The tour guides in Puno will try to talk you into their tours, but you help the local Taquile economy better--and save yourselves some money--if you take the collective boat. The boats are comfortable and safe. All you have to do is go to the port at 7:30am. Stop at the very first office on the left, clearly labeled ISLA TAQUILE and buy your round-trip ticket, currently S / 30, which includes entrance onto the Uros floating islands as well as the Taquile entrance fee.
Photo: Delfin on the boat dressed in traditional clothing with Taquile Island in the background.Taquile is a walker's paradise, incredibly beautiful with terraced fields, views across the blue Titicaca lake water of the Bolivian snow-capped mountains, and skilled fiber art. Plan to stay at least one night, better two! Most touists stay for only a few hours, and have a very limited experience. Plan also to buy tejidos (textiles), either from the artisan's cooperative or directly from your host or other family. This weaving is among the best in the world recognized by UNESCO, very fine double warp patterns. Your purchase helps keep the technique and the villagers alive.
Years ago, only Taquile owned boats could dock on Taquile, but federal regulations have denied the Taquile community the control over tourism that they used to have when ALL the boats allowed to dock on the island were communal Taquile boats. The tour boats usually do not allow the locals to ride on their boats, so your oat ride will be a much less colorful experience.
After the 3-hour boat ride, you arrive on the East side of the island, so avoiding the famous five hundred-stair hike up to "the arch." You will hike down those stairs for the return boat to Puno, leaving daily at 2:00pm.
STAY OVERNIGHT, OR EVEN TWO, IF YOU CAN! Ask to be assigned to a host family. or better yet, Ask to stay with Silvano's family. Tell them you heard about him from Tara y Samuel. Silvano and Ruperta will cater to your dietery needs and have a fine kitchen and dining room, flush toilets and even a hot shower. They will guide you if you wish, or point you in the right direction. Silvano speaks enough English to help you with everything.
Rooms are basic: clean and with plenty of blankets; currently the community certifies the tourist comfort of the rooms. Bring fresh fruits and vegetables from Puno as a gift to share with your host family; you can buy meals from them. Note, once you get up he hill you'll be at nearly 13,000 ft or over 3800 m., so be sure to take it easy and drink plenty of fluids.
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