Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros)

The Basics

The Uros people are an ancient race, predating the Incas by millennia and, according to local legend, the sun and stars. Heavily taxed by the Incas and enslaved in the silver mines by the Spanish, the Uros have managed, through ingenuity and isolation, to outlast their tormentors with their unique culture largely in place. The key to their survival is the reeds, whose starchy tubers are consumed for food, flowers brewed to make tea, and stalks used for medicine, handicrafts, and the construction of gondolas, homes, schools, churches and just about everything else on the islands.

The islands are part of Titicaca National Reserve which protects 37,000 hectares (143 square miles) of reed bed, including some 60 species of bird and 14 of fish, many collected by the Uros for meat, eggs, and as work animals, such as cormorants used to fish. You’ll also see plenty of domesticated cats, to keep mice from devouring the delicate islands.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families.
• Be sure to check itineraries for the boats as they may change—and bring cash for your round-trip ticket.
• Travelers choosing to stay overnight, stay in a family home, eating traditional cuisine.
• Families on the island rely on tourism, so be sure to be respectful and buy a souvenir or two, especially if not staying the night.
• Expect to be charged for photos and/or offered handicrafts with a cheerfully hard sell.

How to Get There

Uros Floating Islands are in Lake Titicaca, which is located on the border between northern Bolivia and southern Peru. Daily morning boats leave Puno, Peru around 7:30pm; expect about a 30-minute ride. A popular route is to take a boat to Uros, followed by Amantani (a stay overnight there), and then Taquile Island on the way back the next morning.

When to Get There

Lake Titicaca (and the Floating Uros Islands) are accessible year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit in terms of weather is from February through November, when days are spring-like with virtually no rain. December and January are usually quite rainy. The lake is 12,4673 feet (4,800 meters) above the sea-level, which means nights can get chilly during any time of the year.

The Ecosystem of the Islands

The islands are part of Titicaca National Reserve which protects 143 square miles (37,000 hectares) of reed bed, including some 60 species of bird and 14 of fish, many collected by the Uros for meat, eggs, and as work animals, such as cormorants used to fish. Travelers will also notice (and be amused by) the colony of domesticated cats who elegantly keep mice from devouring the delicate islands.

How are the Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) made?

The Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) are made by weaving together layers of totora roots and reeds. Totora is an aquatic, water-resistant plant that grows on the surface of Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes. The indigenous Uros people also use totora to make their beds, roofs, and mattresses.

How do I get to Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) from Puno?

From Puno, get to Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) by taking a boat from Puerto de Puno, a pier not far from the center of the small city. The ride across Lake Titicaca to the island takes around 20 minutes and boats tend to depart in the morning starting at 7am.

What is the best time to visit the Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros)?

The best time to visit Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) and Lake Titicaca is during the dry season from April through October. This is when there’s less of a chance of rain and more sunny days. It’s best to visit the islands early in the morning to avoid the midday sun.

Can you stay overnight on Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros)?

Yes, you can stay overnight on Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros). While there aren’t any hotels or hostels, you can sleep in a traditional homestay with a resident family. Most 2-day homestay experiences include traditional meals by campfire and a morning fishing trip on Lake Titicaca.

What activities can I do on Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros)?

The activities you can do on the Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) include riding on a boat made from reeds; meeting locals to learn about how they make the islands and objects from the reeds; going fishing to learn about local techniques; and browsing for souvenirs made from the aquatic plant.

How long does a typical tour of Uros Floating Islands take?

A typical tour of Uros Floating Islands (Islas Uros) takes around three hours. The round-trip boat ride from Puno is about one hour, with two hours spent exploring the island. Most tours also stop at Taquile Island (Isla Taquile), whose textile traditions are on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.