First Lady of the Floating Islands

May 12

May 12 First Lady of the Floating Islands

Imagine feeling so threatened that you had to build yourself a network of floating islands and cast yourselves into the depths of the world's highest navigable lake to defend your community. People of the Uru tribe, I tip my Peruvian bowler hat to you.

Pre-dating the Incas, the Uru have inhabited Lake Titicaca for thousands of years and it’s not because they wanted prime waterfront real estate. The Qhas Qut suñi, which means “people of the lake” in the ancient Uruquilla language, came under constant attack from Aymara populations, the Incas and the Spanish so they created these floating islands to live remotely and be able to quickly escape by simply lifting the anchor.

For clarification, I’m not talking about hovercraft style islands that rival Back to the Future, but islands made from totora reeds growing in abundance on the lake. These intricate yet sturdy islands take months to build, require continual maintenance and quite literally put a spring in your step. For my dad who panics at the thought of changing a lightbulb and bin liner in the same day, these floating islands would put him in a stress-induced coma.

Today, there are over 90 floating islands, a shrinking number, that are home to 1,200 Uru people. Depending on size, each island accommodates from 2 to 5 families with an elected President. They are completely self sufficient with little fishing holes, fire stoves, animals both domestic and edible - and wait for it - solar panels!

Upon our visit, we were welcomed by a local family who showed us their way of life before crowning us El Presidente and First Lady of the Uros (no complaints from me). The Uru people maintain as many traditions as possible and will happily show off their handicrafts and homes.

In traditional outfit I shop - take note of those solar panels!

Since year 9, the Uro Floating Islands had been planted in my mind when Mrs McKenzie (one of my all-time favourite teachers) tried to get a trip to Peru off the ground. Sadly it didn’t proceed but the mystical islands had forever floated in my mind.

Was the experience touristy? Absolutely. But if you can push that aside, you can sit, ponder and marvel at this unique way of life.

Take a boat ride out to the Uro Floating Islands, 5km off the shores of Puno.
If I had the money, take the seriously luxe Belmond train from Puno to Cusco - fancy!!

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