Lake Titicaca
The world´s highest navigable lake
On a vast highland plain in the Puno region between Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, at 3,820 masl (12,500 ft). It covers an area of over 8,300 square kilometers (3,205 square miles), of which 4,700 km2 (1,815mi2) are in Peru. The ancient Andean civilizations of the Quechua and Aymara, the two most important ethnic groups of ancient Peru, believed the lake was sacred and legend has it that the founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from its waters.
The lake is very popular among tourists and scientists alike, who are amazed at the richness of its waters. It is a National Reserve and is home to numerous species of birds and water fowl, a dozen species of fish, a variety of mammals and seven amphibians, including a unique species of giant frog.
The lake is also home to the floating islands made of reeds that are populated by the Uros, descendants of an ancient people. Also attractive are the islands that maintain their ancient social and farming systems: Taquile, Amantani and Suasi.
The city of Puno includes colonial architecture, as does the town of Juli, famous for its four 16th and 17th century churches.
Altitude
City of Puno: 3,827 masl (12,552 ft), Lake Titicaca: 3,810 masl (12,500 ft).
How to Get There
- By air: daily flights from Lima (90 minutes), and from Arequipa (30 minutes), landing at Juliaca airport. The overland trip to the city of Puno takes 50 minutes.
- By train: from Cuzco (10 hours).
- Overland: from Cuzco (paved road, 6 hours); from Arequipa (paved road, 5 hours); from La Paz, Bolivia (5 hours by bus and shared taxi services).
Lodging
Puno has hotels and hostels of every category. Taquile Island offers family-run lodgings, and Suasi Island has an eco-lodge. On Anapia, the local inhabitants provide lodging in their homes.
Activities
Archaeology, eco-tourism, experiential tourism on the islands, wildlife watching (endemic bird species), boat and balsa raft rides, and arts and crafts shopping.
Tourist Services
Guided tours in the city, the outskirts and the islands on the lake with boat services to Taquile, Amantani, Uros, Anapia and Suasi.
Recommendations
Wear a hat and sunscreen. Acclimatization is necessary, to avoid high-altitude sickness. Avoid over-exertion the first day, eat easily-digestible food and drink coca tea.
Nearby Attractions
Visits are suggested to the towns along the lakeshore: Chucuito, Juli and Pomata; also to the Sillustani chullpas or burial towers and the towns of Lampa, Pucara and Ayaviri (Tinajani rock forest). The visit to the islands of Taquile, Suasi, Amantani and Anapia and to the floating islands of the Uros, are unforgettable.
Season / Climate
The ideal months are from April to December; the rainy season is January to March; strong sun during the day and cold at night.
Festivals
Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria (February 2). The most important festival in the region. Celebrated for a full week with continuous folk dancing of hundreds of different dances, including the Diablada, Morenada and Llamerada.
Festival of Alacitas and Las Cruces (May 3-4). This marks a special occasion when local inhabitants sell miniature arts and crafts in street market fairs.
Anniversary of the founding of the city of Puno (November 4). Civic events and dancing in the streets of the city by school students, as well as the staging of the legend of the founders of Cuzco and the Inca dynasty, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo.
Gastronomy
Sopa chairo: beef and lamb soup, with potatoes, broad beans, squash, freeze-dried potatoes, cabbage and hot chili pepper.
Pesque de Quinua: quinoa stew with milk and fresh cheese, accompanied by meat.
Huarjata: pork stew with freeze-dried potatoes, vegetables and hot chili pepper.
Alpaca fillet: tasty meat with high protein value and low fat.
Cancacho: roast pork or lamb marinated in chili pepper and oil
Arts & Crafts
The art of weaving alpaca and sheeps wool has been kept alive by the people of the highland plains. They also make musical instruments such as the siku and pan pipes. The best-known crafts include Pucara bulls and the Ekeko, a character who carries a variety of objects and products for good luck.
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