Lake Titicaca is 3,812 meters above sea level, located on the top of Altiplano in the Andes, so access to the lake is not easy. However, that does not affect the approximately 4,000 people living on the lake. They create their own islands using the reeds that grow on the lakeside.
The original purpose of the islands was for defense. During the thousands of years since the area was inhabited, the need for abundant food and water has led to constant wars. By living on floating islands, when threatened by enemies, the Uros simply moved their island to another place and escaped.
The islands were “anchored” by the Uros on the shores of the lake to avoid being drifted too far
The long time they lived on the lake made them see themselves as the owners of the vast lake, and they also claimed that the Uros had black blood because they could not feel the cold. In addition, they also call themselves “Lupihaques”, which means “Son of the Sun God”.
The reed islands themselves can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Specifically, the Uros people constantly added new layers of reeds on top while the submerged reed layer began to rot, this work was considered a part of their life.
Layers of dry reeds are woven and piled on top of each other to form floating islands with the ability to withstand tremendous weight. A large island can bear the weight of 10 families, while smaller islands usually have 2-3 families.
It sounds primitive, but the life of the Uros people is more modern than we think. They prepare food on the rocks to avoid catching fire in the reeds. Besides, the Uros also use solar panels to light, watch TV and charge phones.
Even without any modern cooking utensils, the Uros were still able to cook without setting fire to their homes.
Handicrafts made from reeds
Colorful traditional costumes of the Uros . people
The main source of food for the inhabitants of the island comes from fishing, hunting birds, in addition, they also raise ducks and guinea pigs (traditional Peruvian dishes). Like the indigenous people’s way of life, the wildlife here is so unique that 90% of the fish found in Lake Titicaca cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The Uros people not only use reeds to build houses, but they also use it to make furniture, boats and crafts to sell to tourists.
In recent years, tourism has become an important part of the Uros economy. People open their homes and welcome tourists from all over the world. Their unique lifestyle and vast Lake Titicaca have made these floating islands a must-see destination when traveling in Peru.
The way of life of the Uros people is amazing, but is slowly disappearing over time. Many people still choose to live in the traditional way, rebuilding islands, going to the lake to fish, but many young people are choosing to go to heaven and start a new life on land.
