Colorful & Vibrant Lake Titicaca

Having visited Lake Titicaca from Bolivia several months prior to arriving back in Peru, I was ecstatic that my schedule allowed for enough time to see Lago Titicaca again from the Peruvian side of Puno. Lake Titicaca is of fairytale reputation – pristine blue waters that match the intensity and saturation of the sky, cotton candy clouds, scarcely inhabited islands and traditional cultures and people. Even now, I can transport back to moments when I was breathing in the crisp cool high altitude air from one of the world’s highest navigable lakes. The Bolivian side was more about exploration on islands and checking out ancient Inca ruins. From the Peruvian side I was about to encounter the Uros people who are famously known for their unique totora reed floating islands. The colourful people (who wear the brightest of attire) were a delight to encounter and the following travel photo essay is a series of some of my favourite photos from this experience:
Photo Essay: Uros People of Lake Titicaca
A miniature demonstration of how the Uros people build their floating islands from the totora reeds.
An elderly lady with leathery skin and wrinkles wearing a bowler hat and colourful attire.
A close-up shot of the totora reed boats made by the Uros people – Lake Titicaca, Peru.
A gorgeous sunset, in which the sky appeared to be on fire, over Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side.
A young child dressed in traditional colourful clothes gleefully sings and performs for a group of tourists – Lake Titicaca, Peru.
A scenic path leading down to small houses overlooking Lake Titicaca.
A group of gregarious Uros ladies decked out in traditional attire perform songs and dance for a group of foreign tourists.
A close-up shot of a aged door with a lot of character – Lake Titicaca, Peru.
A wide angle shot of locals setting up their stalls overlooking pristine Lake Titicaca.
A hunchbacked elderly lady carries a heavy load of what appears to be kindling on her back.
A couple look out over Lake Titicaca in the late afternoon – Peru.
A waste basket made out of wood frames this shot of the island.
Another shot of the totora reed boats used by the Uros people – Lake Titicaca, Peru.
What stunning photos! I was confused about my visit to the floating islands, finding it too much of a tourist gimmick, but looking back on the visit through these photos certainly captures the beauty and mystery of their lifestyle.
Thanks Ellen, it’s a fascinating place to visit.
What vibrant colours. You’ve really captured the soul of the inhabitants, fab shots Samuel. We’re looking forward to exploring South America and I think you’ve just ensured we take a trip to visit Lake Titicaca! Thanks!
These are sooo beautiful. Brings back such good memories of our time on Lake Titicaca. I love the juxtaposition of the colorful outfits with the tan colored reeds.
I enjoyed reading your article on Peru and viewing these nice images.
Absolutely stunning photography. Makes me want to hop a plane and experience it for myself. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Kristy!
I hope you’ll get the opportunity to do that soon. I definitely highly recommend it 🙂
WOW Sam — these photos are absolutely stunning! I had to pick up my jaw from the floor
Thanks Maria! 🙂 I’d looooove to go back again soon!
What a beautiful photo essay! These photos are dynamic and say a lot about the culture. Definitely on my bucket list now!
Thanks Megan! I think it’s a great addition to your list 🙂
Beautiful!! So much color and character!
Thank you very much! Certainly some colourful characters here 🙂
I suddenly remembered the “Mercedes Benz”, did they mention that to you too? I reckon they do to all tourists. Had fun chatting with the Uros people. One woman stroke my hair the whole time we were talking. She prolly digs long, shiny Asian black hair. Haha.
Hahaha…that’s fascinating. My hair has been an object of attention but that’s more when I’m in Asia. It’s even worse with my freckles…lol
So colorful! I remember seeing this lake on a map as a kid and immaturely laughing. (I’m still immaturely laughing now)
LOL, it’s still a funny joke for me as well 🙂
Killer Photo’s Sam!
I didn’t know about the people or the islands they made. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Shaun!
It’s such a cool place to visit 🙂
Went there last year and found the floating islands fascinating, even if I did feel that the whole thing was put on for show a bit too much. But it was a great photo opportunity for sure: )
It definitely was a bit of a show Jarmo 😛 Did you visit any other islands?
Beautiful photos! I love the close up of the boat
Thanks Jade! Those boats are quite fascinating 🙂
I love that first photo.
Thanks Stephanie!
I clicked through to your post after seeing the first photograph – what fantastic colours! Amazing photographs Sam, well done!
Thanks Marianne!
I’ve never seen people wear such bright colours before. It was an amazing experience.
Ahhhh! These photos are soooo luscious!!!
Thank you Lillie! 🙂
Beautiful photos Samuel! Maybe they are putting up a show for tourists but still it’s beautiful to see so many colors. I love the scenery overlooking Lake Titicaca. I can feel the fresh air just by looking at that photo.
Thanks Shamis! They do put up a show for the tourists but I feel they’re still quite sincere. I’d love to go back soon 🙂
Wow, some seriously awesome photos in this collection! I love all the vibrant colors.
Thanks Amanda! I can’t forget the colours of these people 🙂
Gorgeous photos Samuel – the colours are absolutely stunning, Peru is definitely on the list now!
Thanks Fiona!
A lot of people associate Peru with Machu Picchu – and that’s fair enough – but there is a lot of other places to discover as well 🙂
I love those brilliant colors of their skirts.
The placed seemed really good to visit. People looks friendly!
Thanks Donna!
The colours reflecting in the water are what I remember the most 🙂
Wondefully colourful captures Samuel, really great stuff!
Thanks Laurence! I’d like to see the photos you’d capture from here.
Wonderful photography – especially the detail and of course the faces 🙂
Thanks Natasha! I had a great time 🙂
Beautiful shots! My favorite is with the old lady of course! I’ve never made it to the lake when I was in Peru earlier this year. Should’ve planned better.. 🙁
Thank you! That’s too bad you didn’t get a chance to go; however, it’s the places you miss that give you a great excuse to go back someday 🙂
Fantastic pictures, you caught spirit and colors beautifully.
Thanks Angela! Quite possibly the most colourful people I’ve ever met.
Looking forward to visiting this place in a couple of weeks – beautiful pictures!
Ah, that’s great! If you get a chance I recommend checking it out from both sides 🙂
Really colourful! I did the standard 2 days 1 night excursion from the Peruvian side years ago and wondered if people put up a show just for the tourists. Hope to check out from Bolivia now. 🙂
I did a very similar tour as you. I think they do put up a show for the tourist but I still found the way they live quite fascinating. From the Bolivian side I recommend checking out Islas del sol for great walking tours of the island.