Lake Titicaca is always described as "the world's highest navigable lake", and 3,810 meters above sea level this is a fact. But Lake Titicaca is much more. Lake Titicaca is a starkly beautiful area where visitors are surrounded by incomparably blue waters and graced with dramatic dawns and spectacular sunsets. On a clear night you feel you can reach out and touch the stars. High in the Andes Mountains of South America, Lake Titicaca and the surrounding area is home to thousands of subsistence farmers who eke out a living fishing in its icy waters, growing potatoes in the unhospitable, rocky soil around the lake, or herding llama and alpaca at altitudes that leave visitors gasping for air.
Many of these farmers live on the numerous islands in the lake itself, and of these islands, the most curious are those making up the Uros group. The Uros are a group of about 40 floating islands. These are man made out of reeds that grow naturally on the banks of the lake. As the reeds of the base rot in the water, more are added on top, making a very spongey surface to walk on. The 'totora' reeds form a vital element in the lives of the Uros. Not only are their islands built with them, but also their houses, their boats known as 'caballitos' and they even eat the soft roots. Residents of these islands live very much as their ancestors have for hundreds of years. Today they augment their income by selling their beautiful woven rugs to visitors.
The shores of Lake Titicaca are home to a miriad of water fowl and migrating birds, and the Titicaca National Reserve protects extensive stretches of totora reeds and various species of plants and animals. A boat trip round the shores gives endless photo opportunities, and visitors have a chance to appreciate the utter tranquility of this fabulous landscape.
A stay at Lake Titicaca is a unique experience and we recommend at least three nights in this area, to give you time to aclimatise to the altitude and to appreciate the friendliness and helpfulness of the local people who will proudly show you all the area has to offer.
Lake Titicaca Facts
- 3827m a.s.l.
- Town - Puno
- 1324 km from Lima
- 384 km from Cusco
- Climate cold and semi-dry
- Avg temperatures Day/14ºC Night/3ºC