Amantani at a glance
Amantani is a community on Lake Titicaca where visitors sleep in family homes instead of hotels. Peru's tourism board describes the offer as community tourism: lodging, meals, orientation, textile work, farming and hikes, run through local associations. The tourism board names two of them, Sumaq Wiñari Lampayuni and Jatari.
Most visitors reach the island on a 2-day trip that also stops at Uros and Taquile. The recommended stay is 2 days and 1 night. Buying a boat ticket does not automatically reserve a family, so ask who arranges the host.
What a homestay involves
Simple, shared with a family, and different from a hotel.
A bed and meals
The tourism board lists lodging and meals with the host family as part of the community offer. In the 2-day example at $48 per person, simple family lodging and meals are included, along with island fees and a regular boat.
Do not count on comforts
Hot water, heating, Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and card payment are not guaranteed in homestays. Bring cash, a warm layer for sleeping, a flashlight and any snacks or medicines you need. Tell your host about food allergies before the meal.
Activities
Listed activities include textile work, farming tasks, orientation around the island and hikes to the two hilltops. Join what you are invited to join, and ask before photographing people or the family home.
How hosts are assigned
Ask your operator how the families are chosen and how they are paid. The tourism board recommends providers that work directly with the communities.
Our picks: Amantani overnight
Two ways to stay a night on the island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Overnight stay on Amantani
Simple accommodation on Amantani, motorboat, guide, entries and the transfer from hotel to harbour, with lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast on day two.
Check availability →
Uros, Amantani and Taquile in two days
One night with a host family on Amantani, with breakfast, one lunch and dinner, all island entries and the hotel transfer. The reed boat ride (15 PEN per person) is not included.
Check availability →Amantani tours from Puno
The 2-day trip with a night on Amantani and the day trips to Uros and Taquile, with live prices and availability.
The hikes to Pachatata and Pachamama
The tourism board lists walks to two ceremonial places, Pachatata and Pachamama, as an activity on Amantani. They are ceremonial places for the community, not viewpoints built for visitors. Ask your host about the route, the best time of day and any contribution, and keep to the marked paths.
Whether you can enter the sites, which days are festival days and whether there are extra contributions are questions for your host. The altitude matters too. The island is given at about 3,950 m, and a climb takes breath. Go slowly, carry water and turn back if you feel unwell.
When to go and what it costs
Listed figures for 2026.
| Item | What is listed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boat from Puno | About 3 hours 45 minutes | Tourism board estimate |
| Recommended stay | 2 days and 1 night | Often combined with Uros and Taquile |
| Best months | April to October | A recommendation, not a closing period |
| Island fee | S/ 8 | Official inventory. Ask about any contribution for the hilltops |
| Combined 2-day trip | $48 per person | Island fees, regular boat, guide, family lodging and meals |
One tourism article narrows the dry season to April to August. Rain is heaviest from December to March, and nights get coldest in June and July. Puno's long-term average lows are -0.9 °C in June and -1.3 °C in July, so pack for frost. The weather guide has the monthly figures.
Sleeping at altitude
General information, not medical advice.
Give yourself time first
The US CDC advises against going straight from low altitude to more than 2,750 m of sleeping altitude in one day, and recommends light activity and no alcohol for the first 48 hours. Sleeping on Amantani on your first night in Puno is the least gentle plan.
Know the warning signs
Headache with dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and nausea are typical early symptoms, often 2 to 12 hours after arrival or ascent. Confusion, loss of coordination or breathlessness at rest need urgent help and a descent. A small island may be far from a clinic, so tell your guide early.
Altitude guide →Plan the rest of your trip
Neighboring stops and practical guides.
Amantani: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Amantani?
By boat from the Puno port. The tourism board gives about 3 hours 45 minutes. Most visitors go on a 2-day trip that also stops at Uros and Taquile.
Do I have to stay overnight?
The recommended stay is 2 days and 1 night. The day trips from Puno go to Uros and Taquile. Ask your operator if a day visit to Amantani is possible.
How much does an Amantani trip cost?
One operator lists $48 per person for 2 days and 1 night across Uros, Amantani and Taquile, including island fees, a regular boat, a guide, simple family lodging and meals. Prices for a homestay night on its own depend on the operator, so ask.
Is there hot water and Wi-Fi?
Do not count on either. Hot water, heating, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom are not guaranteed. Bring warm clothes for sleeping and cash for anything extra.
When is the best time to visit?
Peru's tourism board recommends April to October. Nights are coldest in June and July, and the rains are heaviest from December to March.