Uros Floating Islands

The Uros people’s man-made islands have been floating on the lake for centuries. They were first forced to take up residence on these handmade mud-and-totora-reed islands in an effort to avoid persecution first by the Incas, and then by the Spanish conquerors. Today, around 42 Uros floating islands of varying sizes still float on both the Peruvian and Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca.

According to Uros legend, these ancient people are the owners of Lake Titicaca. And recent genetic studies appear to back up their claim, with research suggesting that the Uros are, in fact, the descendants of the very first settlers on the lake and that their lineage stretches back more than 3,700 years. Though they once communicated in their own distinctive tongue, the original Uros language has sadly been lost.

Nowadays, the Uros people still live a lifestyle that’s been preserved for centuries. They make a living through fishing, creating totora-reed crafts and trading with the mainlanders. Winged residents are also put to work on their behalf: they domesticate ibis for eggs and meat, and tether cormorants allowing them to poach the fish these birds catch.

Private Lake Titicaca tours to the Uros floating islands provide a window into the lives of these ingenious ancient people.  At Kuoda Travel, all trips are custom and personally designed for you by one of our professional travel experts.  Contact us today and get your free Peru trip quote.