The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable (that means boats can go on it - I looked it up lol) body of water sitting at 3812m (9225ft). It's also the largest lake in South America covering 8300 sq km (2300 sq miles).

I was collected at 7am and onto a bus with others. A short ride later and we were guided onto a luxurious boat. A short while after that we were told the boat ride takes 3 hours (which we all knew when booking) but if we promise to keep quiet we can join a faster boat with others who have paid loads more than us. Hmm, doesn't sit very well with me really but I guess what they don't know can't hurt them right? Anyway only an hour and a quarter later we arrived at the floating islands. Wow! People actually LIVE on these! There are 42 of these islands in the lake (5 years ago there were 200) and to avoid upsetting their routine too much, the touristy thing is rotated so each island only welcomes tourists twice per month.

Ok let me try and describe this bizarre concept without my camera. The whole island probably measures about 15m sq. It is made out of reeds. Actual reeds. There are 5 families from the Uros tribe who live on this island. Each has a TINY hut made out of reeds, big enough for a single bed (probably made out of reeds) and not much else. I guess they're made in the shape of a wigwam, with the reeds going up round the sides and joining each other at the top, all intertwined with more reeds to keep the whole thing together! They cook outside. It's pouring with rain as I write this so who knows how THAT happens. All fine and dandy when it's dry - apart from if a spark from the fire goes astray. Then your whole life has gone!

So the reeds grow in abundance in the lake as you've probably guessed. It's the roots they use to make the foundations of the island. They cut a sq meter of these floating roots, and when they have lots, put a stick of wood in each, then tie them all together. This makes the base. Then they lay the top part of the reeds (they eat the bottom bit - it's pretty tasteless but edible - I know. I tried it)) criss crossed over the roots. And there you have your floating island! They're anchored now, with a bit of rope made out of...you guessed it, reed, a big rock, and a stick. However they used to be free. Initially made for defense so if they were threatened or attacked they could move.

Anyway, we were greeted by some of the families. Women mostly as the men were sleeping after fishing very early. We all sat in a circle on (reed made) sofas. I say sofas but bales of reeds. Comfy though. We listened while the boss of the island told us, in Ketchwan - a whole other language and not at all like Spanish so our guide needed to translate for us - all about his island and how it was made. See above. We were then told we could have a ride on their boat. A boat! Also made out of reeds!!!

The boat
OMG I've never seen anything like it! A masterpiece is all I can describe it as. I can imagine a miniature version of this being made but this was incredible! I have no idea how long it would have taken but it was simply beautiful. The craftsmanship was astounding! Try to imagine 2 canoes side by side, to give it stability, with a flat bit in the middle. The top bits of the canoes were beautifully designed with swirly patterns all inter twined, so not just basic physics! But that's not all! Oh no! In the middle bit, where probably 12 people could easily stand or sit, was a platform! So you could actually climb up the stairs (made from wood not reeds) and stand on the platform too! This shows you how stable this thing was! People were walking around upstairs and down, and it was steady as a rock the whole time we were being punted round the tiny island.

I've never quite known what adjective to use when describing being on water. If the vessel has a sail, it's called sailing. Easy. But what if it has a motor or a punt as they do in Venice? Motoring? Punting?

Back at 6 after visiting another proper island and it's inhabitants. All very nice but the floating one was my highlight. Early night

(ps I found that photo online - flippin mental eh?)