The Uros are one of the main attractions of Lake Titicaca. These floating Islands are located 7km east of Puno and are reached only by boat. These islands are unlike any you have seen before and are made of layers of dried totora reeds that grow in the lake itself. Anchored on the lake bed, layers of reeds are added each year to replace the lower layers that rot. Islands can be made of up to 4 metres of reeds and it’s a unique feeling to walk on this spongy surface. There are 42 floating Islands that house anywhere from two to ten families each. Unfortunately, in recent years the Uros have become extremely commercialized due to tourism and the more touristy parts definitely have a ‘Disneyland’ feel complete with rides in the form of totora reed boats and locals dressed in traditional outfits they wear just for tourists. Only about a 100 people actually still live full-time on the islands with the majority commuting from Puno to receive tourists every day. Some of the islands further out are more authentic and can only be visited on a private boat. This is definitely worth it as it feels less touristy than the main section of the Uros and is interesting to learn how the Uros people have adapted to the difficult living conditions in the middle of the lake. Despite the commercial nature of the Uros it is still a fascinating place to visit unlike anywhere else in the world. Most tours that go to Amantani and Taquile Islands stop off at Uros for a quick visit and you can also catch a ferry that leave from the port in Puno every hour between 6am and 4pm