Lake Titicaca

Today, from Puno, we took a boat ride on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros Islands, which are about 120 man–made floating islands made of totora reeds. The reeds grow on islets in the lake. Lake Titicaca borders both Peru and Bolivia and is called the highest navigable lake as it is at 12,500 feet (3,810 m) altitude.

Bienvenidos–Welcome

We are being welcomed to the the floating Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of both Peru and Bolivia. The first purpose of the islands was for defense––if threatened, the islands could be moved. The Uros intermarried with an Aymara tribe on the mainland and replaced their Uru language with the Aymara language. The Uros were conquered by the Incas and had to pay taxes to them and often were enslaved.

Welcoming Women

These Uru women were on their island waiting for us to disembark from our boat.

Building the Islands

We were given a demonstration of how the islands are built. Bundles of totora reeds are first placed in the water. Then more reeds are placed on top of them. A house or building constructed of totora reeds can then be put on top of the reeds. Reeds at the bottom rot away so reeds need to be constantly added. When this is done, the houses have to be lifted and then placed back on the reeds. The island is tethered to the lake floor with long sticks and ropes. With this process, an island can last for about 30 years.

Handicrafts

The Uru women on the islands sell handicrafts that they have made.

Reed Boats

The Uru make boats constructed of totora reeds such as these boats for tourists to travel to another island. Reed boats are the oldest known type of boat going back to Ancient Eqypt. The Uru in Bolivia helped Thor Heyerdahl in the design of his Kon Tiki. Some of my tour group took this reed boat to the next island that we would be visiting.

La Isla Apuiniti

We next floating island that we visited by La Isla Apuiniti.

Gathering Reeds

On our way back to Puno, we passed this Uru woman gathering totora reeds.

Puno

Coming back to Puno.

Puno

Closer–up of Puno. I have put my photos of our trip to the Uros Islands on a slideshow. Go to http://www.peggysphotos.com/lake–titicaca/ (Slide Shows, South America, Peru, “Lake Titicaca”).

Lighthouse

The lighthouse on the dock of Puno.

Puno

My tour group looking across to Puno.

Boats

The animal boats for rent in the harbor.

Children’s Parade

Some of us followed Julio, our tour manager, to a restaurant for lunch. On the way there, we were treated to a children’s parade. This was on a Friday and I cannot find any mention of any celebration in Puno on that day. However, there were fireworks being set off that night.

Children’s Float

One of the many children’s floats in the parade. Delivery bicycles were used for the floats. I have put my photos of the children’s parade on a slideshow. Go to http://www.peggysphotos.com/puno–childrens–parade/ Slide Shows, South America, Peru, “Puno Children’s Parade”).

See also a movie of the parade on the next entry.

Children’s Parade–MOVIE

A movie of part of the Puno Children’s Parade.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/sBi946M9IhM

Sillustani Tombs

This afternoon there was an optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs. I had signed up for the tour but decided against going as it was going to be an uphill climb and my foot was hurting too much to do the climb. However, my tour mate, Lisa, was very kind of send me some photos of the site. The Sillustani Tombs are in a pre–Inca cemetery on the shore of Lake Umayo near Puno. The tombs are built above ground in tower–like structures call chullpas. They were built by the Qulla people who are Aymara and who were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Each chullpa was for a complete family, probably an elite family. Chullpas are found through parts of the Andes. (Lisa’s photo.)

Sillustani Tomb

A Sillustani tomb (Lisa’s photo).

Sillustani Tomb

A Sillustani tomb (Lisa’ photo).

Sillustani Tomb

A Sillustani tomb (Lisa’s photo).