Peru 2024 - Part 16 - Islands in Lake Titicaca

Friday, 4 October 2024

We spent the day on the water and islands of Lake Titicaca.

Islas Uros

The famous floating islands in Lake Titicaca are home to the Uros people. They originally developed the islands to escape hostile peoples on the shores. Today they make their living with tourism and fishing.

Most of the time an island is occupied by a single extended family. Some islands also offer overnight accommodations to tourists. Many have solar panels for electricity.

An unusual lookout tower on one of the islands.

We visited one of the islands, and the family demonstrated how the islands were made. About every two weeks a new layer of reeds has to be placed on the top, as the lower reeds rot away.

We got to try one some traditional garb, and peruse traditional handicrafts. (The hat I’m wearing is really uncomfortable!)

I loved the tassels at the end of this girl’s braids.

We took a ride in a reed catamaran. The channel was crowded with boats of all sorts.

Our seat in the catamaran. We chose to sit in the shade. Even though the day was cool, the tropical sun is intense.

It takes two people to man the oars.

Most of the catamarans were loaded with tourists. In the background, you can also see an example of a modern tour boat that comes to the islands from Puno. Also a small skiff that residents tend to use.

Delivering new reeds.

When we returned to our hotel in the late afternoon, we realized that we could see the Islas Uros from our room.

Isla Taquile

Isla Taquile is the closest rocky island to Puno. We went there for a short hike and lunch.

As we left Puno in the morning, the lake waters were very calm. The breeze picked up every afternoon.

Looking back at our hotel as we leave the Islas Uros.

As we left the Islas Uros, you can see how low they sit on the lake, and how difficult they are to see.

A large fire near the shore - presumably to help regenerate reeds.

Traditional handicraft hanging from the windshield of our tour boat.

Taquile is rising above the lake in the far background at the center of the photo.

The western shore of Lake Titicaca with the western Andes in the background.

Taquile is a small island, about 3 miles long and 3/4 mile wide at the widest. We took a short hike across the island, probably a bit less than two miles. The 250 ft elevation change was challenging at this high elevation. The path was nicely paved with stones. About 4,000 people live on the island in four small self-governing communities.

Terraced agricultural fields on Taquile.

The small playa (beach) and dock where our boat was moored.