Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Floating Islands of Uros, Peru



Fascinating and colorful.. some people say it is touristy..

But I believe it became touristy because of all the tourists.. like us!

Well.. I really loved it! :)

Wearing a Costume, Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca, Peru..

Town of Puno, Peru

From this town of Puno..

Pier in Puno, Peru

We headed to the shore of Lake Titicaca..

Jetty and Town of Puno, Peru

To board a motor boat..

Motor Boats to Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

That would bring us 30 minutes away..

Entrance to the Floating Islands of Uros, Peru

Paid some entrance fees..

Totora Boat and the Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

To enter into this whole community..

Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Of at least 40 manmade floating islands made of totora reeds..

Totora Boat and the Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

And boats made of empty plastic bottles, and totora reeds..

Paddled by the strong Uros women.. Though pushed by little motor boats when they got tired.. Or maybe it was to make the boats move faster ;)

Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Each tourist boat was assigned an island to visit.. 

Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Our hosts at the Corazon island were anticipating our arrival..

Corazon Island, Uros, Puno, Peru

Gathered around to listen to the tour guide.. And I was left behind again.. haha! :)

Totora Reeds of Uros, Peru

This is the totora reed.. What everything you see is made of!

They are harvested from the lake itself.. 

Totora Reed Islands, Uros, Puno, Peru

The leader of the island showed us how they constructed everything..

The reeds were laid down in layers.. like Jenga or Uno ;) 

The islands were anchored below similar to how boats are anchored..

Then she told us a story about how a strong wind caused a few islands to get released from their anchors and all ended up in one place.. 

I thought that was funny.. but she looked at me so puzzled when I laughed.. so I had to pretend I was talking to my husband ;)

Shopping at the Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

When the reeds dry up like the ones you see here.. they break up easily when stepped on.. and they create dust that could harm the eyes..

The Uros people have to constantly add new layers of fresh reed to maintain their islands..

Arts and Crafts on Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Women weaved..

Arts and Crafts on Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Made colourful crafts.. 

Shopping at the Floating Islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru

And put up stalls aimed at us who flock to them..

Dried Reed on Uros Islands, Puno, Peru

Across the lake.. was another stretch of floating islands..

Totora Reed Boat on Uros Islands, Puno, Peru

So time to cross.. in this lovely totora reed boat..

Totora Reed Boat, Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

On the way to the only floating post office in the world.. which was actually just another island with a post office ;)

Uros Islands Passport Stamp, Peru

To get this cool stamp on our passports! :)

And by the way, don't forget to have your yellow fever vaccination certificate when going through or back to Singapore..

Totora Reed Boats, Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

Hope you enjoyed the colors and the ride! :P



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References:

Passport Holder - www.dutchman-originals.com

Customised Tour of Uros Islands and Isla del Sol - www.latebolivia.com