On my first visit to Peru, there was only one destination on my mind: Cusco and the high-altitude, intense Inca Trail trek that would lead me from the capital of the Inca empire straight to Machu Picchu. I checked Cusco off my list but decided to travel more around the country, specifically to the town of Puno on the southern border of Peru and Bolivia, and I’m very glad I did.
Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a massive freshwater lake. It’s home to the logic-defying floating Uros Islands, reed-based structures that you can tour for yourself.
Getting to Lake Titicaca
There are several ways to get to Lake Titicaca, including hopping on a domestic flight to the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in nearby Juliaca. I opted for land transportation via the hop-on-hop-off bus, which also allowed me to visit Arequipa, Lima, and Paracas.
Once you’re in Puno, you’ll have no trouble finding a guided tour out to the islands. It takes about 45 minutes to get there, and the tour boats stop directly at the islands themselves, so you can get out, explore, and marvel at the massive tortuga-reed structures firsthand.
What Are the Uros Islands?
There are about sixty tortuga-reed-based islands accessible from Puno, but you’ll see between two and three on your trip. There’s an excellent chance that you’ll spot additional islands from the boat. Ancient Uros peoples created these islands predominantly as a means of safety, a way to avoid clashes with Incan peoples, and later as a water-based buffer against Spanish colonialism.
Each island is several meters thick and crafted exclusively from tortuga reeds, which are both buoyant and durable. Although sturdy, these islands need consistent maintenance, and new reeds are constantly being added to the tops to compensate for waterlogged or structurally unsound reeds below.
When you visit, you’ll see strategic holes through the meters of reed. These are intentional, and the Uros people use them for fishing. Keep your eyes peeled to avoid an accidental dip into Lake Titicaca.
While You’re There
If you find yourself on a more leisurely tour with extra time to spend at the islands, consider taking a local reed boat cruise around the islands. This experience gives you a peek into the mechanics of how these islands operate, with water-level views that you won’t get from your regular boat tour.
Many islands also offer cooking or fishing demonstrations, and you can pick up tons of fabulous souvenirs that directly help the local people. I saw miniature reed boats made of the same tortugas that keep the islands afloat, beautifully knit scarves, and jewelry. The best souvenirs in the Uros Islands tend to be small, which is another perk, because you can stock up and fit them into your suitcase stress-free.
Why You Should Go
There are hardly any places in the world where you can stand atop a two-meter foundation of woven reeds in the center of a sky-high lake. This alone is reason enough to put the Uros Islands on any comprehensive Peru travel list. Additionally, visiting these islands gives you a glimpse into an ancient Andean culture that dates back 3,700 years.
You’ll also directly support local people through island excursions and buying souvenirs. There’s a lot more to see in Lake Titicaca, too, including Taquile and Amantani islands, for marvelous hiking and the opportunity to stay with a local family. Cross over the border into Bolivia, and you’ll have access to the Isla del Sol, one of the most important Incan sites in South America.
Have you been to the Uros Islands? Give us your thoughts below.
