Our next major destination was Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world (elevation 12,500 ft / 3800m). Besides being known for its size and high altitude, it's known for its islands, and that's what we came to see. We booked a boat ride and two night stay on the islands with a guide.
Our first stop was at the Uros floating islands, one of the craziest civilizations I've ever seen. A long time ago, the Uros people were in conflict with their neighbors, so they retreated to the lake. And stayed there for good. They constructed floating islands out of reeds that grow abundantly in the lake water. Then they made homes out of reeds, boats out of reeds, and basically every other household item they could think of. Humans are so clever and resourceful when they need to be. Out there on the water, the Uros were left in peace. That is, until tourists heard about them.
Over the last few decades, the floating islands have been moving closer to shore and closer to Puno, a large city on the lake, and accommodating tourists more and more. When we got off the boat and stepped onto the island, the locals gave us a demonstration in building the floating islands with reeds, and with the rest of the time, worked really hard to sell us handicrafts and trinkets. It was pretty obvious that nobody actually lived on this island and everyone who was there was catering to the tourists. Apparently the truly inhabited islands are further out on the lake, far from tourists (yes, they can be moved, just like a boat). I don't blame them. (source)
While it was really cool to learn about the history of the Uros people and see the floating islands in person, the really special experience came later, when we visited a couple of real islands (not floating islands) and got to stay in the homes of the locals there. That post is next.
- Julia
Our first stop was at the Uros floating islands, one of the craziest civilizations I've ever seen. A long time ago, the Uros people were in conflict with their neighbors, so they retreated to the lake. And stayed there for good. They constructed floating islands out of reeds that grow abundantly in the lake water. Then they made homes out of reeds, boats out of reeds, and basically every other household item they could think of. Humans are so clever and resourceful when they need to be. Out there on the water, the Uros were left in peace. That is, until tourists heard about them.
Over the last few decades, the floating islands have been moving closer to shore and closer to Puno, a large city on the lake, and accommodating tourists more and more. When we got off the boat and stepped onto the island, the locals gave us a demonstration in building the floating islands with reeds, and with the rest of the time, worked really hard to sell us handicrafts and trinkets. It was pretty obvious that nobody actually lived on this island and everyone who was there was catering to the tourists. Apparently the truly inhabited islands are further out on the lake, far from tourists (yes, they can be moved, just like a boat). I don't blame them. (source)
While it was really cool to learn about the history of the Uros people and see the floating islands in person, the really special experience came later, when we visited a couple of real islands (not floating islands) and got to stay in the homes of the locals there. That post is next.
- Julia
You've captured joy in these magnificent photos. Well done, friends!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always so breathtaking and these are not an exception! I would love to travel to Peru one day, but living vicariously through these photos will just have to do for now!
ReplyDeleteRae | love from berlin
Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories and pictures. I've wanted to see Lake Titicaca for quite some time and your post makes me look forward to that day even more!
ReplyDeleteLove this!! I can't wait to see the next post about you staying with some of the locals! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures, like always! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, your ability to capture their expressions and emotions is impressive! I was contemplating a trip to Peru while I was in South America earlier this year, now I'm really regretting not doing so! Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteAllison - Thank you! Where did you end up going in South America? Peru was really beautiful if you have the chance to go back.
DeleteBreathtaking pictures!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as always. The color and framing is perfection. Can't wait to see the next post.
ReplyDeleteJessica Doll
www.teamwiking.com
It's great knowing how people find creative ways to improve their situation, in this case, even if they are just "catering to tourists", tourists get to see how they make all those things out of reeds and that's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are incredible, like always. The 10th photo with the little child is just perfect.
I agree! Even though it was just for tourists, I'm glad they were willing to let us see a glimpse of their lives. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteBeautiful and magical photos as always, Julia & Yuriy! I also heard about the touristy and original floating islands of Uros. Glad to know you visited both!
ReplyDeleteSuch vivid photos! Really amazing!
ReplyDeletex, Robin | www.parttimebackpacking.com
Amazing photos! And I can't wait to read next post about the real islands. Anything made especially for tourists is so much less exciting than the real thing, in my humble opinion, of course. :)
ReplyDeleteKatya
http://atstarfish.blogspot.com
Beautiful photography. To go to Peru is such a huge dream of mine! Thank you for sharing slices of that dream here : )
ReplyDeleteAlways amazing shots! <3
ReplyDeleteBest, Albert | Palming Pebbles
Your pictures are stunning and make me feel a bit disappointed I didn't make it to Uros when I was on Lake Titicaca! Luckily I did at least make it to Isla del Sol though.
ReplyDelete