We’d had a tip from some of our South African friends who traveled here recently to do a quick trip to Uros, just to see how people manage to live on a floating island; but not to take the 5 hour roundtrip boatride to Taquile. We did just that, walking down to the port and buying our passage directly with a boat instead of through our hotel. We waited about 10 minutes until there were some other tourists on our boat, then took the short ride (25 minutes) to Uros.
Entrance to Floating Islands of Uros
Each Island is Home to Around Ten Families
Uros is a group of about 70 some islands, home to roughly 2000 people. On our first island stop, we had a demonstration of how a floating island is built. Basically, they harvest large chunks of interwoven reed roots, tie them together, and then place several feet of dry reeds on top, like thatch on a roof but much thicker. The dry reeds must be replaced frequently, and a new top layer is added every couple of weeks, with the older sinking down into the foundation or deteriorating.
Deeanne Poses by a Traditional Wedding Boat
We were warned to watch our steps on the islands; as sometimes there can be gaps and a misplaced foot can land you in the lake. A friend of mine had an unfortunate accident here when only 4 or 5 years old (stepping through the reeds into the lake), so we took extra care where we walked.
Reeds are Always Needed in Uros!
I think it might have been really great to live here during the Incan or Pre-Incan times; but I’m not so sure about now. There’s something about living a very traditional life of fishing, weaving, cooking, and island maintenance that is altogether difficult! Especially so when you can see the shores of Puno, just a couple of miles away where people live with modern conveniences like electricity, sewers, grocery stores and, of course, Internet. To me it flies in the face of common sense to continue living in such a difficult way; but then again, I’m not big on home maintenance. Since they have to rebuild their islands continually, their homes twice a year, and boats every couple of years it makes for continual work.
Fishing is the Primary Source of Food
The people were very friendly though, and I would recommend a trip to the islands if you are in the area.
Lovely Visit to Uros
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