Lake Titicaca Overview

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Sitting at an astounding 3,821 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. With a surface area of approximately 8,300 square kilometers, it is also the largest freshwater lake in South America. About 25 rivers empty into the lake's ocean-like waters, which are dotted with 41 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited.

Forming a natural border between Bolivia and Peru, the lake can be characterized by the diversity of its cultural and natural attractions. Even the briefest of explorations around these emerald-blue waters yields unbelievable encounters with the local people, their customs, and way of life. That the Spaniards bequeathed this majestic lake and its people to a king, rather than a conquistador (as was the custom), suggests the impression its grandiosity left on the explorers.

Before the Spanish, the shores of Lake Titicaca were a center of wealth and a focal point for ancient civilizations. So powerful was the image of her sun-baked shores and brilliant blue waters that the Incas formulated a creation myth centered on the lake. According to ancient Inca mythology the sun sent his sun, Manco Cápac, and the moon sent her daughter, Mamo Ocllo, to surface from the lake and create the Inca Empire. The remains of the temples built in honor of this important moment are located on the serene Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna.

Even after the Spanish arrival, and the advent of Christianity, Lake Titicaca remained a center of religious importance. Copacabana, the closest town to the Isla del Sol, is home to Bolivia's most important Catholic shrine. The lake is also home to a culturally diverse mix of Quecha and Aymara-speaking people who have managed to maintain the 3,000 year old traditions of their ancestors.

Anyone who descends upon these shores is sure to notice the lake's unique mixture of natural and cultural beauty. In particular, the enchanting islands of Taquile and Amantaní, Anapia and Yuspique, and Suasi offer visitors a unique glimpse into the lake's shores and the people that inhabit them. The bizarre floating Islas Uros, composed of carefully constructed reeds anchored to the shallow lake bottom, are spectacular. For a truly enriching experience, book a homestay on any one of these islands. You may find yourself weaving blankets, farming potatoes, or taking part in one of the many local festivals. For the adventurous-at-heart, try kayaking on the crystal clear waters, the perfect way to explore the lake, and its numerous niches.

Nestled against the lake's southern shores are the charming villages of Llachón, Chucuito, and Juli, where you'll find ancient ruins, and a variety of Spanish-style churches. Near the southwestern corner of Lake Titicaca is the sprawling city of Puno. As the only major city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, it is a central point of departure for other more interesting destinations, such as the cities of Lampa, and Arequipa, or the ruins of Sillustani, Pucará, and Raqchi. Nicknamed the "Folklore Capital of the World," Lake Titicaca has some of the richest and most vibrant folklore festivals in all of Peru. If you can (it shouldn’t be hard, there are 300 a year!), try to plan your visit around one of these religious festivals.

The Lake Titicaca region also boasts some of the best high-mountain trekking. Experienced climbers and trekkers should check out Bolivia's Cordillera Apolobamba. For the inexperienced and less fit, no worries, there are a number of other accessible trekking opportunities in the area. If you're keen for an adrenaline rush try mountain biking the highway winding its way from La Paz to Coroico. Dubbed the world’s most dangerous road by the Inter-American Development Bank, this treacherous stretch of road between Boliva and Peru is also one of the most beautiful highways in the world. Starting amid the ice-clad peaks of the Cordillera Real, the road plunges through thick cloud-enshrouded forest and into the rich valleys of the Yungas.    

Whether you're a culture-buff or adventure-junky, the shores of Lake Titicaca are sure to entertain and astound. You can reach the lake via a 12-hour train ride from Cusco to Puno through the Andes. The trip boasts unforgettable views of Andes scenery, including farms, waterfalls, and a patchwork of reddish-brown landscape. Beware as the train passes through Juliaca as security can lapse there when residents come aboard and lights often flicker off.