Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Island · Puno, Puno
Islas flotantes de los Uros
Artificial islands made of layers of totora in the Bay of Puno, about 30 minutes by boat from the port, inhabited by Uros families who live from fishing, handicrafts and tourism.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Islas flotantes de los Uros
The floating islands of the Uros are located in the Bay of Puno, about 5 km from the port, among the totora fields of the Reserva Nacional del Titicaca. They are dozens of artificial islands, each with a few families, built with blocks of totora roots tied together and covered with layers of dried reed. Because the totora underneath rots in the water, new layers are frequently added, and the ground feels soft underfoot.
The Uros are an ancient people of the lake. Tradition says they began living on the water to protect themselves from neighboring peoples, and today they speak Aymara and Spanish. On the islands, houses, boats and even watchtowers are made of totora, and the white part of the reed's stem is also eaten.
On the visit, which is done with an agency or with the port's associations of boatmen, the boat stops at one of the islands where a resident shows how the islands are built and anchored, and families sell handicrafts such as embroidery and miniature boats. Afterwards, it's common to cross from one island to another on a totora raft.
The islands closest to the port receive many visitors and the visit is usually short. Some families offer lodging in totora houses for those who want to spend the night on the lake.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2.5 to 3 hours for the boat trip from Puno, with around 1 hour on the islands.
Best time
In the morning, when the lake is usually calmer and the light brings out the yellow of the totora. Tours leave the port throughout the day. From December to March, afternoon rain can shorten the visit.
How to get there
Boats depart from Puno's port, 1 km from the Plaza de Armas, and take about 30 minutes to reach the islands. City agencies sell the half‑day tour, sometimes combined with Taquile.
Tip
Combine the visit to the Uros with Taquile on the same day, or spend the night on one of the islands to see the lake at dusk and at dawn. Ask beforehand whether the crossing on the totora raft is included in the tour.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Islas flotantes de los Uros
Do the Uros islands really float?
Yes. They are made of blocks of totora root covered with layers of dried reeds and are anchored to the lake bed with stakes and ropes.
How many people live on the Uros?
A few hundred families, spread across dozens of islands, each with only a few families. Many also have homes in Puno.
Can you sleep on the Uros?
Yes. Some families offer rooms in totora houses, with meals. Book through an agency or directly with the family.