Uros Islands

While we were in Peru we decided to go to Lake Titikaka and visit the Uros Indians. They live on islands made of reeds which float on the water (50 feet deep here). There are some 70 islands out on the lake at an elevation of 12,600 feet. Over 2,000 people live on these islands. We visited the island of Tawantinsuyo pictured below.

As we arrived, they asked us to sit in a semi-circle so they could explain how they live. Below you can see the rolled up mats we sat on while a translator explained what they were saying. They are the Quechua people and speak Quechua. The reason they live on these islands was to escape their enemies, mainly the Spanish who arrived in 1640.  They have been here ever since.

Below is a demonstration they gave about how they build an island which lasts about 20 years. Then they build a new island. Everything is made from reeds which they can even eat.

During the visit I met the President of the island (pictured below) and visited his hut with his wife. They showed me how they live a simple life and enjoy the fish, and the fowl, and trade for meat and vegetables with people on the mainland. I bought a few things the President had made and he seemed very proud of his island with 35 inhabitants and 6 families.