The Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, Puno, are floating archipelagos made of totora reed where the Uro people have preserved a unique way of life since pre-Inca times.
The Floating Islands of the Uros are located on Lake Titicaca, just 5 kilometers from the port of Puno, at 3,812 meters above sea level. There are approximately 80 of these artificial islands, built and maintained by the Uro people — one of the oldest cultures in the Andes, whose existence predates the Inca Empire.
What makes these islands unique is their material: they are built entirely from totora (Schoenoplectus tatora), an aquatic reed plant that grows naturally in the Titicaca. The roots of the totora form a floating base called khili, over which layers of cut stalks are added, creating a surface that can be several meters thick. The community members walk, live, and build their homes on this living material.
History of the Uro People
The Uro people are considered among the oldest in South America. Their own oral accounts tell that they inhabited Lake Titicaca long before the arrival of the Aymara and the Incas, who called them “those who lived upon the waters.” For centuries, living on floating islands was their way of protecting themselves from the surrounding peoples — the islands could be moved to safer locations in the event of conflict.
Today, the Uros speak primarily Aymara and Spanish. The original Uro language is considered extinct as a first language. However, the communities keep many traditions alive, including fishing, hunting of waterfowl, craftsmanship with totora, and the weaving of wool tapestries.
The Construction and Maintenance of the Islands
Building and maintaining a totora island is a permanent task. The base of the islands rots from below at roughly the same rate that it is renewed from above. Community members must add fresh layers of totora every few weeks to maintain the buoyancy and firmness of the surface.
Houses, boats, and even watchtowers are built with totora. The traditional watercraft, called “totora balsas”, have a characteristic form with a raised curved prow and can carry several people. The process of building a balsa — which takes several days — is one of the pieces of knowledge the Uros share with visitors during immersive tours.
Immersive Tourism on the Uros Islands
The Uros Islands are the most visited tourist destination on Lake Titicaca. Tours from the port of Puno last 2 to 4 hours and allow visitors to:
- Listen to community members explain (with demonstration) how a totora island is built and maintained.
- See the traditional reed boats and learn about how they are made.
- Visit the interior of a Uros dwelling and see how the families live.
- Purchase handicrafts: tapestries, totora figurines, and wool textiles produced directly by the families.
- Take a traditional balsa ride between islands, paddled by the community members themselves.
Several communities also offer multi-day immersive stays, where the traveler sleeps on the island, fishes with the families, and participates in the daily activities of the community.
Tips for Your Visit
- Tours depart from Puno pier from approximately 7:00 AM. Arriving early is recommended to encounter fewer crowds.
- Bring warm clothing: the altiplano can be cold at any time of year, especially in the mornings.
- Buying handicrafts directly on the islands contributes directly to the sustenance of the families.
- For a more authentic experience, book tours with communities that are not part of the main tourist circuit — generally located further into the lake.
How to Get There
Puno to the Uros Islands: Bus or mototaxi to Puno port: 15–20 minutes. Boat tour: 15–20 minutes to the first islands.
Hours
- Depends on the type of visit and tour operator
- It is recommended to check directly at the site or with local agencies
Admission Price
- Varies by operator and tour type
- It is recommended to verify current prices before visiting
