What really makes this lake a must-see destination is the 41 different islands spread throughout the lake and the intriguing locals that inhabit the majority of them. Let us transport you to the Uros Islands, one of the most fascinating sights, also known as the Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca.
Where is Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca straddles both Peru and Bolivia and sits at an altitude of 3,812 metres. As South America’s largest lake, it covers an area of 8,371 square metres, with a maximum depth of 281 metres and holding approximately 892 cubic kilometres of water.
This lake contains around 20% of the world’s surface unfrozen freshwater reserves and is known as the ‘Galapagos of Russia’. There are more than 25 rivers that empty into Lake Titicaca and only one river leads out of the lake, accounting for just 5% of the lake’s excess water. The water level is kept constant by evaporation under the fierce sun and strong wind of the dry Altiplano. It is a place of exceptional beauty, surrounded by rich cultural traditions.
In 2012 Bolivia initiated archaeological operations in and around the Lake, with more than 1350 dives revealing twenty submerged sites and more than 20,000 objects dating from the Tiwanaku period (300-1150 AD) to the Inca period (1400-1532 AD).
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Photo credit: Belmond Images
Uros people: Guardians of the Floating Islands
Comprising of around 120 individual, man-made islands and growing, each one is constructed from totora reeds found within the lake. The indigenous Uros tribe of Peru and Bolivia, began building their reed houses when land was scarce, and the mobility of the islands offered them protection from other tribes. Today the tradition continues, making more homes and even furniture from this hardy plant.
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Photo credit: Paul Cook
How do the floating islands work?
Each island covers an area of approximately 15 square metres, being tied to one another and anchored to the lake’s bed, by rope cables. The main island even features a radio station, while another is home to a watch tower.
The structures require constant maintenance and every 30 years the inhabitants must begin work on a new island from scratch. Interestingly the decomposition of the reeds actually produces gases that assist with the buoyancy of the islands.
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Photo credit: Annelies Visser
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Photo credit: Annelies Visser
While the islands were once located over 14 kilometres from the mainland, following a disastrous storm in 1986, many of the islands were rebuilt much closer to Puno, the largest city surrounding the lake.
Daily life on Lake Titicaca's Floating Islands
The main activities of the people include fishing, weaving and handicrafts, which are then sold to visitors. With 80% of locals working in tourism, it is the perfect place to pick up some fantastic souvenirs while supporting this Peruvian community.
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Photo credit: Annelies Visser
What can tourists buy on the floating islands?
Taquile Island, among the many floating islands at Lake Titicaca, is renowned for its traditional handicrafts. Among the items created here are hand-woven fabrics, caps and belts and many other textile art forms. Visitors who come to the island can purchase souvenirs and items directly from the local artists.
The textile art of Taquile Island was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2005.
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Photo credit: Marion Bunnik
How to get to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
The easiest way to visit the floating islands on Lake Titicaca is by day trip from nearby Puno. A ferry from Puno, a city on the shore of Lake Titicaca can take you to the floating islands, and a water taxi can provide a tour among the many islands of the man made archipelago, including Taquile island.
There are many benefits to a guided tour of these islands, including translation of the native languages where basic phrases don’t go distance to a deeper understanding of the daily lives and the history of the Uros people.
Visit Lake Titicaca on a tour of Peru
There’s no better way to see Peru, experience its diverse cultures and history and witness the majestic natural beauty of the Andes than on a Peruvian small group tour. Along with no more than twenty like-minded travellers, you’ll have one-on-one time with your guides, plus access to exclusive unique experiences that create the best possible memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many floating islands are on Lake Titicaca?
Around 120 floating islands on Lake Titicaca require constant maintenance to provide stable homes for the approximately 1,300 Uros people living on them.
Why do people live on floating islands in Lake Titicaca?
Historical stories tell that the Uros people built islands on Lake Titicaca when the Incas encroached on Uros land, as mobile dwelling spaces that could easily be moved for defensive purposes.
What is special about Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world's largest lakes at 3810m above sea level. It’s one of fewer than 20 ancient lakes today, considered around three million years old. The lake is situated between Peru and Bolivia.
