Lake Titikaka & Los Uros

The floating islands were truly unique. The people build them and live on them in small communities.

First they cut the soft dirt the reeds grow in into squares leaving the bottom attached. After a few days the waves and current separate the blocks from the bottom and they float up. Then move the blocks to where they need them. They tie them together with ropes and then lay cut reeds on top in crisscrossing layers. Next they all get together to stomp on the reeds to compact them.

The reeds are damp and interesting to walk on. When a wave comes by you can see them rise & fall.

Then they build their houses on a platform made of additional dirt blocks so the floors will be dry. Most of the houses appear to be single rooms. Solar panels and electricity was introduced in the early 2000's.

They have an elaborate social system that perhaps I will explain in my next post.Read more