Wallatiri (Peru)

Wallatiri is a small island located in Lake Titicaca, Peru. It is part of the Uros floating islands, but unlike the more well-known, tourist-heavy islands, Wallatiri is not made of totora reeds. Instead, it is a natural island, inhabited by indigenous Aymara people. The island is known for maintaining a more traditional way of life compared to the artificial Uros islands, focusing on fishing, agriculture (growing crops like potatoes and quinoa), and weaving. While tourism exists, it is typically more sustainable and less commercialized, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Aymara culture and traditions. Residents speak Aymara and often Spanish, and their economy is largely based on bartering and subsistence farming, supplemented by limited tourism revenue.