Explore Lake Titicaca’s Unique Floating Islands

To visitors to Lake Titicaca, a boat trip to the floating islands, a unique tourist destination, is a must. These islands are made and re-made from the totora reeds which provide home, sustenance, and transportation for their residents. During a boat ride from Puno, on the Peruvian side of the lake, the largest of about 40 islands and the primary destination is the island of Santa María. For geographic context, refer to this map showing the location of Uros islands and Taquile island off Puno, Peru.

These floating islands are the home of the Uros tribe, a civilization which pre-dates the Incan culture. According to their legends, they existed before the sun, when the earth was still dark and cold. They were thought to be impervious to drowning or being struck by lightning. However, they lost their status as super beings when they disobeyed universal orders and mingled with humans, making them vulnerable to scorn. Consequently, they scattered, losing their identity, language, and customs. They became known as the Uro-Aymaras, now primarily speaking Aymara. Due to their simple and precarious lifestyle, the Incas perceived them as less significant and taxed them minimally. Yet the Uros, with their basic reed homes, have outlasted the mighty Incas, known for their grand stone temples and mountain-top enclaves.

The totora is a native cattail-type rush growing in the lake. Its dense roots support the top layer, which rots and must be consistently renewed by stacking more reeds atop the layer beneath. Interestingly, the islands change in size, with additional islands created as needed. The largest island is currently Tribuna. The surface of these islands can be uneven and thin, making walking on them similar to treading on a waterbed. The unwary may easily overlook a thin spot and unexpectedly sink a leg or more into the frigid waters of the lake.

The islands are part of the Titicaca National Reserve, established in 1978 to protect 37 thousand hectares of marsh reeds in both southern and northern sectors of Lake Titicaca. The reserve is divided into two sections: Ramis, in the provinces of Huancané and Ramis; and Puno, in the province of the same name. This reserve safeguards over 60 species of native birds, four families of fish, and 18 species of native amphibians. Within the lake, there are three islands: Huaca Huacani, Toranipata, and Santa María.

The floating islands are safeguarded within the Bay of Puno and are home to approximately 2000 Uros, who claim to possess “black blood,” making them immune to the cold. They refer to themselves as kot-suña, meaning ‘people of the lake,’ and consider themselves the rightful owners of the lake and its waters. Their livelihoods are sustained through a combination of fishing, weaving, and tourism. They catch fish both for personal consumption and to sell on the mainland. They also catch shore birds and ducks for their eggs and sustenance. Occasionally, if the lake level decreases, they may plant potatoes in soil created by decaying reeds; however, as a norm, they are not an agricultural society. The reed boats frequently feature animal faces or shapes on the prow, becoming a popular photographic subject.

The Uros residents of the islands construct their homes entirely from reeds. The roofs are designed to be waterproof but are not resistant to humidity. Cooking fires are built on a layer of stones to protect the reeds from heat. Residents typically don multiple layers of woolen clothing to guard against the cold, wind, and sun, which can be quite harsh at this altitude. Many women continue to wear the distinctive derby-type hats and full skirts.

For a deeper understanding of their culture, you can find plenty of pictures of the Uros tribe and their daily life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

The residents proudly offer their handicrafts for sale to visitors, who may encounter a persistent sales approach.

For those interested in exploring the area, consider reviewing local hotels for detailed information on availability, rates, amenities, and activities.

To visit the floating islands, checking flights from your area to Lima and other locations in Peru is a great start. Various accommodation and transportation options are abundantly available.

If you have visited the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, sharing your experiences and photographs can enrich the community’s understanding of this remarkable place.

Buen viaje!