Floating Islands in Peru

By Linda Tancs

Made entirely from totora (cattail) reeds, the man-made floating islets known as the Uros Islands are a world unto themselves on Peru’s Lake Titicaca. The islets are home to the indigenous Uros people, who created them from reeds centuries ago and are dependent on the reeds for their survival. Handicrafts made from the reeds are a popular souvenir. Visitors can also learn about fishing techniques and how a reed island, and boats, are made. The quickest way to get there is by boat from Puno.