amazing Lake Titicaca, hidden in the Andes, serves as a home for many people. Many cities and villages are located along its banks. Some live on islands in the middle of the lake. And someone builds islands himself so that he never leaves the lake. In legends, this territory is called the home of their ancestors by the Incas, Aymara and other peoples.
It is the highest navigable lake in the world. Its height above sea level is more than 3800 meters and its average depth is about 150 meters. It is located in South America and is located on the border of two states - Peru and Bolivia, on the Altiplano plateau. The water in the lake is green and rather cold, it often freezes off the coast, and its average temperature is 11 degrees. The salinity of the water is about 1%, so it is considered fresh. Titicaca got its name from the Quechua Indians living around its shores, as well as on the Uros floating islands made of totor reeds in the lake itself. "Titi" from the Quechua language is translated as "puma", this is the totem animal of the local Indians, and "kaka" means "rock". According to another version, the Spaniards gave the name to the lake, while the Aymara and Quechua Indians called it "Mamakota".
basic information
| Name | Lake Titicaca, Spanish Titicaca, Quechua, Aymara Titiqaqa |
| Where is | In South America, on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the Andes, on the Altiplano high plateau |
| GPS coordinates | 15° 50′ 11″ S, 69° 20′ 19″ W -15.836389°, -69.338611° |
| What is | The world's highest navigable lake, the second largest lake in South America |
| Height above sea level | 3812 - 3821 m (depending on the season) |
| flowing river | Desaguadero |
| Max Depth | 281 m |
| Length | 230 km |
| Width | 97 km |
| Coastline | 1125 km |
| Water type | Fresh, salinity about 1 ppm |
| Peculiarity | On the lake there are floating islands Uros (Uros) from the reeds of Totora, on which the Quechua and Aymara Indians live. |
The main questions that interest everyone about this lake, how did it get so high and why is it inhabited by marine fish? According to a number of studies, it turns out that many millions of years ago the plateau on which the lake is located was part of the sea bay, as evidenced by the traces of the sea surf on the slopes of the mountains, as well as the fossils of large marine life on the shores of the lake. But as a result of tectonic activity during the collision of plates of the earth's crust, the Altiplano plateau rose to a height of about 4 kilometers.
In the lake itself, at a depth of about 30 meters, the researchers found stone terraces, sculptures and a pavement 1 kilometer long, which indicates that the lake was earlier less deep. According to local legends, the city of Wanaku was once located there, but it was flooded.
Read also:
Lake Titicaca in Peru is overgrown with totora reeds, from which locals build floating islands, their houses and boats
Lake Titicaca on the map
How to get from Cusco to Puno
So to see it for yourself amazing lake Titicaca, we arrived by bus in the Peruvian city of Puno, populated mainly by indigenous Indians. Many buses of different companies go here from here. We arrived at the Cusco bus terminal early in the morning, bought tickets from Tour Peru for 30 soles each and went to Puno at 8.00. The next flight from Transzela leaves at 8.30. We spent about 7 hours on the way. The stop was one for 15 minutes with the opportunity to buy all sorts of local sweets, chips, juices or coffee. There was also a very clean toilet.
Hotels in Puno and Lake Titicaca
All who come to the city of Puno pursue the only goal - to see unique lake Titicaca. The choice with check-in is the following: find a very good or inexpensive hotel in Puno, or settle right on the lake - on a reed island!
Top hotels in Puno
- Libertador Lago Titicaca Puno- grade 9.1 . The best hotel 5* in Puno, located on the island of Esteves. Puno is only 5 minutes by car. Anyone sailing from the port of Puno on a tour of the lake will definitely pass by the majestic hotel. Beautiful rooms overlooking the lake and an excellent restaurant serving international and local dishes. The hotel has a fitness room and a sauna. There is a park around the hotel, and guests are glad that they meet wild animals there. Book >>
- Mirador del Titikaka- grade 9.1 . The hotel is located on a hill and offers views of Lake Titicaca from the rooms. Guests note warm and ethnic-style rooms and incredibly helpful staff. The hotel has a good restaurant and breakfast is included in the price. The hotel has the Inca Trail, so you can walk Book >>
Cheap hotels in Puno
- Hostal Helena Inn- grade 9.1. The hotel is located in the city center. The rooms are small but cozy and clean. Some rooms have views of Lake Titicaca. A delicious breakfast is included in the price. Guests note the friendly staff and their willingness to help. Book >>
- Cozy Hostel- grade 8.3 . The hostel with private and shared rooms is located in the city center. The rooms are decorated in ethnic style. The price includes breakfast. There is a shared kitchen. Book >>
The best hotel on Lake Titicaca in the Uros Islands
- Uros Titicaca Lodge- grade 9.7 . The best family hotel on the Uros Islands. The rooms have a private terrace overlooking the lake and a private bathroom. During your holiday on Uros Island, you can participate in the life of local families, ride a reed boat and fish, as well as learn all about the culture of the inhabitants of Lake Titicaca. This is a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time. Guests note that family members are very caring and help their guests in everything. The price includes meals. The hosts provide transfers from Puno. Book >>
Excursion to Lake Titicaca from Puno to Lake Titicaca
Arriving in Puno and checking into a hotel, we immediately went to the local port to see what options we have to see the lake. After reviewing the offers, we decided that to get to know the lake and the local culture, a day trip around the lake with stops on two islands: the floating Uros and the usual Taquila would be enough for us. There was an offer to spend the night on a distant island, but we decided to spend the whole day on the lake without spending the night on the islands and return to Puno in the evening. There should not have been any problems with tickets, you can easily buy them at the pier right before departure at a convenient time for you. Having dealt with all this, we went to sleep with peace of mind. And in the morning we ran to the port twenty minutes before the first boat sailed and bought tickets for a tour of the islands of Uros (Las islas Uros) and Taquile (Taquile). Departure is at 7.45 and the tour costs 25 soles per person. However, on the way we still had to pay 5 soles to pay for a pass to the Uros Islands. The tour lasts 9 hours and the boat arrives in Puno at approximately 17.00.
Puno Map
Puno city map
Map of attractions around Lake Titicaca
Floating islands Uros (Uros) on Lake Titicaca in Peru
As usual, the newly arrived tourists are met by the president of the floating island and for about five minutes he talks about how they build such islands and keep their household on them. He speaks Spanish, and something was clear to us, but something, of course, not. In any case, he accompanied his story with an example from natural visual aids: totora reeds, small houses, toy boats and human figures. Just like a teacher at school. Then the president, of course, offers to take a ride in their Mercedes, a beautiful reed boat, and then the grandmothers who want to sell their products come running. But tourists mostly brush aside and try to see the amazing floating island, for which they actually came here, and which the locals created with their own hands.
Video tour of the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
These islands are built according to ancient primitive technologies from totora, a local reed-reed plant growing on the lake. The ancestors of the current islanders once did not share something with the Incas and fled to Titicaca, to their historical homeland, where they hid in the green waters of the lake. Since then, all they have done is build islands, then put meager dwellings right on top of the floating island, and live by keeping ancient traditions. Their legends tell that it was these people who were the very first on Earth, that they appeared precisely at Lake Titicaca, and from here dispersed to the surroundings. The legends of the neighbors confirm this, calling the islanders "the first people." 
Be that as it may, now the fugitives tremblingly preserve their culture, and they do not want to return to the mainland. And what are they to do there? They only know how to build islands and weave beautiful rugs. Young people, they say, are still trying to fit into the life of the rest of the country and get an education. And their parents in the 20th century found another niche: Puno, as the folklore capital of Peru, is now famous for its floating reed islands and their ancient inhabitants. And that's all tourists need!
Taquile Island on Titicaca
The next point of the program was the rocky island of Taquile. To do this, we left the bay and found ourselves in the open space of a huge lake. That's when you realize what a miracle it is! Green waters splash nearby, the sky seems endless, and it feels like you are floating on the sea. It is not surprising that many peoples consider this place their ancestral home, and around Titicaca there are the most ancient and incomprehensible cities.
On the island of Taquile, too, people lived a long time ago. Inca and pre-Inca ruins have been found here. All of them, however, are in a rather deplorable state. Virtually nothing remains to this day. Nevertheless, walking around the island is curious.
Of course, we knew that the Incas and other peoples liked to build on the tops of hills, so we went there to look for the ruins. Oh, and this is not an easy job to go up the stairs three days after graduation and at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level! Moreover, we had to hurry, since we were given only two and a half hours to explore the island (and we had to arrive at the port at 14.20), otherwise we would have had to spend the night here, but we didn’t want to.
We managed to climb only one part of Taquile Island. Surprisingly, yet again the rural hinterland of Peru reminds me of Ireland and Wales. Something in common in landscapes and buildings seems to hint at subtle connections between such distant civilizations. But I was sitting on top of a hill, looking at the water surface and remembering Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed across the ocean in a Kon-Tiki boat. And this boat was the same as those made by the inhabitants of the Uros Islands, the most ancient people near Lake Titicaca.
Storm on Lake Titicaca near Puno
On the way back to Puno, we were hit by a strong storm that turned into hail, a rare thing in Peru. But despite the fact that we ran to the hotel completely wet, it was a truly eventful day. Lake Titicaca, being the main energy center of the region, seemed magical and amazing to us. And it is no coincidence that so many incredible and inexplicable places are concentrated around it, like or
It is one of the most mysterious bodies of water on the planet. Incredible natural phenomena, mysterious ancient pyramids, harsh stone statues and the legendary city of Tiahuanaco are just a part of those unsolved secrets that the silent waters of the lake and their shores, covered with centuries-old dust of eternity, keep from mankind.
Peculiarities. Titicaca is considered the second largest lake in South America, after Maracaibo, and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located at an altitude of over 3800 meters, in the Altiplano plateau, among the majestic Andes, having the largest supply of fresh water on the planet. Many rivers flowing down from glaciers flow into it, and the Desaguadero River also flows out, which, in turn, flows into the endorheic Poopo Lake, which is located on the territory of Bolivia. Over the years, many scientists from different countries of the world are studying the features of the lake, its structure, flow and mysterious historical artifacts found at the bottom, but many questions still remain unanswered. In addition to researchers and experts, Titicaca is visited annually by thousands of tourists who are also attracted by the mysteries and mysteries of these places.
Major cities. Cast largest city here stands the Peruvian Puno, located on the west coast. It serves as an important agricultural center and also has light industry and a shipyard. In the Bolivian part of the lake space, the city of Copacabana stands out, in whose vicinity many traces of the existence of the Inca tribe were discovered, including various statues and ancient ruins of the pyramids. The local population of the region, represented by the Aymara and Quechua peoples, mainly lives on the islands and along the western shores of the lake. People live there according to the laws of their ancestors, observing old traditions and way of life, fishing and farming. In recent years, the construction of new factories in high mountain cities near Titicaca has caused atmospheric pollution and disruption of the unique ecosystem of the lake, leading to the formation of methane, which is a serious threat not only for underwater inhabitants, but can also turn into a real environmental disaster for everyone. region.
general information. The surface area of Titicaca is 8300 square meters. km, with a length of 230 km and a width of 97. The average depth ranges from 140 - 180 meters, with the greatest depth of 304 meters. Periodically, these figures change, depending on weather conditions and seasonality. The main difference between Titicaca and other lakes is the presence of oceanic fauna, thanks to which marine invertebrate fish and even sharks live in it. The local time behind Moscow by 9 hours. Go to winter time is not carried out. Time zone UTC-5.
A brief excursion into history. According to Inca mythology, the sun god Inti was born on these shores, as well as the first king of the empire, Manco Capac. It was he who created the Kingdom of Cuzco, thereby laying the foundation for the existence of an entire era. Many Indians living today in the surrounding areas of the lake still honor the legends and beliefs of the past, periodically performing rituals and celebrating important dates related to the pagan religion of the Incas. During the existence of the lake, many scientists and travelers, among whom was even the legendary Jacques Yves-Cousteau, were looking for answers to their questions in the depths of Titicaca. Until 2000, their search did not give the desired result, until at the turn of the century, archaeologists finally discovered the ruins ancient temple dated back to the pre-Inca era. This discovery only increased the interest of the world community in these places, and the number of tourists increased markedly.
Climate. The region is dominated by a cool continental climate, with an average annual air temperature of about +7 - +9 degrees. Most of the year's precipitation falls from December to February. Due to the fact that glacial springs serve as the main nutrient reservoir for Titicaca, the water in the lake is very cold even on the hottest days and rarely exceeds +11 degrees. The peak tourist season is from June to September.
How to get there. Transport. In terms of transport accessibility, the lake is a real dream for a true traveler, that is, the road is extremely long and difficult. The most important transport hubs here are the cities of Puno, Guaki and Juli. A narrow gauge railway connects Guaqui with the capital of Bolivia, the city of La Paz. Between the Peruvian Puno and the Bolivian Guaqui, sea vessels regularly go. From Lima Airport to the coast of the lake, there are regular bus routes that take tourists to Puno in 42 hours. It can also be reached by train from Cusco in 10 hours. To move between the islands, all kinds of floating means are used, including banal, but ideally adapted to local conditions, rafts.
Attractions and infrastructure. Among the most famous and visited tourist sites of Titicaca are the burial towers of Silustani, where the burial places of local Inca leaders are located, Taquile Island, which houses the Textile Museum, Amantani Island with the charming churches of Pachamama and Pachatata, flaunting at an altitude of 4200 meters and the highland village of Chuquito, with beautiful temple of Santo Domingo. 20 km south of Puno, spread mysterious city Incas - Tiahuanaco, where special attention should be paid to the Akapana pyramid 15 meters high, the Kalasasaya stone and the Gates of the Sun, built of impressive stone boulders. In order to properly survey the surroundings, you need to go to Taquile Island, which offers wonderful views of the grandiose lake landscapes. The reed islands of Uros act as a floating open-air museum, with local tribes living on them, pumping on the lake like eternal sailors. The islanders are very hospitable to guests, show them their homes and ride on reed boats of their own making. Interestingly, they also use the same cane as food.
Of no less interest is the small town of Chuquito, 18 km from Puno, with the temple of fertility located on its territory - Inca Uyo. The usual excursion program on the lake, with visits to the main attractions, archaeological zones and Indian villages, with overnight stays and food, lasts about 3 days, and the price varies depending on the added objects of visit during the route and other services. When going on a trip to Lake Titicaca, it is worth considering that the places here are quite wild and the infrastructure, as such, is not provided here. True, in local settlements, the Indians have already adapted to the visits of foreigners, independently organizing impromptu cafes and shops for them, where travelers can purchase various exotic souvenirs and have a good meal at a bargain price. More demanding tourists should make forays within the reach of the main cities, where restaurants, comfortable hotels and entertainment venues are provided.
Lake Titicaca is a real dream for many adventure seekers. This unique place, is a combination of amazing nature, harsh conditions of survival, the mysteries of civilization and the curiosity of culture, which originated many centuries ago. A trip to this region is an excellent opportunity to get a lot of impressions and in just a few days to learn a lot more about the world around us than was known until now.
General information
Among the snow-covered mountain ranges of the Andes, there is an amazing alpine Lake Titicaca.
This body of water located at an altitude of 3812 meters above sea level. The border of two countries passes through its waters: in the West - Bolivia, and in the east - Peru. The depth of the lake ranges from 140 to 180 meters, and the maximum depth is 281 meters. The water in it heats up to 10-12 C. At night, the water near the shore freezes. There are 41 islands on Lake Titicaca, some of which are inhabited. About 300 rivers flow into the lake, and one flows out - Desaguadero.
Name
For a long time, the shores of the lake were inhabited by the Quechua and Aymara Indian peoples. The name of the lake contains words from the Quechua language: kaka means rock, and titi means puma. For a long time, this animal has been considered sacred by the Quechua people. Previously, the Indians called the reservoir "Mamakota" and "Lake Pukin", which means a lake from the country of Pukin - a pre-Columbian state that existed in the South American continent.
Flora and fauna
Among the inhabitants of the high-mountain reservoir, carp and crucian carp are most often found. In addition, trout live in the lake. It was brought from other reservoirs of North America. In the 1930s and 1940s, predatory salmon were settled in the reservoir, which caused great harm to the local inhabitants. An interesting fact is that representatives of the marine fauna live in the alpine lake. This is explained by the fact that a hundred million years ago the reservoir was part of the ancient ocean, but due to natural disasters, it rose to such a height. Evidence of marine origin are the remains of fossils of marine animals found along the shores of the lake and traces of sea waves on coastal rocks. Among the birds, mainly waterfowl live: Chilean flamingos, cormorants, ducks, etc. Of the mammals living along the banks of the reservoir, you can meet: Andean fox, llama, alpaca, Andean wolf. The local flora is famous for its thickets of reeds. They are a breeding ground for aquatic birds, and the local Uru Indians use it as a material for building floating islands and boats.
There are a lot of reeds growing along the shores of the lake. From it the Indians make houses and boats.
floating islands
The main attraction for which Lake Titicaca is famous is the floating islands of the Uros Indian people. The Indians lived on such islands made of reeds for a long time. Such unusual dwellings appeared during the time of the Incas, whom the Uros did not want to submit to and, in case of danger, sailed away from the coast. Some islands were equipped with observation towers.The militant Incas for a long time did not know about the existence of the Uros tribe, until they accidentally discovered them in the reed beds. The inhabitants of the floating islands were subject to tribute. When the Conxiscodores came to the Andes, the Inca empire fell and the Uros became free again. Cane making has become part of their culture. In our time, many representatives of this people have moved to land and live an ordinary life. However, some continue to live on floating islands, the number of which is 40.
Floating islands are part of the culture of the Uros Indians. They have lived on the islands since the time of the Inca Empire. On the big islands about ten families live, the small ones have two or three. The Indians eat fish, raise chickens and pigs. Food is cooked on a fire, making a fire on special stones. From reeds on the islands, houses were built and boats were made on which the Indians swim. In addition, this material is used to make clothes and is used as food by the islanders. Over time, the reed breaks, so every three months the Uros put new stems.
underwater archeology
Lake Titicaca is famous for its myths and legends that tell about the city of Wanaku resting at the bottom, which stores the gold of the Inca Empire. When the Spaniards advanced, the Incas threw their jewels into the water. The famous French explorer Jacques Yves-Cousteau made the first dive into the waters of a high mountain lake. He could only find pottery. In the 2000s, archaeologists from Italy found at a depth of about 30 meters a part of an ancient wall, about one meter in size, stone pavements and a fragment of a sculpture in the form of a human head. Their age was approximately 1500 years. In 2001, a group of scientists from Bolivia and Belgium found new finds at the bottom of the reservoir. Among them were items made of gold and silver, crockery, pottery, and vessels decorated with a cougar's head. All found items belong to the eras of different civilizations, including the Inca Empire.
The altar at which the priests performed their rites. Island of the Sun. Island of the Sun
The Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) is the largest among the islands of natural origin. It is located on the Bolivian side of the lake. According to the legends of the Incas, the god of the Sun, Inti, was born on it. The population of the island is 5000 people. All of them are engaged in agriculture, fishing and tourist services. The main attraction of the island is stone maze Chincana, which was a school of priests in the state of the Incas. It contains a sacred stone for the Incas, from which the whole empire of this people begins. There is also a sacred spring on the island called the Fountain of Youth. It is located on a hill, and in order to reach it, you need to climb 206 steps.
Information for tourists
You can get to Lake Titicaca by bus. It departs from the capital of Peru, Lima, and follows to the city of Puno, the largest locality on the shore of the lake. Floating islands are not far from Puno. Travel time will take about 40 hours. You can also fly by plane to the city of Cusco, and from there by train to come to Puno. Travel time will be 10 hours.
On the Bolivian side is the tourist town of Copacabana, rich in hotels, cafes and bars. From its pier, boats leave for Isla del Sol. You can come for one day or several. A hotel has been opened for tourists on the island. You can get to the city of Copacabana by bus, which departs from the capital of Bolivia, the city of La Paz. Travel time will be 3 and a half hours.
I don’t know how it happened that in Bolivia - such a small, cheap and not the most popular country for tourists - there are several attractions that have no analogues in the world. This is the famous salt marsh with its colorful lagoons and salt hotels. This is the mountainous city of La Paz at an altitude of 3593 meters above sea level. This is the famous Lake Titicaca.
The lake is located on the border of Bolivia and covers an incredible area of 8500 km². The water border between the two countries divides the lake into almost two equal parts with a slight preponderance of y (56% and 44%). The lake is famous for the largest reserves of fresh water in South America and the fact that it is the highest navigable lake. However, these are just boring details.
In fact, Lake Titicaca impresses not with numbers and a place in the ratings, but with its nature, colors, brightness and color. This is one of the few places in the world where I wanted to photograph every meter, where it was impossible to stop looking at this miraculous splendor, trying to absorb the incredible energy of this mysterious island.
According to legend, it was from the blue waters of Titicaca that the messengers of the Sun God came out, the progenitors of the Incas Manco Capac and Mama Okllo, who founded a great civilization. If I were in their place, I would leave too. On the Bolivian side, in my opinion, the brightest place is the island of the Sun, which is considered the birthplace of the ancestors of the Incas. On the Peruvian part of Titicaca, floating islands are curious, where the Uros Indians live and entertain tourists. There are 25 of them here, but it is enough to visit a few to get an impression of the life and culture of the Indians.
I was very lucky, I went to Lake Titicaca twice, I saw it from the side of two countries, and I will definitely go again if the opportunity arises, because such views as there cannot get bored. And the emotions that I experienced on the lake - a mixture of admiration and delight - are priceless.
How to get there
Since the lake is located at the junction of two states, you can get here in different ways, depending on which country is the first on your route. Moreover, the border between Peru and Bolivia is very simple, so you can easily see Lake Titicacu from two sides, because the landscape is radically different.
Usually combined routes Latin America arranged so that travelers first get to Peru, and then go to Bolivia. There are exceptions, for example, if you travel by plane and fly only to Bolivia. Nevertheless, given the popularity of just such an order, I will follow such a sequence in my story.
Peru
By plane
The flight from Russia to Peru is long and expensive. On average, you will have to spend at least 17 hours in the air and at docks.
From Moscow to Lima
Main international Airport Lima - Jorge Chavez International Airport, it is here that flights from the Russian capital arrive.
All flights are operated with at least one connection. Here is a list of airlines that fly on the desired route.
- Iberia(connection in Madrid);
- KLM(connection in Paris and Amsterdam);
- airfrance(docking in Paris);
- Lufthansa(connection in Frankfurt)
- british airways(connection in London);
- Delta airlines(docking in London and Atlanta).
Ticket prices start from 1200 USD. More often the price is higher, but you can and should track stocks and Special offers on the websites of these airlines, so as not to miss the opportunity to purchase tickets at a bargain price. 800–900 USD - very good price. You can monitor promotions and special offers here.
From Lima to Puno
After you have covered thousands of miles by air and arrived in the Peruvian capital of Lima, you need to make one more effort and get to Puno. Puno is a city located on the banks of the mystical Titicaca.
This is an Indian town with a colonial center and several viewing platforms. The nearest airport to Puno - Inca Manco Cápac International Airport - is located in the town of Juliaca, 45 kilometers from Puno.
You can fly to Juliaca from Lima with only two airlines:
Avianca and LATAM.
Travel time is 1.5–2 hours, the cost of a one-way ticket is 160–190 USD. You can get from Juliaca Airport to Puno by taxi (25-40 USD), by minibus (8-10 USD per person) or book a transfer from your hotel in Puno.
To Puno from other cities
Since travelers usually try to see different sights as part of a trip to Peru, many go to Puno after Cusco.
If you want to make this journey by air, LATAM airlines operate flights on the Cusco - Puno route (55 minutes, 120 USD).
By bus
The bus is the most popular way to travel around and between countries in Latin America. In Peru, there are many companies, the buses are comfortable, you can choose the desired class of trip.
The most popular bus company in Peru is Cruz del Sur. Tickets for its buses are often more expensive, but the quality of transportation is on the level. Here are the most popular routes:
- - Puno (22 hours, about 35 USD);
- Cusco - Puno (6.5 hours, 10-20 USD);
- - (7.5 hours, 10-20 USD);
In addition to Cruz del Sur, there are many other companies where you can find tickets and cheaper if you know the language and unassuming comfort.
By train
lovers railway transport those arriving in Puno from can use the local rails and ride the train with breathtaking views from the windows.
The Andean Explorer train departs at 8 am and arrives in Puno at 6 pm. The same timetable is valid for the opposite direction. The train runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Friday trains are added from April to October. However, entertainment is not for the economical: the cost of the trip starts from 250 USD for a one-way ticket.
Of course, this includes food, drinks and even a panoramic platform at the end of the train.
But the composition is slow, and such a price personally seems to me too high. Also, Peruvian railways offer various options tickets. You can not only drive from Puno in 10 hours and vice versa, but also spend the night as part of a two-day tour, meet the sunrise and participate in a glamorous dinner with other passengers of the elite train.
Whether you are ready to pay 500–1000 USD (the price varies depending on the type of accommodation) for such entertainment is up to you! But my option is the bus. Night moving allows you to save money on spending the night at the hotel, and the comfort is sufficient so as not to experience inconvenience. In the VIP class, for example, tablets and hot meals are provided, and wireless Internet works even in inexpensive buses.
Bolivia
Bolivia is the second country where you can get acquainted with Lake Titicaca. On its coast lies a small town with the romantic name of Copacabana.
It is here that tourists come to see the fantastic lake, and it is from here that boats leave for the mystical and beautiful Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol). If you come from Russia, then, of course, there is only one way to get to Bolivia. And this is an airplane.
From Russia to La Paz
Despite the fact that the capital of Bolivia is, the main international flights arrive in La Paz, at El Alto Airport (El Alto) - the highest international airport in the world (4061 meters above sea level).
All flight options from Moscow are carried out with at least two connections. There are not so many flight options:
- british airways(across );
- Lufthansa(via Frankfurt);
- KLM(across );
- Air France (across );
- Iberia(across ).
The total travel time is about 30-40 hours depending on connections, the price starts from 1300 USD for a round trip ticket. If there are several countries on your itinerary, then it is more convenient to fly to Peru or Colombia, and from there go to Bolivia. At least by plane (the South American companies LATAM and Avianca have the most flights), at least by land.
La Paz is located 136 kilometers from Copacabana. Therefore, after landing on Bolivian territory, the further path passes by land - in a bus so beloved in Latin America.
From La Paz to Copacabana
Buses from La Paz to Copacabana depart from the main terminal of the city (Terminal De Buses). The colonial-style building is easy to find, but, most importantly, do not pay attention to street barkers, but confidently go inside to the ticket office.
Travel time between La Paz and Copacabana is 3-4 hours, and the ticket price varies between 6-10 USD.
From Puno to Copacabana
As I already wrote, many travelers (including myself) come to the Bolivian Copacabana from the Peruvian Puno, combining the two banks of the Titicaca in one trip.
It is very easy to do this. The only thing worth thinking about in advance is a visa to Bolivia. For Russians, it is free if you get it in advance at the consulate. It can be a consulate in Moscow or in any other city. I received it once in the Peruvian capital Lima, and the second time at the Consulate of Bolivia in Ecuador. Usually a visa is issued within an hour with the correct submission of documents. The visa is issued for 30 days by very pleasant and friendly staff. The main thing is to follow the rules for photographs.
If it says “photo on a red background”, then you need to bring a photo on a red background. Reservations and tickets are flexible, yet many travel by land. For example, they gave me a computer so that I could print out a letter from a Bolivian travel agency in which they sent me prices for a salt marsh tour. If there is no time and no desire to run around looking for where to take a photo on a red background, then the problem is easily solved at the border. 55 USD and a visa is stuck in your passport with you. Choose the method that is convenient for you! From the Puno terminal in the direction of Copacabana, buses leave at 6:00, 7:30 and 14:30. Ticket price - 3-5 USD.
Travel time: 2.5 hours to the border, about an hour to pass the border, then 300 meters on foot and another 10 minutes by bus to Copacabana already on Bolivian soil.
Prompt:
Lake Titicaca time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Yekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
How to get there?
By plane
Prompt:
Lake Titicaca time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Yekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
When is the season. When is the best time to go
The ideal time to travel through the highlands of Bolivia and Peru is May to October. This is the dry season, with almost no rain, which makes it possible to drive to almost any corner of the mountainous terrain. According to the laws of logic, this period is also the most popular among tourists, so in the most popular (and beautiful) places you can stumble upon crowds of travelers. Many, by the way, find their relish in this.
The temperature can vary greatly, during the day the sun fries and the thermometer can show up to + 26 ° C, and at night the temperature easily drops to zero. Nevertheless, this advice is not a panacea, you need to build on your own capabilities.
I was on Lake Titicaca in March and April, and the impressions were the best. In Puno, the evening rain overtook me, but the sun shone in the morning, and the trip along the lake was not overshadowed. And on the Bolivian side, we managed to get into a storm on our boat from the island of the Sun. Returning from an amazing walk around the island, nothing foreshadowed trouble, when suddenly the sky was painted with beautiful, but frightening shades of gray and blue. The stormy sky is beautiful, but we still did not know what awaits us ....
After 10 minutes, lightning flashed, after 15 it rained, after 20 it snowed, after 25 it became creepy. The boat dangled on the waves, the locals laughed, the foreigners looked at the staggering horizon with horror in their eyes.
The old Bolivian grandmother rolled her eyes and nervously waved her hands in the air as she cast spells. When the wave hit the windshield, Granny rolled her eyes even more and increased the amplitude and intensity of the wave of her hand. All hope was on her and on the captain.
There was a team on the boat. One passenger wiped the glass so that the captain could see where to sail. Another passenger helped change the gas tanks, and everyone tried to pretend that nothing was happening. It was scary, I had not yet fallen into a storm on Titicaca ... There was no panic, but every time when the boat began to rock, and the next wave broke loudly against the windshield, my hands nervously clung to the partition, and inside everything turned over, cooler than from the first impressions of "Titanic". When the captain began to ask those sitting in front whether the anchor was in place and whether it had been washed away by a wave, it became uncomfortable. Apparently, granny knew a lot about spells, and we nevertheless arrived at our destination alive. Everyone applauded the captain.
In the meantime, the rain subsided and the sky was painted with bright colors, nothing reminded of the horror that we all participated in 10 minutes ago. Therefore, do not be afraid of the off-season, at this time the views will not be worse, and there will be fewer people (April, May, October, November). And, as you know, additional adventures only add spice to travel.
Prompt:
Lake Titicaca monthly weather
When is the season? When is the best time to go?
Lake Titicaca monthly weather
Prompt:
Lake Titicaca monthly weather
Areas of residence
Puno, Peru
In Puno, two districts of residence can be conditionally distinguished. The historic center around the colonial Plaza de Armas and beyond.
Copacabana
Copacabana is a small town, and here everything is simple with accommodation. There are many options for every taste and budget. I would divide the town into 2 zones.
What are the prices for holidays
Holiday prices usually depend on what and how you like to do while traveling: where to eat, how to move around, what to eat and what to buy.
Puno
During the holiday, colorful processions and speeches by the first persons of the country are held in order to recall the losses in the war and not to forget about the position of the state on this issue. The President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, does not part with hopes to return to the country his piece of the Pacific coast. There is even a monument dedicated to the former maritime possessions of Bolivia.
In addition, as elsewhere in Latin America, they celebrate carnival(in February-March) and the week before Easter in April (Semana Santa).
And, of course, as in a religious country, Catholic Christmas is celebrated on a grand scale here at the end of December.
Security. What to watch out for
In general, the Lake Titicaca region is quite safe, however, cities that stand in the way can be fraught with dangers. In particular, we are talking about the Peruvian Puno, since Copacabana is very small and very touristy. So, where can you expect a catch?
- Fake cops. The layout is as old as the world. And although it is written about in all guidebooks, scammers continue to work according to the old scheme, without making adjustments to the criminal plan. Exactly the same thing happened to me on one of my trips. You suddenly see a tourist looking at a map in bewilderment. Most often, this is not a European tourist, but a local one. A young man, a girl, a woman with a child or an old man. They start asking you about something, like where is such-and-such a museum or such-and-such a restaurant. I was immediately tense by this situation, because a local Spanish-speaking tourist would be more likely to turn to a Peruvian for help. So I grabbed my bag tighter and turned on my vigilance. The rest of the pattern is always the same. A man in civilian clothes comes up to you and introduces himself as a policeman (quickly shows some kind of document) and says that their department is just looking for several tourists. Here you and that decoy, very similar to them, show me the documents. That's when I knew for sure that this was a scam. First, the police must be in uniform. Secondly, the local tourist was not in vain aroused suspicion. In such a situation, feel free to leave. Usually the further scheme is simple, you are asked to go to the “department”, where everything can be more serious and dangerous, or they can simply take your passport and demand a ransom.
- Another popular wiring pattern in Peru is and raped woman. My friend and I were walking to the port to explore the islands, when suddenly a woman of obviously local appearance approached us, who in broken English (which is immediately alarming) began to tell a sad story about how she was raped. She asked for help: give the phone to call or go somewhere together. My companion was a sensitive person and wanted to help, but I thought that a local resident would rather be helped by someone local, and not incomprehensible white tourist. Therefore, we retired and did not go deep into the poor quarters to help sort things out. Be carefull.
- Particular care must be taken in deserted places in the evening and at night. On the viewing platforms Puno is not recommended to go up after 16. Do not carry valuables, keep passports and money in hotel lockers and critically assess strangers.
- Be carefull when choosing an ATM. Sometimes it’s better to walk a couple of meters, but withdraw money from ATMs at a bank branch than use dubious ATMs on the street. Always look around and don't be afraid to change your mind.
- IN Taxi in Puno negotiate the price in advance and always sit back. Do not forget that if you paid for a taxi, then never it is not allowed to accept the driver's offer to give a ride to a brother, father-in-law, son or good friend.
Things to do
Shopping and shops
Shopping in Copacabana and Puno, as well as on the islands of Titicaca, is most often handmade products that the Indians make and help them earn an extra penny.
Remember that in Bolivia the price of products made from llama and alpaca wool is much lower than in neighboring Peru. Shopping centers- this is a predominantly spontaneous market format, or just single locals selling what they have done with their own hands.
There are many kiosk-type shops popular in Latin America where you can buy two eggs, half a pack of margarine and 100 grams of vegetable oil.
bars
Puno and Copacabana have bars, like any other tourist places. In Puno, they are most often located near the central Plaza De Armas. Here are the most famous bars:
- Pacha Mixology: Jr. Lima 370;
- Positive rock reggae bar: Lima 382;
- Yatiri Bar: Puno 236;
- RockNRolla Bar: Arequipa 755.
And in Copacabana, cafes and bars can be found on the main and only entertainment street - August 6 Avenue (Avenida 6 de Agosto), or on the waterfront.
Some bars work in youth hostels. The most famous bar in Copacabana is Km Zero Resto Bar.
Clubs and nightlife
There are very few discos in these places, and this is not bad, since walks in the sunny highlands suggest healthy sleep and the absence of a hangover.
However, for the most hardy, there are several places in Puno:
- Domino Megadisco: Libertad 443
- La Noika: Libertad 560
- Platinum: Libertad 484
And one place in Copacabana:
- Waykys discoteca: corner of Avenida 16 de Julio and Avenida 6 de Agosto. The disco is open on weekends until 4 am.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
In the mountainous region of Bolivia and Peru, they make very high quality and beautiful sweaters, ponchos, blankets and blankets from llama and alpaca.
Quality wool products are not cheap. The race for cheapness can lead not only to a short product life, but also to allergic skin reactions.
Lama and alpaca wool carpets medium size (alpaca wool is softer and more delicate) cost from 85 USD. Wool sweaters start at $20, while a traditional bowler hat can be purchased for as little as $10. Among the hats there is another interesting specimen - felt toadstool hat. Such a miracle can be bought for 4 USD.
Curious souvenir - armadillo shell guitar(charango). Its sounds are mesmerizing and reminiscent of shamanic chants. Price from 50 USD. If you love music then there is another incredible musical instrument in Bolivia - flute siku typical of the Andean region. The sound resembles the wind, you can buy one for home use for 50 USD.
On the floating islands of Uros, you can buy wicker souvenirs and beautiful panels with embroidery made in bright colors (from 5 USD).
You can buy funny knitted toys for children (from 4 USD) and wooden rattles (from 3 USD) for a low price.
Be sure to bargain and don't be afraid to look at the goods, because there are so many interesting and unusual things here that are unlikely to be found in another part of the world.
Things to do
How to move around the region
How to move around the region
In the region, namely the islands of Titicaca, they travel by boat. In cities where acquaintance with the lake begins, you can use both buses and taxis.
Taxi. What features exist
Titicaca - holidays with children
Probably, with all my love for Titicaca, this is not the most the best place for traveling with kids. Cities are at a height, and this can be tolerated by young travelers in different ways. In Puno, of course, there is entertainment for children.
On the shore of the lake there are cute swan boats in which you can ride on the water surface. However, it is suitable for older children.
The Island of the Sun is beautiful, but it can be difficult for children to walk from the north to the south in the heat at an altitude of 4000 meters. However, history knows such examples. Therefore, it all depends on you and the experience of your little traveler. Hotels and restaurants have everything you need, buying bottled water and wet wipes is not problematic.
Have something to add?
Location: Peru, Bolivia
Area: 8 372 km²
Maximum depth: 281 m
Coordinates: 15°47"12.1"S 69°26"30.6"W
The Andean Lake Titicaca fascinates archaeologists, historians and tourists, and every year tens of thousands of travelers from around the world come to its shores. Some seek to see the ruins of the ancient capital of the Andean Empire, Tiwanaku, or as scientists call it " City of dead". Others want to enjoy the beauty of nature and get acquainted with the original culture of the Indian tribes.
Why Titicaca?
The name of the South American lake was invented by the Spaniards who colonized the continent, and for this they used the language of the Quechua Indian people. The word "kaka" the descendants of the Incas denoted a rock, and "titi" called puma. It is noteworthy that the brave and warlike Quechua considered a beautiful wild cat to be their totem animal.
Before the arrival of Europeans, south of Lake Titicaca was the territory of one of the first empires of South America - Tiwanaku. Its inhabitants spoke the Pukin language and called the mountain reservoir "Lake Pukin". The Aymara Indians called it "Mamakota", and today the locals call the majestic lake "Chukivitu".
How did the lake in the mountains
Scientists have always been interested in the history of the origin of the lake, which lies at an altitude of 3812 m above sea level. Where could such a huge reservoir of fresh water come from in the mountains? Conducted geological studies have established that approximately 100 million years ago the lake was located 3.7 km lower. It was a large sea lagoon and connected to the oceans. Together with the Andes mountain ranges, the bay gradually rose to a great height and became freshwater.
Today, on the rocks surrounding the lake shores, you can see traces of the sea surf and the fossil remains of the inhabitants of the ancient sea. Invertebrate marine fish, crustaceans and some species of sharks live at the bottom of the reservoir. Although the lake is considered freshwater, all types of salts characteristic of Pacific Ocean, and the level of mineralization is quite high and amounts to 1%.
Geographic features
Titicaca is located on the Altiplana mountain plateau and is the highest located navigable lake on the planet. Moreover, regular shipping has existed here for more than 100 years. The Andean reservoir also leads as the largest freshwater lake in South America. Titicaca has 893 cu. km clean water. Interestingly, the water in the central part of the huge reservoir has a constant temperature of +10…+12°C and therefore never freezes. But near the coast, night frosts often fetter the surface of the reservoir with a layer of thin ice.
The lake has a length of 176 km, a width of 66 km, and its maximum depth reaches 281 m. The transparency of the water is limited by aquatic vegetation and silt and ranges from 4.5 to 10.5 m.
About three hundred rivers flow into Titicaca, and the total catchment area covers over 58 thousand square meters. km. Like Baikal, only one river, the Desaguadero, flows out of this lake. In the upper reaches, it is navigable, but then the freshwater stream passes through saline soils, becomes shallow, and the water in it becomes salty. It is curious that Desaguadero carries away only 5% of its volume from the lake. The rest of the water evaporates from strong solar radiation and mountain winds.
Underwater secrets of Lake Titicaca
Since the 16th century, when Europeans began the colonization of South America, many scientific studies of the lake and its underwater world have been carried out. According to the surviving Indian legends, at the bottom of the Andean reservoir rests ancient city Inca Wanaku. They tried to expose him several times. In the 1960s, the famous explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau was looking for traces of the mysterious city, but the lake did not want to part with its secret.
In 2000 divers from Italy came to Titicaca. Their discoveries amazed the scientific world! At a depth of 30 m, scientists found a long terrace, similar to an ancient pavement, and for 1 km a stone wall went under water. However, the most surprising find was a stone statue in the form of a human head. The same sculptures were discovered earlier on the ruins of the Indian city of Tiwanaku, which is located 15 km south of Lake Titicaca. The analysis showed that the underwater finds are 1.5 thousand years old.
In 2013, Bolivian and Belgian archaeologists continued their underwater research. More than two thousand unique artifacts were raised from the bottom of the lake, which belong to the ancient empire of Tiwanaku and to later periods in the history of South America. The researchers found here objects made of gold and silver, as well as stylized animal figurines.
Indian culture
Interest in the Andean reservoir is so great that it is rightfully considered one of the most placed lakes in the world. From time immemorial, Quechua and Aymara Indians have lived on its banks. On Titicaca is the Peruvian city of Puno, which appeared in the middle of the XVII century. It is considered by many to be the country's cultural capital, which is why most tours of Peru have routes through Puno. It was in these places that incendiary dances and songs were born, which became widely known throughout South America.
The main attractions of Puno are the picturesque Cathedral and the Carlos Dreyer Museum, where you can see many artifacts that tell about the pre-Columbian history of the continent. The museum was named after the German artist and collector of antiquities, who lived on the banks of the Titicaca for about 30 years. The halls of the museum exhibit ancient mummies, ceramics and sculptures of the Incas, gold items, household items of the Spanish colonialists and paintings.
Floating reed island Uros
On the hill of Wahsapata, above the city, there is a monument in honor of the first Inca, the legendary Manco Capac. This place attracts many tourists, as the hill offers a beautiful view of the old part of Puno and the vastness of Lake Titicaca. Puno is also an important economic center of the country. Several shipyards have been built in this city and there is an active trade with Bolivia across the lake.
Not far from the city is another attraction associated with the Indians. These are the floating islands "uros". The culture of building drifting islands from reeds originated before the colonization of South America and has survived to this day.
Modern tourists can not only see the houses on the reed islands, but also spend the night in them to get to know the life of the Uros Indians. Here, travelers are taken on reed boats, tasted delicious dishes prepared from the core of the reed, and offered beautiful souvenirs.
One of the Uros Islands
Many tourists go to the islands of the Moon and the Sun, where the ruins of Indian temples have been preserved. On the islands, the Inca priests performed their sacred rites, and the leaders of the tribes were buried. It should be borne in mind that both islands belong to Bolivia, so to visit them you need to cross the border of this country.
natural attractions
Titicaca attracts tourists with the beauty of alpine nature. At a distance from the lake shores, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes rise. The area on the northwest coast national reserve"Titicaca". The nature reserve, covering 36,180 hectares, was created to protect the unique biodiversity of the mountain reservoir and colonies of nesting and migratory birds.
Reed boat of the Uros Indians
Since 1997, the banks of Titicaca, overgrown with reeds, have the status of wetlands of international importance and are protected as a habitat for rare species of waterfowl - ducks, geese, gulls and flamingos. Salmon trout lives in the waters of the lake, reaching a length of one meter.
