Tour Floating Island of Uros Half Day

• Destination:

  Puno

• Duration:

  1 Day

• What included:

• What is not included:

The floating islands of UROS are located inside the bay of Lake Titikaka only 14 Km. (9 miles) away from the city (20 to 30 minutes of navigation). The name UROS was used to name a very particular ethnic group that co-existed in lake Titicaca with the Inkas, Aymaras and possibly with older civilizations…In fact, it is believed that the UROS were one of the first ethnic groups populating the Andean region. These people were simple fishers and bird hunters and preferred to remain isolated from the more advanced civilizations. Their search for isolation may be one reason why they decided to live in mobile houses on the lake. When the Spanish chroniclers encountered the UROS by the end of the XVI century, the UROS were still living on the lake in small reed-boats that they used as floating houses. Only in the early 60, the Uros started to build small artificial islands with reeds for their homes. Nowadays, the reeds are still very important material for the Uros. They eat the reeds, build boats and houses with it, feed their few animals with reeds, and they use the reeds to make fire and cook.

Did you know? Contrary to the claim by many authors that the Uros ethnic group is extinguished, a recent study of the genetic structure of the Quechua and Aymara groups of lake Titicaca has found that todays UROS people preserve part of the original gene of ancient UROS (PhD Fujita and Sandoval, 2002). Today, thanks to existing Uros, we can still imagine and appreciate the way of life of an ancient ethnic group. These Uros islanders are survivors and they strive for a better future for their children. The young Uro are beginning to receive a better education and it is likely that they will not return to live on the floating island. The days of this old community will most likely end with the next generation.

Itineray of trip: At the mentioned time, you will be picked up from your hotel. Travel and after 2 hours by motor boat and then you will arrive at the Uros Island. Fishermen and hunters inhabit the floating islands of the Uros. The residents of the Uros use the cattail, a type of rush, which grows in the lake, to create the conditions that ensure the islands stay afloat. The dense roots that the plants develop support the island. The roofs are waterproof and the houses are extremely humid because of the surrounding water. At present they speak Quechua and Aymara. In the afternoon, you will return to Puno and transfer back to your hotel.

Duration        : Between 3 to 4 Hours 

Departures      : 8:45 am / 9:15 am / 10:00 am / 12:30pm 

Private Itinerary : Tell us the number of people to be able to quote prices and time schedule 

Note: Pick up or transfer service from Hotel Libertador / Eco Inn / Posada del Inca , there will an extra cost depend of number of people

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/CARRY

• Backpack to carry your personal item such as toilet paper, towel, etc
• Sleeping bag; only if you like to feel more comfortable
• Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
• Sweater and jacket (something warm)
• Water bottle & Flashlight and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
• Sun block (sun protection cream)
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
• Sunglasses & Swimsuit (if you plan to swim in the lake)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles