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Lake Titicaca is located between Peru and Bolivia. It sits at an elevation of 3,800 meters above sea level, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. Additionally, it is the second-largest lake in South America. The lake features man-made floating islands as well as natural ones.
Puno, situated by the lake, is also at a high altitude, standing at 3,827 meters above sea level. The city of Puno has a population of over 100,000 people, many of whom speak Aymara, a language used in the region since pre-Inca times.
Lake Titicaca and the Incas
The Incas considered Lake Titicaca sacred. According to Inca mythology, the first Inca king, Manco Cápac, was born here. The Incas also believed this was the place where the world was created, as the god Viracocha emerged from the lake and created the sun, stars, and the first humans.
Tourist Islands on Lake Titicaca in Peru
While Lake Titicaca boasts numerous islands, only three are open to tourism:
Uros Floating Islands: These are artificial islands constructed by the Uros, the local inhabitants, using totora, an aquatic plant growing in Lake Titicaca. These islands float on the water, supported by blocks of totora roots and interwoven layers of the same plant. There are approximately 80 Uros artificial islands, typically inhabited by small families.
Taquile Natural Island: Known for its textile tradition, Taquile is famous for ancient practices that have persisted since civilizations like the Incas, Pukara, and Colla. Both men and women learn to weave high-quality traditional garments from an early age. Recognized by UNESCO, this population of around 2,000 people lives at an altitude of 3,950 meters, with its highest point reaching 4,050 meters. The people of Taquile maintain their cultural identity through this ancient textile tradition.
Amantani Island: One of the largest islands on Lake Titicaca, Amantani is renowned for its agricultural, textile, and stonecraft activities. The population, organized into ten collaborative communities, focuses on growing tubers like potatoes and oca, as well as crops like corn, quinoa, and legumes. Amantani offers two viewpoints providing breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca, and its ceremonial centers, Pachatata and Pachamama, are honored by residents as part of their tradition.
What to Do at Lake Titicaca in Puno?
Experiential Tourism: Engage in daily activities on the islands, such as learning to cut totora, navigating in boats, cooking, and understanding local food and textiles. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Titicaca and spend the night on one of the largest islands with the two-day Amantani Islands Experiential Tour.
If you have only one day to visit Puno, the highly recommended tour is the Uros and Taquile Islands, where you can explore both islands by boat, learn about the Floating Islands, and understand how the locals construct and live on them. This is a highly recommended experience during your visit to Puno.
Make your visit to Lake Titicaca a reality with TOUR IN PERU
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