FOTO FRIDAY: The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca

The islands and typical boats used by the Uros Tribe around the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
The islands and typical boats used by the Uros Tribe around the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

I arrived in Puno, Peru the day after New Years Eve in Cusco to experience the highest lake in the world. Lake Titicaca beats all other lakes in altitude as well as name, say Lake Titicaca 10 times and try not to laugh.

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca Uros Tribe - Puno, Peru
Welcome to the floating islands of the Uros Tribe on Lake Titicaca

My first stop along the great Lake Titicaca was visiting the floating islands of the Uros tribe, one which pre-dates the Inca civilization.

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca Uros Tribe - Puno, Peru
A women working on a blanket outside her home on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

Learning about how the some 40 floating islands are put together with simple reeds and secured with dense mud-like anchors was absolutely fascinating. The islands are constantly being built-on with additional reeds as rotting occurs and although incredibly secure, you can still feel water soaking through as you walk across the land.

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca Uros Tribe - Puno, Peru
Inside a typical bedroom of the Uros tribe on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca

The Uru people live a very traditional lifestyle with fishing and tourism as their main source of income. Although only a few hundred still live on and maintain the islands. most have moved to the mainland.

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca Uros Tribe - Puno, Peru
Rowing from island to island in a traditional Uru boat on Lake Titicaca

If you’re traveling through Peru, I definitely recommend stopping in Puno and taking a tour of the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. The cost for the day tour was less than $30 bucks.

The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca Uros Tribe - Puno, Peru
The view of Puno, Peru from Lake Titicaca

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!

5 Comments

  1. The Uros Islands are great fun… although possibly not as traditional as they once were! As long as you ignore that then they are definitely a worthwhile visit and, as you say… great value for money in Peru! Puno itself as a town is really just good to stay in as a travel point either to / from either Bolivia or Peru, or as a base for visits to Lake Titicaca.

    Also great is nearby Isla Taquile – much more traditional, with local farming communities and great craftsmen. Very similar to Isla del Sol in Bolivia.

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