Authentic Indigenous Encounters

Often the most memorable moments from our Bolivia luxury tours are the human interactions, the times when visitors get to meet the natives and learn about a way of life that is entirely different to their own. Travelers to Lake Titicaca have the opportunity to meet the Uru-Uruitos people of Bolivia who live on the totora-reed Island of Quewaya, one of the famous Floating Islands of Uros.

The Uro-Uruitos people first built these floating islands to keep their community out of reach from attackers who they feared would enslave them. Just 32 original Quewaya families are now left on this particular island, where they practice a traditional way of life not too dissimilar to that of their ancestors. During a visit here, you can meet the remaining Quewaya residents, who are self-sufficient and extremely hospitable. Learn about the myriad ways they use totora reeds – not just to maintain their island, but also to construct boats, homes and furnishings, as well as for food and medicine. Many of the islanders also raise cuy (guinea pigs) and quails, as well as using greenhouses to cultivate various flowers, vegetables and strawberries. Meet the Quewaya.