Floating Islands of Uros

July 1998

Trip Rating: 5/5

The Floating Islands of Uros are made from the Totora reed.    These reeds are stacked one on top of the other until there is a platform.    People live on these island as they float around hunting for fish, birds and more Totora reeds.   Well at least that is the way it used to be.     Today people still live on these islands, but tourism is the main source of livelihood.  Even though the islands are very touristy, I still recommend a visit to them.  

Leaving Puno on a boat to the islands.  The bay around Puno is so polluted that it is filled with a thick layer of duckweed.  

The view from the tower on one of the floating islands.   I read in the guide book that you would have to pay a tip to climb the ladder, and since I didn't see anyone collecting I thought that I would be safe, but sure enough, when I got to the top, I found a tip box with a "make you feel guilty message"!

My cousin Kim Spells using the facilities!

Jere and his cousin Kim on the main island of Uros.   Walking on these islands was sort of like walking on a waterbed.   The huts are made of Totora reed too.   People cook on fires built on rocks.

Jere and Mike Fraser in front of the floating Seventh day Adventist School that teaches the island kids.    This mission has been going on for over 20 years now. 

A native guide piloting our reed boat. 

people have visited the  virtual Floating Islands of Uros.

This page last updated on 10/30/99.