TAQUILE – THE ISLAND OF WEAVERS ON LAKE TITICACA 

Nestled more than 12,000 feet above sea level is a place called Lake Titicaca where the Uros civilization lives.  Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable lake in the entire world, covering a total of 3,861 square miles.  The Uros people use the resources of the lake to live and make floating islands, which are like modern day houseboats made from the lake’s reed vegetation. 

The lake that borders both Bolivia and Peru is said to be a mystical place, one of ancient civilizations that are blessed with clear waters, good fishing, and fresh fruits.  In fact, the Uros Indians are strong believers that they are direct descendents of Inca royalty.  Regardless, these people have created homes on the water for centuries.  Made from springy layers of reeds, as the “floating island” rots or becomes damaged, the layers can simply be replaced. 

You will even find the Uros floating on the water during heavy rainfalls and fishing in their carefully crafted boats.  Some of the designs are so large and impressive, entire families live onboard.  Interestingly, some of the Uros people still who refuse to go inland where there is land population n fear of bringing back disease.  Instead, they will choose remote areas of the island if they want to hunt for and trap food.  Without doubt, their life is a very fascinating and often misunderstood. 

As you travel on the lake, you will come across two specific islands, once called Amantani and the other, Taquile.  The island of Amantani offers life without electricity, running water, or any type of modern structure, offering a true example of what life for pre-Colonial Andean Peruvians would be like.  On the island of Taquile, you still find natives using ancient weaving techniques for making all types of things such as beautiful and colorful clothing. 

On the island of Amantani, the basket weavers make a living by producing magnificent pieces from the natural resources of the island, as well as the lake.  For the island of Taquile, which translates to the “Island of the Weavers”, you can experience the culture of this civilization for as little as $1 a day when staying with a hosted, local family. 

Another option for experiencing some of the Taquile and Amantani weavers up close is to take a day tour where you will be impressed by the hospitable people and the comfortable accommodations.  In fact, you can spend as little as $15 a day going from one lakeside community and island to another.