It is also one of the highest navigable lakes in the world,
sitting at about 3,812 metres (12,500 feet) above sea level.
It is in the Andes and shared between Peru and Bolivia.
For centuries, the lake has been home to Indigenous communities that still maintain traditional farming, fishing, weaving and ceremonies.
Located in
Lake Titicaca are the Uros islands. They are man-made floating islands built
from totora reeds, a plant that grows in the shallow waters of the lake.
The islands, which were first built centuries ago, provided a way for the Uros to live safely on the lake and avoid conflicts with larger groups such as the Inca.
There are about 100 to 120 floating islands. Many families live partly on the islands and partly in nearby towns for school, work and access to services. The population of the Uros people is relatively small, estimated to be roughly 1,500–2,000 people.
The floating islands are created using layers of totora reeds that grow in Lake
Titicaca.
The reeds and their base are cut using a saw. They are then lashed
tightly together.
More and more layers of reeds are placed at 90 degrees on top of each other.
Then a platform is laid where the house will sit.
Then a stone base for a fire for cooking.
Voila!
She makes it look so easy!
The people traditionally eat foods from the lake and the surrounding area, including, fish, wild birds and their eggs (traditionally hunted), parts of the totora reed, potatoes, quinoa and other grains and Andean crops brought from the mainland.
Today, many Uros families also buy foods from markets in nearby towns, so their diet includes more modern foods like rice, pasta, vegetables, and packaged goods.
This young couple took us into their home. It is very small and a simple room.
Tourism is a
big part of their income and they are persuasive salespeople.
After our purchases, they are very happy, and, we're happy too for their hospitality.
Another island community on Lake Titikaka is Taquile Island, where
there are no cars and life revolves around farming, fishing and community
work.
The hinges on this gate made me smile. Take a closer and see if you can figure out their ingenuity.
Taquile is famous for its weaving traditions of handwoven and
hand-knitted textiles made from sheep and alpaca wool. Their textile traditions
are so important that they were recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s
cultural heritage.
The men pride themselves on their
knitting skills. Actually, our guide told us it is used to determine if they will be a hard
worker and good husband that provides well for their family.
Men traditionally knit hats that show
their marital status, with red hats often indicating married men.
Knitting and weaving are deeply embedded in daily life and also act as a form of social identity and exchange.
I can't imagine how hard this must be on the back and knees.
Their traditional outfits are colourful.
The knitting and weaving translate into tourism and income.
Speaking of men taking pride in weaving their hats for better marriage prospects....
it would appear that ball caps win with our group.
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