Lake Titicaca Overview

Lake Titicaca - photo by TERRA ANDINA (www.bolivia-travels.com)

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A natural frontier between Bolivia and Peru, the enormous Lake Titicaca occupies almost 10,000 square kilometres in a huge Andean crater high in the northwestern plains of the country. Reportedly the world’s highest navigable lake at 3,810m, and the birthplace of uncountable Bolivian legends, thousands of tourists make the trip here each year to cross the sapphire-blue waters and visit the civilisations that have developed along its shores.

The lake can be visited year round, but the most rain falls in December and January. The temperature is generally warm during the day, and sunscreen is a must, even if it is cloudy. It gets very cold at night, so bring plenty of warm clothes, especially if you plan to sleep on the islands.

It is easy to spend at least a week visiting the lake, its islands and shore villages. Many tourists base themselves in Copacabana, a sleepy little town on the southern shores not far from La Paz. Perched between two peaks with views of the lake, the setting is stunning, and makes the town an excellent base from which to visit nearby attractions such as the Isla del Sol. The town has a good range of tourist services including internet access and a bank (but no ATM) and is well known for its festivals, so if you can arrange to be here for one of them, so much the better. While staying here, don’t miss the Moroccan-style Basilica of Copacabana.

Close to Coapcabana, the Isla del Sol is the most visited of the islands, and home to around 2,500 permanent residents split between three main settlements. It was originally known as Titi Khar’ka (the rock of the Puma), later giving its name to the whole lake. The charming villages with welcoming residents, the abundance of walking routes and the fact there are no roads or cars here, makes the island a relaxing place to spend at least a couple of days.

A short hop by boat is the smaller Isla de la Luna, which affords great views over the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Real from its high points. Most tourists don’t stay overnight, but it is possible to sleep in the settlement or camp out anywhere on the island.

Technically a separate lake, but still part of Titicaca proper, Lago de Huyñaymarka is separated from the main body of water by a jagged strip of land. It is the closest part of the lake to La Paz, and the abundance of reeds in its shallow waters were once used to construct the world-famous reed boats used by many locals until just a few years ago. Its islands, Paraiti, Suriqui and Kalahuata can be visited in a day, and it is possible, though unusual, to stay overnight.

If you are short on time, it is possible to book a day trip from La Paz, which includes road transport to and from La Paz, a stop in Copacabana and a short boat trip (there’s a choice of craft).

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