The Uros of Lake Titicaca

The pre-Incan Uros live on a series of floating islands on Lake Titicaca in Peru. The lake is located on the border of Peru and neighboring Bolivia. At over 12,000 feet, Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. The lake is a popular tourist destination, but only a few of the floating islands accept visitors.

Follow this photographic journey about the Uros of Titicaca:

Uros Man + Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca © Gennaro Salamone

The floating islands are created from the totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These reeds are also used for meals, medicine, and for build boats. The boats were traditionally used for transportation, fishing trips, and defense. Carachi and catfish are two of the fish that have been caught for generations. Today, boats are often used for profit by locals who take travelers for a short journeys.

Uros Girls © Gennaro Salamone

The islands are filled with Uros children who are either wandering around or selling their family’s wares. The younger girl (left) was fascinated with a cat that was strolling across the reed floor of their island. You’ll find that all of the women are dressed in traditional clothing whereas a few of the men wear Western hats or pants. It’s also true that Uros women make most of the contact with tourists including providing information, selling goods, and setting up arrangements for overnight stays.

Uros Women © Gennaro Salamone

Only a few hundred Uros remain on the islands. Thousands of others have moved to the mainland. The Uros who remain on the island rely on a combination of traditional living and modern amenities. They have some electricity which powers their own radio station and a few hours of television per day. That being said, living on the island isn’t an easy life. Maintaining the totora reeds takes a lot of labor. The same is true of gathering food, educating children, and dealing with the encroachment of outsiders.

View another featuring journey Cusco, Peru photos.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

 

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Cusco, Peru: A Photographic Journey

Editor’s Note: This feature includes a combination of photos by Bella Hobbel and Gennaro Salamone.

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Peruvians continue to proudly point out the remaining aspects of the culture including a durable Inca stone wall. Even today, Cusco has maintained a level of grandeur. That and its close proximity to Machu Picchu make Cusco one of the most popular cities for travelers to South American continent.

Follow this photographic journey through the historical capital of the Incas:

Cathedral of Cusco, Peru © Gennaro Salamone

The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is filled with beautiful architecture. This gathering place is the location of the city’s cathedral. As with most Peruvian cities, the influence of the Spanish Empire is visually apparent.

Procession, Cusco © Bella Hobbel

Catholicism has a substantial influence on local culture. Processions to honor patron saints or Jesus Christ are regular occurrences. These processions are a great way to observe locals spending time with their families.

Indigenous Textiles and Food Markets © Gennaro Salamone

Indigenous textile markets provide travelers with plenty of warm clothing options for the trip to Machu Picchu. Together with the textiles, Cusco has a sizable food market with fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. It’s also a fun place to observe the haggling between locals.

Architecture, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone

Cusco’s architecture shows both Incan and Spanish influences. It is, perhaps, the best place in Peru to view this combination. A bonus to travelers is viewing the majestic hills around the city along with the stunning blue skies. Perfect for photographers.

Local Kids, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone

Cusco is filled with local kids trying to pass the day. It’s a good idea to spend time observing their joy, as you sit in the Plaza de Armas, trying to avoid overexertion and altitude sickness.

View another journey through the floating islands of Lake Titicaca photos or the Bodh Gaya, India photos chronicling the place of Buddha’s enlightenment.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.