- Location: Peru, Lake Titicaca
- Number of islands: about 40
The Aboriginal tribes will tell you about the customs, history and way of life of the ancient peoples of Peru , who have lived for thousands of years as their ancestors and look like guests from the past.
History of the islands
Legend has it that a few thousand years ago (in the pre-Inca period) a small tribe Uros built floating islands on Lake Titicaca. The reason for the relocation from the land was that at one time the Inca army began to conquer everything in its path and once reached the location of Urus and other tribes, after which they fled to the lake. In the course of the war, the Incas discovered floating islands, but only overlaid them with tribute (each family pledged to pay 1 bowl of maize).
Description of the islands
Each floating island (there are about 40 of them) on Lake Titicaca is made from dried multi-layer reed, which after certain procedures (drying, wetting, etc.) becomes elastic enough to take the desired form and have sufficient density. The shelf life of the islands is about six months, after which the material begins to rot and it is necessary to rebuild everything anew. Local people create from reeds not only islands, but also houses, household items, souvenirs for tourists and boats. The islands are developing in their own way, as some have markets and even solar panels that provide electricity.
Reed is used even as a meal, in addition, the local fish are engaged and grow food on improvised beds. Prepare food at the stake and carefully make sure that the fire does not go to dry cane, so there is always a bucket of water ready at the ready.
It is important to mention that the islands are not really floating, because they are equipped with a kind of anchor and almost always remain in one place. Moving along the lake of the island only if the water level in the lake begins to change.
How to get there?
The islands are located on Lake Titicaca, 4 kilometers from the city of Puno. Get it from him in 20 minutes on a motor boat. Visit them is definitely worth it, because this is a unique example of how in the modern world the Peruvians preserved the traditions and customs of their ancestors.
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