The Uros people live on artificial floating islands, similar to rafts, in Lake Titicaca, in harmony and balance with nature.
Near the Quehuaya community you can observe the rather singular way of living of the small Uros communities.
The Uros people, in fact, live on floating islands on Lake Titicaca made with totora reeds which grow abundantly in the waters of the Sacred Lake. The totora is an aquatic plant that can grow up to four meters tall typical of the lake. Thanks to its spongy consistency it makes for an excellent material for building boats and floating platforms.
The construction of these islands demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship: the platforms, in fact, are made by tying together bundles of intertwined dry reeds arranged in layers, which support the dwellings of the entire community and its activities, erected on a base of stacked reed root blocks. The gradual decomposition of the organic material beneath the water levels and the gases released during the process help the islands stay afloat. A marvel of folk technology.
The Uros people, who inhabitant these small floating towns, belong to a civilization that dates back to pre-Inca times and they originally spoke the Pukina language, an idiom that has been lost over time; currently, members of the community use the Aymara language and Spanish. Obviously, the livelihood of this community depends on the lake's fragile ecosystem: residents engage in fish farming and fishing, but also promote artisanal and experiential tourism.
To visit the floating islands of the Uros, the Quehuaya community offers its visitors boats made of totora reeds: contact us to organise your excursion on the lake.
Services
- Local guides available in English, Spanish
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, fit for windy weather conditions, comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and to bring binoculars and a camera.
Where
Puerto Pérez Municipality, department of La Paz.
Transportation
By public transport
With minibuses from the interprovincial terminal of the city of El Alto to Quehuaya, travel time approximately 4 hours. The departure time of the minibuses is at 10:00 a.m., booth 17.
The ticket price is Bs 10 per person. Consult about changes in schedules or prices in the terminal.
Community transportation
From the city of El Alto in the Rio Seco area, in front of the interprovincial terminal, local transport departs to Quehuaya. The departure time 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The ticket price is Bs 15 per person.
By private transport
From the city of La Paz take National Route 2 towards Batallas; take the deviation towards Pucara towards Lake Titicaca until the Community of Quehuaya. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Once in Quehuaya, the floating islands are reached in small boats from the community.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
