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Lake Titicaca is considered the highest lake in the world. Though in the Himalayas, there are lakes at higher altitudes, Titicaca is the highest of the 'great' or 'large' lakes. It is also the largest lake in South America. Part of Lake Titicaca's charm comes from its bright, turquoise color, cool temperature, diverse wildlife, and fascinating cultural landscape. It is possible to visit this natural wonder from either Peru or Bolivia.
- Place of interest: Lake Titicaca
- Location: Altiplano Plateau, Andes Mountain, on the border of Peru and Bolivia
- Altitude: 12,507 feet (3,812m)
- Length: 118 mi (190km)
- Area: 5,202 mi² (8,372 km²)
- Islands: 42+
Why Is Lake Titicaca Special?
Wildlife
Lake Titicaca is home to over 500 aquatic species, of which up to 90% are endemic to the Lake. This unique Andean ecosystem features dozens of rare species of snails, flamingos, ducks, and bivalves. It is the only place on earth where odd, borderline fictitious animals such as the huge Titicaca Water Frog and the flightless Titicaca Grebe are found. Unfortunately, commercial tourism companies have introduced rainbow trout and other competitive predators into the Lake ecosystem, which has led to the extinction of several endemic species.
Historical Significance
Lake Titicaca has long been considered the origin and center of the cosmos. This view has been held by ancient Andean civilizations and later the Incas. According to the creation myths, the Creator, who emerged from the Lake, populated the world with a race of stone giants. Ruins of temples and other tokens of worship have been discovered all over the region -- on the islands of Lake Titicaca as well as at the bottom of the Lake.
Underwater City Beneath Lake Titicaca
Archeologists have found the remnants of an entire city at the bottom of Lake Titicaca. This underwater civilization is far older than the Inca Empire and likely gave rise to the various civilizations that formed in the region after its submersion.
The underwater ruins include an elaborate temple, paved roads, and even chinkanas (sacred labyrinths). The complexity of this lost city is especially baffling because the civilization that built it is totally unknown. How old could this mysterious underwater civilization be? The confounding mystery of this lost city has given rise to esoteric speculation. Some rumors sound remarkably similar to the story of Atlantis.
Apparently, the inhabitants of Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), an island on the southern end of Lake Titicaca on the Bolivia side, are privy to the mystery of the lost city but refuse to divulge any clues to outsiders.
To add further confusion to the mystery, archeologists found a bowl with Sumerian cuneiform inscriptions among the underwater ruins. Sumeria was on the other side of the world and existed over 5,000 years ago. Could it be that ancient civilizations were a lot more globalized and advanced than they are given credit for?
There is also evidence that Nazis undertook expeditions in the Andes and discovered untold treasures at the bottom of Lake Titicaca.
Islands Of Lake Titicaca
There are several natural and manmade islands on Lake Titicaca. Some famous islands include Isla del Sol, Amantani, Taquile, Isla de la Luna, and Suruki. Each of these islands is home to distinct tribes that have historically traded with one another. However, despite extensive contact, each island has a unique cultural identity.
Floating Islands
For millennia, the Uro people have lived on manmade floating island houses on Lake Titicaca. The islands are made of handwoven totora reeds. The Uro traditionally built their houses on the lake as a defensive position against the expanding Inca Empire, which was hostile to tribes that did not willingly accede to its dominion. Today, most of the surviving Uro live on the mainland, but their houses still float around on the Lake, mostly on the Peruvian side.
Isla Del Sol
The 'Island of the Sun is one of the most sacred islands in South America. It is purported to be the birthplace of the Sun. The terrain is harsh and rocky, and there are no roads. There are a number of sacred ruins on the northern tip of the island. One prominent structure is the Palacio del Inca, which is an ancient maze of stone walls and tiny doorways.
The island is a great place to do some off-the-trail hiking. While there isn't a lot of modern infrastructures, the island's permanent residents are generally hospitable toward respectful visitors who want to learn more about their way of life.
How To Visit Lake Titicaca
The best and only realistic way to explore Lake Titicaca is through a touring company. Luckily, there are several touring options that differ by length, intensity, and level of immersion. Visitors with a casual interest in Lake Titicaca might want to join one of the many day trips available.
Exploring Lake Titicaca From Peru
A speedboat tour provides visitors with an immersive look into the tranquil and rural life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. All tours of Lake Titicaca beginning in Peru start from the town of Puno, so visitors may want to find accommodation in the area before embarking on a tour of the Lake.
- Tour: Uros and Taquile Island SpeedBoat Tour
- Starting location: Puno, Peru
- Length: Eight hours
- Price: $64 per person
- Perks: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, complimentary Peruvian lunch, extensive interaction with indigenous locals
Exploring Lake Titicaca From Bolivia
Tourists approaching Lake Titicaca from the Bolivian side will want to find accommodation in the town of La Paz, which is the starting point for most tours.
A private tour of Copacabana and Isla del Sol is a great introduction to the historical and esoteric aspects of Lake Titicaca. Copacabana is a small town on the coast of Lake Titicaca where many Inca traditions are still practiced in the form of parades and festivals. It is also the traditional launch zone to Isla del Sol and Isla del Luna, where tourists can gain firsthand insight into the ancient mysteries of the Lake.
- Tour: Private Tour to Copacabana and Sun Island from La Paz
- Starting location: La Paz, Bolivia
- Length: Twelve hours
- Price: $245 per person
- Perks: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, complimentary lunch and introduction to Titicaca cuisine, tailored experience to fit individual needs
When To Visit Lake Titicaca
There's no wrong time to visit this natural wonder. Due to the high altitude, the climate is cool and temperate all year round. In terms of convenience, the best time to visit is between the months of April and August, when the weather is relatively sunny and dry. The rest of the year can be challenging for novice travelers due to extensive rainfall and fog. However, Lake Titicaca has a special charm during the monsoon as the wildlife is most active and the crowds are sparse.