Uros: The Islands That Float 🛶
The Water People and the Ingenuity of the Reed (Totora)

The Uros people predate the Incas and developed a unique lifestyle to escape domination by more powerful civilizations. Instead of living on solid ground, they built artificial islands on the shallow waters of Puno Bay, capable of being moved if necessary.

🔨 The Ingenuity of the Reed (Totora)

These islands are made entirely from totora reed (Schoenoplectus californicus), an aquatic plant that grows abundantly on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The base of the island is formed by enormous blocks of dense roots (called *khili*) that provide buoyancy. Successive layers of dried reed are laid and compacted on this base, forming a spongy surface on which the Uros build their homes, schools, and observation towers.

⏳ Constant Maintenance

Fresh totora must be added constantly because the bottom layers rapidly decompose when in contact with water. This gives the islands their unique, soft texture and demonstrates the incessant labor required to maintain this ancestral way of life.

Although heavily focused on tourism today, life on the Uros Islands is fascinating. Each island (there are over 100) is inhabited by several families and has its own president (curaca).

🛶 The Heart of Their Economy

Historically, the Uros economy was based on the use of the reed:

• Food: The soft, white part of the totora reed serves as a staple food, rich in iodine.
• Construction: The reeds are used to build the islands, houses, and the famous boats (the balsas).
• Hunting and Fishing: Fishing (trout, carachi) and hunting aquatic birds are the main sources of protein.

💡 Typical Craftsmanship

The Uros are excellent artisans. They make models of their famous puma-headed balsas, as well as colorful fabrics and small objects from totora reed. These sales now constitute an essential part of their income.

The Uros Islands are the most accessible and quickest site to visit from Puno. The excursion is short and can easily be integrated into any other activity.

⏱️ Short Excursion (3 hours)

This is the most frequent option, ideal for travelers in a hurry.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (round trip).
• Departure: Boats leave from the port of Puno in the morning (around 7:30/8:00 a.m.) and in the afternoon (around 2:00 p.m.).
• Program: The tour includes transport, a detailed explanation of the islands' construction by the *curaca* (the president), and a demonstration of their lifestyle. You have the option of taking a short ride in a Totora Reed Boat (often at an extra cost).

🌙 Immersion Option (2 Days / 1 Night on Uros)

Some Uros islands offer the possibility of spending the night on the water with a local family. This is a much more authentic experience to discover the rhythm of lake life.

• Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
• Experience: Spending the night with a local family allows you to witness the sunset and sunrise over Lake Titicaca, away from the tourist crowd. You share simple meals and daily activities with the family.
• Advantage: Allows for a deeper connection and a better glimpse into the real life of the Uros, often outside peak tourist hours.

🚢 Combined Options (Lake Tour)

Full Day (Uros + Taquile)

This excursion is very popular and allows you to visit the floating Uros Island early in the day, then continue to Taquile Island, known for its textile handicrafts and magnificent landscapes. The return to Puno is in the late afternoon.

2 Days / 1 Night Tour (Uros + Amantani + Taquile)

This is the most classic formula for a complete tour of Lake Titicaca. The typical itinerary is:

• Day 1: Visit Uros, then sail to Amantani Island. Overnight stay with a local family in Amantani.
• Day 2: Departure from Amantani to Taquile Island (visit and lunch), then return to Puno in the late afternoon.

📸 Tips

The sun at this altitude is very strong: bring a hat and sunscreen. Although the experience is very touristy, be respectful and open to the inhabitants' culture.