Uros Floating Islands
Islands woven by hand from totora reeds, floating on Lake Titicaca just off Puno.
- Address: Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Puno
- District: Lake Titicaca, Puno
- Category: cultural site
The Uros Islands are a cluster of floating islands built entirely from totora reeds, the tall plant that grows in the shallows of Lake Titicaca. The Uros people began living on them centuries ago, and the reeds are renewed from the top as the base rots away, so the island under your feet is springy and always being rebuilt. Houses, boats and even the watchtowers are woven from the same reed, and the larger boats with their carved prows are a highlight of the visit. The islands lie a short boat ride from Puno, a trip that is itself part of the experience, with views over the open lake and the high Andes. On each island, a family explains how the platforms are made and anchored and shows its handwoven textiles. Many visitors pair the Uros with Taquile Island on a full-day excursion. At roughly 12,500 feet, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, so the sun is strong and the air thin.
Highlights
- Floating islands, houses and boats woven entirely from totora reeds
- A short boat ride from Puno across Lake Titicaca
- Demonstrations of how the islands are built and anchored
- Handwoven textiles and miniature reed boats made by the island families
- Often combined with Taquile Island in one day
Ideal for
- curious travelers who enjoy cultural encounters
- photographers, with colorful boats and reed homes
- travelers pairing it with Taquile Island
Practical information
- Hours
- Boats leave Puno through the morning; visits are usually arranged as part of a tour -- confirm times with the operator
- Price
- Entry is usually included in a tour; a small contribution to the island families and purchases of handicrafts are common -- confirm with the operator
- Good to know
- Puno sits at about 12,500 feet, so give yourself a day to adjust before the trip. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a warm layer, as the lake is windy and cold in the shade. The reed surface is soft and slightly springy, so wear flat, comfortable shoes. Visits are by tour boat; please ask before photographing people.
Frequently asked questions
How do the islands float?
They are built from layers of totora reeds that sit on the lake, with the top layer renewed as the bottom decays.
How long does the trip from Puno take?
Only a short boat ride across the lake. The islands are part of a half-day or full-day tour.
Can I walk on the islands?
Yes. The surface is soft and springy, so wear flat, comfortable shoes.
Can I combine it with Taquile Island?
Yes, many tours include both in one day.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a warm layer for the wind. Cash can be useful for handicrafts.
Is the altitude a problem?
Puno is at about 12,500 feet, so give yourself time to adjust and drink plenty of water.