One of the most unusual and interesting detours during many people’s Peru vacations are the floating islands of Uros, high up on Lake Titicaca, a short boat ride from Puno.

The islands, constructed entirely from reeds are home to a community of several hundred indigenous Peruvians who have lived in this high altitude world for many centuries.

The floating islands of Uros

Conquests by other Aymara tribes, competing for the highly fertile lakeside land, caused the local people to take to the lake in reed-constructed boats in a bid to escape their aggressive enemies.

A natural fishers and boatmen, the people of Uros found lake life to be entirely satisfactory, and they gradually expanded their boats until they became islands in their own right. It is on these islands that they remained, trading their abundant fish for other products with their land-based neighbours.

The people of Uros have become one many unique communities which can be easily visited during a Peru travel adventure.

Nearby Puno boasts many tour operators who can arrange short visits to the islands, while excursions will also be offered by all international Peru vacation package providers.

A visit to the islands is highly recommended and is guaranteed to offer the visitor a new insight into indigenous Peruvian life. The communities are virtually self sufficient; they harvest the abundant lake for fish and also produce a variety of meals from the reeds themselves.

They have become expert hunters, using homemade rifles to hunt the birds that live within the reed forests and taking eggs from bird nests, but only taking 5 out of 10 eggs, keen to emphasize their connection and sense of protection of the natural world that they depend upon.

The islands themselves are a sight to behold. Constructed atop the harvested roots of reeds, they consist of a thick layer of freshly cut reeds which create a bizarre, spongy feel underfoot and mean that no child can ever injure themselves by falling over!

Each island has around a dozen homes, also made from reeds plus perhaps a small chapel and a communal area.

Recent additions have included improved sanitary facilities and solar panels which have cut the risk of fires from candles and ovens. These improvements have been possible thanks to proceeds from a well-managed and sensitive approach to tourism which ensures that incomes are evenly distributed and community life does not become unsettled.

At the center of this floating community is a central, communal island, where the local councils meet and organize the life of the community, and also where a small restaurant, shop and even a hostel caters for the needs of community members and visitors alike.

Most trips to the islands last around three hours, including a tour by a bilingual guide and a chance to meet the islanders themselves. Also available for purchase is the impressive range of handicrafts that the islanders have to offer, including elaborately and colorfully decorated materials and textiles, and small models expertly made from the reeds.

If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to ride one of the impressive reed boats that are hand built on the islands according to ancient skills and traditions. Without doubt, a highlight to any Peru vacation.

Lake Titicaca is also home to one of the most spectacular luxury Peru hotels. Contact this luxury travel consultant for more details.