The Floating Islands of the Uros★★★
★★★ Islas de los Uros
There are places that seem like they are from another world — and the floating islands of the Uros definitely belong to them. Around 60 artificial islands made of totora reeds float in the western part of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by the descendants of the Uros people, who are older than the Incas.
The construction of an island is a constant process: Huge blocks of reed roots form the foundation, on which layers of dried totora reeds are laid — up to 3 meters thick. The islands spring underfoot like a waterbed. Every few weeks, new layers of reeds must be added as the lower ones rot.
The Uros build everything from reeds: houses, boats (the famous "Balsas"), furniture, even watchtowers. The reeds are also food — the white, moist core tastes slightly sweet.
Tourism vs. Authenticity
The Uros islands are touristy — there's no sugarcoating it. Visits follow a pattern: arrival, explanation of island construction, sightseeing, souvenir shopping, reed boat ride. Nevertheless: The islands are genuinely inhabited, families actually live here (even if some only come during the day). For a more authentic experience, aim for one of the less visited, more distant islands — explicitly ask for this when booking.
30–45 min by boat from Puno. Boat tour incl. Uros + Taquile: 30–50 PEN (8–15€). Departure from Puno harbor, daily from 7:30.
💡 Tipp
Book a tour that does NOT only visit the first islands at the entrance (the most touristy ones) but goes further inland. And: Bring school supplies, colored pencils, or books for the children — this is more meaningful than money or sweets.
