Taquile at a glance
Taquile is a community on Lake Titicaca where weaving is part of everyday life. Families live on the island, and visitors arrive by boat from Puno. Most people see it on a day trip combined with the Uros islands, and some add a night on Amantani.
The island is high. The tourism inventory gives about 3,950 m, which is more than Puno, so walk slowly and drink water. The altitude guide has general advice.
The textile art of Taquile
What the UNESCO listing covers, and what it does not.
A living tradition
UNESCO lists Taquile and its textile art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It was proclaimed in 2005 and inscribed on the list in 2008. Men and women of all ages produce textiles as an everyday activity, and the craft is kept up by the community itself.
What the listing is not
The inscription protects a craft and a way of making it. It is not a World Heritage listing for the whole island. When a guide or a brochure says Taquile is a UNESCO site, this is the accurate version.
Buying textiles
You owe nobody a purchase. If you decide to buy a textile, ask how it was made and how long it took, and agree the price before you pay.
Our picks: Taquile tours
Day trips with Uros and Taquile, or the two-day trip with a night on Amantani.
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.
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.
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Uros and Taquile full day by speedboat
Hotel transfer in central Puno, speedboat, guide in Spanish or English, island entries and lunch. The traditional reed boat ride is not included.
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Uros and Taquile by speedboat
Hotel-to-harbour transfer, Uros and Taquile entries, a Spanish or English guide, lunch and a speedboat with safety gear.
Check availability →Taquile tours from Puno
Day trips with Uros and Taquile, and the 2-day trip with a night on Amantani, with live prices and availability.
Getting there and the two landings
The tourism inventory gives 36 km and about 3 hours from the Puno port by regular boat. A fast boat is shorter. One day-trip example lists about 1 hour 20 minutes for the fast boat between Uros and Taquile.
Boats use different piers, and the pier decides your first walk. From the western pier, Chilcano, the inventory lists 540 steps and then a path to the plaza. From the northern pier, Chuño, a different path leads to the plaza in about 45 minutes. Not everyone climbs the 540 steps. Ask your operator which pier the boat uses, and bring shoes with grip.
If stairs or a long climb at altitude are a problem, say so when you book. Ask your operator about stairs and walking distances in advance.
Fees, hours and day trips
What is listed for 2026, and what to ask.
| Item | What is listed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Island fee | S/ 8 per person, children free | Tourism inventory, August 2026. One travel portal lists S/ 10 for 2026 |
| Visiting hours | 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round | A visiting window, not a closing time for lodging or paths |
| Uros and Taquile day trip | From $50, 9 hours | Pickup about 7 a.m., back before 4 p.m., lunch described |
| Combined 2-day trip | $48 per person | Uros, Amantani and Taquile, lunch on Taquile, island fees included |
On a day trip, the boat times set how long you stay on the island. Ask when you arrive, when you leave and whether lunch is on the plaza or on the way. Ask the pier or your guide how the community defines a child for the free entry.
Visiting respectfully
Taquile is a home, not a stage. Ask before you photograph a person, especially at work or in traditional dress. Keep to the paths and do not walk into yards or houses unless you are invited. Agree the price of anything optional before you accept it.
Carry water, sun protection and a warm layer. The sun is strong and the wind at this altitude can be cold. If you feel unwell, stop and rest, and do not climb higher. Severe symptoms need a descent and medical help, and nothing on this page replaces a doctor.
For a quieter visit, consider an overnight stay. The Amantani guide describes the family homestays, and the 2-day example spends the night there and has lunch on Taquile.
Plan the rest of your trip
The neighboring stops.
Taquile Island: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Taquile?
The tourism inventory gives 36 km and about 3 hours from the Puno port by regular boat. A fast boat takes less. One day-trip listing quotes about 1 hour 20 minutes between Uros and Taquile.
Do I have to climb 540 steps?
Not everyone does. The 540 steps are listed from the western pier, Chilcano. From the northern pier, Chuño, a different path leads to the plaza in about 45 minutes. Ask which pier your boat uses.
How much is the entry fee for Taquile?
An official tourism inventory lists S/ 8 per person, children free. A travel portal lists S/ 10 for 2026. Many packaged trips include the fee. Ask your operator or the community at the pier.
Is the whole island a UNESCO site?
No. UNESCO lists the textile art of Taquile as intangible heritage, inscribed in 2008. It is a craft and a tradition, not a World Heritage site covering the island.
Can I stay overnight on Taquile?
The 2-day example spends the night on Amantani and has lunch on Taquile. If you want to sleep on Taquile itself, ask your operator whether that can be arranged.