Uros

Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water. Said to be the birthplace of Incas. The lake rests at a dizzying altitude of 3810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. Home to movable floating islands that were created by humans. Where over 1000 people still reside today. This tribe named Uros in Peru have created and maintained this unique way of life for over 3400 years.

The community is made up of roughly 70 human-made Island and one large central island which is a hub for the tribe. They use dried reeds that grow along the banks of the lake and shape them into floating platforms and boats. These platforms can be moved from the mainland if required. Which was originally a defense strategy to escape danger. 

Overtime as the reeds rot. They need to be replaced 4 times every year. In the mid-80s the Islands located further out in Lake and were inaccessible to outsiders. However after the devastating storm the tribe had no choice but to move closer to the land and started to welcome people to experience their way of life.

Location: Lake Titicaca, Peru