Ground of reeds
Soft underfoot.
Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0
Some 120 small floating islands built by hand by the Uros people from totora reeds that grow in Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at about 3,800 metres. They still live on them, constantly adding fresh reed layers on top, as the lower layers rot in the water. You walk on the soft island floor, which gives a little underfoot, and see houses, boats and even lookout towers all built from the same reeds. Islanders explain to visitors how they make the islands and anchor them with ropes and stakes, and how they live by fishing and hunting birds. A usual part of the visit is a ride between the islands in a traditional reed boat with a bow shaped like an animal's head. Women sell colourful embroidery and small crafts, and buying from them supports their families. The visit is very touristy and some find it staged, but it is a window on a unique way of life. The sun is very strong on the water at this altitude, so bring a hat, sunscreen and a windproof jacket.
Soft underfoot.
An animal-headed bow.
Island women's crafts.
Bay of Puno on Lake Titicaca, about 30 minutes by boat from the Puno pier
Yes as a short visit: a unique way of life on reed islands, though very touristy. They are often combined with Taquile Island on a full-day trip.