Floating Islands


One of the most interesting places I've been are the floating islands of the Ouros. These are built by taking upturned reed boats, and laying more dried reeds over the top.

Each island (of which there are around 15) houses about 15 to 17 families in reed huts. And each is held in place by wooden poles driven into the bed of the lake bellow (another 2-3 metres)

They eat fish and the inside of the reeds. The main economy is fishing, construction using the reeds, and tourism. Our guide had been to Ecuador to build a reed village.

It's a damp life and many of those over 40 have rheumatism due to living over the water. Few people join the community, though some go to stay to learn the crafts.

Photos soon when I get them scanned ....