies, but it's essential to make sure they write down what is included in the amount (meals, transfers, etc.). The best time to start the tour is in the morning.