Be moved by the culture of Titicaca

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Be moved by the culture of Titicaca's Reed Islands

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, is one of South America's largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, it’s home to numerous ruins. Its waters are famously still and brightly reflective. Around it is Titicaca National Reserve, sheltering rare aquatic wildlife such as giant frogs.

PERU // Meeting the Uros people of Lake Titicaca is a moving encounter - partly because the artificial floating islands they live on bob a bit, but mostly because theirs is an existence that's absolutely unique. The Uros pre-date the Incas, and have inhabited this group of islands made from dried totora reeds for centuries. As the reeds at the bottom rot, new ones are added on top; the Uros also use the reeds to construct their boats and houses. The islands feature a reed watchtower and traditionally, if a threat was spotted, the islands could be moved.

What is so special about Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest lake in the world. Titicaca is one of less than twenty ancient lakes on Earth and is thought to be three million years old. Lake Titicaca is 3810 meters above sea level and is located between Peru in the west and Bolivia in the east.

Which country owns Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is located on a plateau called the Altiplano, which consists of several basins. The western part of the lake is located in the Puno region of Peru (approx. 56% of the lake) while the eastern part is located in the La Paz department of Bolivia (approx.

Can you swim in Lake Titicaca?

While it is safe to swim in the lake (away from Puno Bay and beyond the floating islands), swimming is not recommended due to the cold water. The average temperature is 14°C (55°F) and the outside temperature can fluctuate from 32 to 70°F or (0 to 21°C) within 24 hours.

is Lake Titicaca the largest lake in the world?

Titicaca is the second largest lake in South America (after Maracaibo). It covers about 3,200 square miles (8,300 km2) and stretches in a northwest to southeast direction for a distance of 120 miles (190 km). It is 50 miles (80 km) wide at its widest point.

What happened in Lake Titicaca?

This lake is almost closed. Since 2000, Lake Titicaca has continuously decreased its water level. Between April and November 2009 alone, the water level dropped 81 cm (32 in), the lowest level since 1949.

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