Uros floating islands, Artificial islands in Lake Titicaca, Peru.
The Uros floating islands are made up of several dozen artificial platforms constructed from totora reeds that drift on Lake Titicaca near Puno. Each platform supports small huts made from the same material and shared areas where families gather.
The Uros community built their floating settlements centuries ago to escape conflicts with expanding highland groups. Later generations remained on the water and maintained their traditional way of life despite changing conditions.
Inhabitants craft reed boats often decorated with animal figures and weave totora into objects used in everyday tasks. These skills pass to younger generations who still live on the floating platforms.
Boats depart from the harbor in Puno and reach the floating platforms in under an hour. Visitors should come in the morning when light over the lake is clear and residents carry out their routines.
Residents renew the lowest layers every few months by adding fresh reeds to prevent the platforms from sinking into the water. Without this regular care an island would lose its ability to float within a year.
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