BIRAJ KALYAN

Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes straddling the border between Perus and Bolivia and can be reached from the town of Puno in Peru. At an altitude of 12500 feet above sea level it is the highest navigable lake in the world.

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It is also home to the indigenous Uros tribe who predate the Inca civilization and who still live like its Yesterday Once More. When the Incas came and invaded their land the Uros fled to the lake and built the moveable floating islands as a defensive tactic.The islands are made from layers of dried Totora reeds that are woven together so that they are actually floating. An island can last upto 30 years if maintained right. When reeds at the bottom rot new layers of reeds have to be added. The process of rebuilding the islands is a constant one and is one of the daily tasks for the Uros. Every 6 months they have to lift up and move their houses so that they can add another layer to the floating island. Their houses and the boats are also built from the same reeds. The food is all locally sourced, fishing being the mainstay. Each island is occupied by one large extended family. Its a life of hard work and long days in a harsh climate. Women share in all the work along with the men. Although many still live in the traditional way, hauling reeds onto their boats, reconstructing their islands, heading off to the lake to fish, its a way of life that is fast disappearing. Many of the young people are leaving to start a different life on the mainland. In recent years tourism has become an important part of the Uros economy. People have opened their homes to visitors from all over the world.  A  homestay on the floating islands was an unforgettable experience from our trip to Peru.