Peru and Bolivia share many things. They are neighboring countries with very similar customs between the southern part of Peru and Bolivia. What unites them the most is the sacred lake of the Incas, Lake Titicaca
As mention, Peru and Bolivia are joined by many traditions, especially in the highland area since we share the Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world
Where is the Titicaca Lake located
Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world’s largest lakes. Titicaca is one of less than twenty ancient lakes on earth, and is thought to be three million years old. Lake Titicaca is situated between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east
Two countries and a fascinating lake that unites them
Live incredible experiences of crossing from one country to another, always in the highlands with a majestic lake along the route
Both Peru and Bolivia share many customs and traditions. The mountain cities of both countries are very similar in many things such as food, clothing, colors in all its aspects and even the Aymara language as well as the sacred lake
Lake Titicaca always looks calm, surrounded by imposing mountains and vast vegetation, making it a unique landscape with a magical image that is difficult to forget.
And what does the legend say
According to the legend, it was in this place where the Andean world began, when the god Viracocha emerged from the lake and created the sun (Inti), the moon (Mama Killa), the stars and the first people. Knowing this, the Incas held the belief that when their souls died, they would return to the origin, which is what Lake Titicaca meant to them.
Enjoy a full-day journey from Puno to La Paz. Set off on the highest road for about 3 hours to Copacabana; a beautiful small town. Visit the Cathedral of the Virgin of Copacabana and its ancestral rituals. Then sail across the Lake Titicaca to explore the legendary Sun Island, the famous birthplace of the Incas to later travel to La Paz city in Bolivia
Titicaca Lake elevation / altitude
Lake Titicaca has a surface elevation of 3812m (12,507 ft). The “highest lake” claim is generally considered to refer to commercial craft. Numerous smaller lakes around the world are at higher elevations
Lake Titicaca Deep
The lake is 284 m deep at its deepest point located in the northeastern section of the lake. … It flows from the south of Lake Titicaca and empties into Poopo
Peruvian Side
A sense of vastness, of the infinite, is the feeling one experiences when taking a boat across the waters of Lake Titicaca, in Puno. The lake is so big that you can feel like you’re in the middle of a sea, as you spot islands where customs and traditions have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.
A tour of the lake should include the Uros Islands, made entirely from reeds; Taquile, an island where the weavers have achieved worldwide renown; and Amantani, where it is possible to get away from everything and simply relax.
Here, the sunrise and sunset are indescribable, while the night is filled with stars that appear so close you think that you might almost be able to touch them. The islands of Lake Titicaca offer a magical invitation
What means Titicaca
The meaning of the name Titicaca is uncertain, but it has been variously translated as Rock of the Puma or Crag of Lead. Titicaca lies between Andean ranges in a vast basin (about 22,400 square miles [58,000 square km] in area) that comprises most of the Altiplano (High Plateau) of the central Andes
Also, the name Lake Titicaca has a lot of meaning, and is located on the border of two countries, it is also considered the largest navigable lake in South America, making it an attractive destination, surrounded by majestic mountains and a unique landscape. The name Lake Titicaca derives from two etymological words: one in Quechua “Titi” which means cat or puma and “kaka” from Aymara means gray or in the Quechua language translates to mountain or rock
Uros Islands
The fairytale-like Uros Islands are made entirely from totora reeds; the lives of the inhabitants of these artificial islands are entirely dependent upon the reed beds they live among.
Totora reeds were first used centuries ago to build these islands on Lake Titicaca by the Uro-Aymara families who made their home on the lake. The local people’s boats are also made from totora reeds, and they use these vessels for fishing.
Even some of the islanders’ handicrafts are made from totora reeds, and the friendly people of this community offer their work to visitors as a souvenir of their visit to this magical place.
Taquile Island
The charm of Lake Titicaca is lived intensely on islands like Taquile, where the history that has survived in the collective memory of its people is expressed in wonderful weavings, true works of art admired throughout the world.
In their textiles, the islanders depict their belief systems and culture, in complex designs that pay homage to the richness of their ancestral heritage. Visitors can explore the island’s trails and visit ancient agricultural terraces and the vestiges of Inca ceremonial sites.
Bolivian side – Sun Island
The Island of the Sun was the birthplace of the Inca Empire and the Incas believed that the sun itself was born there. The island features many Inca sites such as the Inca staircase, the fountain of youth, the Pilkokaina Palace and the Chinkana palace with the Sacred Rock
The Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca lies to the east. Although smaller in relation to the Peruvian side, it is much more manageable to visit local communities and archaeological sites in a shorter period of time
The Bolivian side is often deemed more beautiful than that of Peru, and the ever-present Cordillera Real creates stunning views of the lake. Lake Titicaca can be found just 72 kms (45 miles), from La Paz, the capital. Lake Titicaca covers 8,300 kilometres (3.204 sq mi) and is 3,812 metres (12.506 feet) above the sea level. It was home to the ancient Tiwanaku culture. The land was inhabited by the Quechua, Aymara, and their rich, centuries-old folk traditions after the mysterious disappearances of the Tiwanaku
The Sun Island
The Island of the Sun was the birthplace of the Inca Empire and the Incas believed that the sun itself was born there. The island features many Inca sites such as the Inca staircase, the fountain of youth, the Pilkokaina Palace and the Chinkana palace with the Sacred Rock
How large is Titicaca Lake?
It covers 3 200 square miles (8 300 square km) and extends in a northwest-to-southeast direction for a distance of 120 miles (190 km). It is 50 miles (80 km) across at its widest point. A narrow strait, Tiquina, separates the lake into two bodies of water
