The Uros, Floating people of Lake Titicaca
This small tribe began its floating existence centuries ago to protect themselves against Incas attacks. Today the Uros community lives from fishing and tourism. These floating islands in front of the town of Puno are entirely built of reeds, Totoras, which grow abundantly in lake Titicaca. The Totora is essential for this original people who use it for everything: the construction of their houses, schools and churches, furniture, beds, the ground where they walk, boats, monster headed canoes, and even for food. Despite the rampant tourism around this unique culture, the Uros have maintained their independence. The community has fifty 'island villages'' in the shimmering waters of the lake at more than 4000 meters altitude.
This small tribe began its floating existence centuries ago to protect themselves against Incas attacks. Today the Uros community lives from fishing and tourism. These floating islands in front of the town of Puno are entirely built of reeds, Totoras, which grow abundantly in lake Titicaca. The Totora is essential for this original people who use it for everything: the construction of their houses, schools and churches, furniture, beds, the ground where they walk, boats, monster headed canoes, and even for food. Despite the rampant tourism around this unique culture, the Uros have maintained their independence. The community has fifty 'island villages'' in the shimmering waters of the lake at more than 4000 meters altitude.
