The Uros Islands provide the top attraction at Lake Titicaca, which straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Surrounded by pristine, cool mountains, created entirely with the floating totara reeds of the lake, these impressive, man-made islands are home to a unique and ancient community, the Uru or Uros people, who built the islands to escape their enemies, the Inca. The community also uses the reeds to make their homes, boats and beautiful crafts, which they sell to tourists. Visitors can even spend a night in a local home or take a variety of tours - usually with a translator - to converse with the people. Boat tours through the islands are another atmospheric way to see the gorgeous scenery and the Lake Titicaca National Reserve. The area is also home to some spectacular birdlife - be sure to bring a camera.