We set off early on our tour, and were at the boat surprisingly quickly. The guides were all really funny and told us a bit about Puno as we sped away on the Lake through loads of reeds towards the Uros floating islands.

When we arrived at a large floating island, a small village, we were greeted by the local people, then sat around as the guide and the local women explained how they lived and made the floating islands. They had originally tied together blocks of the massive reed roots to make boats, then covered them with reeds to walk on them (which makes them really springy). They eventually started making the boats bigger so they could live on them, to avoid being attacked by tribes from the mainland like the Incas. Now the islands were all massive, with the reeds replenished each year so they could last for 30 years or so. They each built houses on them, and had their own traditional decorated boats made of reeds to get around (see pictures!)

They also showed us some crafts, which the men made by weaving the reeds, whilst the women had beautiful embroidery. They use the reeds for so much, as they can also eat them like bananas, and use them to clean their teeth (almost all Bolivians and Peruvians had awful teeth).

After explaining about their history and way of life, they allowed us to look around their village, which was really interesting. We then went on a ride in the 'traditional' boat to a cafe for a snack if we wanted it, then headed over to Tamille, the other island we would see.

The people there lived remotely, although they spoke Quechua, the language of a conqueror who had bought the island many years before. They had a different traditional way of living as they were so secluded, with many believing that a photo was dangerous even though they were Christian. They had erected large stone arches with protective leaders on to signify when you passed from one family's territory to another. They still led a very traditional life, and were famous for their knitting, which is all done by the men. They learn from an early age and have to prove their ability by making a cap that would hold water, and therefore prove they would be a good husband! It was a really interesting place.

Later we finished the tour and went back to Puno for dinner, ready to get the night bus to Cusco!