When it comes to resourceful DIY, the Uros are pretty much the uncontested Bolivian champions. For centuries they’ve been building islands out of dried totora reeds, which house anywhere from two to ten families. It’s an ingenious scheme, especially because the roots of the reeds develop and interweave to form a tough layer called “khili” that keeps the islands afloat. This is not to say, however, that these floating abodes don’t require an awful lot of upkeep; the reeds break up the more they’re walked on, which causes them to rot and requires that new layers be added regularly.

The original intention of these self-fashioned islets is thought to be defensive; the Uros considered themselves the owners of the Lake and guarded it closely for many, many years. Eventually they began trading with the neighboring Aymara, which led to intermarriage and a weakening of Uru culture, especially the language, which no one really speaks anymore. The islands have been slowly abandoned, too; these days out of a population of about 2,000, only a few hundred still reside at their watery addresses, the rest having relocated to the mainland.