Uros  ½ D

TOUR Uros Floating Islands

UROS

Uros floating islands are located within the bay of Lake Titicaca to only 14 km away from the city of Puno. It is believed that the Uros were one of the oldest ethnic groups that inhabited the region of the Andean highlands. His survival depended on their skills as fishermen and bird hunters. This group preferred to remain isolated from mainland civilization.

The search of isolation was probably the reason why they chose to live in reed boats sailing and in a primitive way. When the Spanish chroniclers encountered the Uros, a late sixteenth century, the Uros were still living in the lake in small rafts used as houseboats, not wearing much clothing, they wore long hair. It was only until the early 60s when the Uros began building small artificial islands of reeds for shelter.

Although many authors state that the ethnicity of the Uros is extinguished, a recent study of the genetic structure of the Quechua and Aymara of Lake Titicaca has been found that the Uros of today still preserve part of the original gene from their ancestors ( PhD Fujita and Sandoval, 2002). Today, thanks to Uros still live in these islands, we can imagine and appreciate the lifestyle of an ethnic group as old. These islands Uros are fighting for a better future for their children. Young people are going to primary and secondary schools in Puno, and perhaps more education is likely that future generations will no longer return to live in the "floating islands."

Includes:

• Transport (bus and boat)
• Guide Spanish / English
• Entrance fees.

Not included:

• Tips
• rafting typical of the Uros.