The Uros are a Pre-Inca group of indigenous Peruvians who have lived for centuries on floating islands made from layers of the totora reeds that grow in the shallow areas of Lake Titicaca. The islands are built on a foundation of roots of the reeds, in meter-thick blocks, which are bound together and anchored to the bottom of the lake. Layers of reeds are then laid upon the root blocks, and are replenished regularly to replace areas that have rotted. Nearly everything else on the islands are also made from the reeds, including buildings, canoes, furniture, and toys for the children. Part of the root is also eaten as a staple of the Uros´diet, in addition to fish and rice.
A young Uros girl
Houses made of reed
Totora reed bundled and set out to dry
The life of a floating feline
Uros boy in a reed fishing boat
The morning´s catch
Reed boat
Eduardo, 15, takes us for a ride on a reed boat
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