At almost 4,000 metres above sea level on the border of Bolivia and Peru lies Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is impressive being both South America's largest lake and the highest navigable lake in the World.
A Peruvian Child in colourful clothing plays on one of the floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca.
Seven kilometres from the shores of Puno on the Peruvian side are the floating Uros islands, home to the Uros or Uru people. These unique islands are built entirely from the totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. The reeds are also used to build the homes they live in, the boats they travel in and handicraft they sell to visitors of the islands. The semi edible reeds are even eaten by the locals who playfully refer to it as Uros icecream. Some 1000 Uros people live across forty two islands on the lake where the younger children even attend school. The island people make a living from fishing, textiles and in more recent years through selling crafts and tourism. (Click through the images below)
The Uros islands are easy to reach with regular boats leaving throughout the day from Puno. The islands are now firmly on the South American tourist trail, however they are well worth a visit. Lake Titicaca has some of bluest skies I have ever seen and the islanders are amongst the most colourful. I took these images over the course of a few days when I visited the islands last June. Due to the vivid sky and the striking clothing of the locals the imagery is best portrayed in colour. The Uros Islands really are a picture perfect travel destination.
More of my travel photography from Peru can be found on my website, my Instagram, and my Flickr account. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.