One of the most unusual ways of life I have encountered so far in my travels, has been the pre-Incan Uros people who live on 42 islands in Lake Titicaca. These islands are man-made out of reeds by the residents. The islands are approximately six feet deep and monthly–additional reeds need to be placed on top to keep the islands floating. Each step you take feels a bit spongy or springy! There are only a few hundred of them left that live on and take care of the islands. Although tourism brings in financial aid, it also creates much more work to upkeep the islands. They actually make most things out of reeds.
Because of the lack of space to exercise, the biggest threat to their health is inactivity! The larger islands house about ten families, while smaller ones house only two or three.
The Uros do not reject modern technology…some boats have motors and some houses have solar panels to run appliances such as televisions.
We went into the schoolhouse and the children were darling!!
I guess they have to teach the children to swim at an early age?
This is one of the reasons I love to travel…something new and freaky…around every corner!
If you plan a trip to Peru, I definitely recommend a visit to Lake Titicaca!
Related articles
- Give me a home among the reed trees (soniamuir.wordpress.com)
- VIDEO: Pollution threatens Lake Titicaca (bbc.co.uk)
- The Biggest Places to See in Peru (socyberty.com)
Sherry Lachelle Travels 
That’s incredible that they can have TVs in such a remote place! I love the picture of the kids getting their picture taken. What an interesting place!
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Life among the reeds, what a concept. The reeds are a beautiful background to show the contrast of the bright colours in the pics. Thank you for sharing this amazing culture with us.
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You’re welcome Michelle—it’s fun for me! I guess you could say it is my passion!
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Those traditional costumes of the Uros are fantastic, particularly the women’s. I just love the colours and all the small details. Again I really enjoy reading about your trip, it brings back all those memories of my own trips to the region. Your photographs bring the story to us in such a visual and beautiful way, I really like the fact that you seems to enjoy taking pictures of the people – and not only the eye-catching landscape.
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Thanks Otto…I love to photograph people–they are just as fascinating as the landscapes…if not more.
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Islands of reed! That is interesting.
On a side note, is there a chance one will also feel lighter when on those islands? 😉
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Ha..Ha..If so lots of people would want to move there!
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What a fortunate experience. Love it.
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beautiful pics of children.
Thanks,
Vic
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Thanks for stopping by Vic!
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Fascinating! I knew about the reed boats, but an island? Gives new meaning to the word house boat. Those reeds must grow fast to keep up with the replenishing.
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I didn’t think of that…you’re right!
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Hi,
What a very unusual place. I just couldn’t imagine living there and having to keep the reeds up to keep afloat, that is unreal. Loved the photos, and they do show how good these people are at making there own building etc. How lucky you were to experience this, definitely one you will always remember I’m sure. 🙂
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Thanks Mags…yes–it was unreal!
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Fascinating blog post!
Amazing that they get by just with reeds. Makes our consumerist culture seem so grotesque.
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I agree. I’m bordering on minimalistic living…clutter seems to clutter the brain!
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