General information
Among the snow-capped Andes mountain ranges there is an amazing alpine Lake Titicaca.
This pond located at an altitude of 3812 meters above sea level. The border of two countries passes through its waters: Bolivia in the West, and Peru in the East. 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 - the 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: caca means rock, and titi means puma. For a long time, this animal has been considered sacred among the Quechua Narola. Previously, the Indians called the reservoir “Mamakota” and “Lake Puquina,” which means a lake from the country of Puquina, 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 bodies of water in North America. In the 1930s and 1940s, predatory salmon were introduced into the reservoir, causing great harm to local inhabitants. An interesting fact is that representatives of marine fauna live in the high-mountain 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 is provided by the remains of fossils of marine animals found along the shores of the lake and traces of sea waves on the coastal rocks. Among the birds live mainly waterfowl: Chilean flamingos, cormorants, ducks, etc. Among the mammals living along the banks of the reservoir, you can find: Andean fox, llama, alpaca, Andean wolf. The local flora is famous for its thickets of reeds. They provide nesting sites for aquatic bird species, and the local Uru Indians use them as material to build floating islands and boats.
A lot of reeds grow along the shores of the lake. Indians use it to make houses and boats.
floating islands
The main attraction for which Lake Titicaca is famous are the floating islands of the Uros Indian people. The Indians have lived on such islands made of reeds for a long time. Such unusual dwellings appeared during the time of the Incas, to whom the Uros did not want to submit and, when danger arose, swam away from the shore. Some islands were equipped with observation towers.The warlike Incas did not know about the existence of the Uros tribe for a long time, until they accidentally discovered them in the reed thickets. The inhabitants of the floating islands were subject to tribute. When the Conxicodores came to the Andes, the Inca Empire fell and the Uros became free again. Cane making became part of their culture. Nowadays, many representatives of this people have moved to land and live ordinary lives. However, some continue to live on the floating islands, of which there are 40.
Floating islands are part of the Uros Indian culture. They have lived on the islands since the Inca Empire. About ten families live on the large islands, two or three on the small islands. The Indians eat fish and raise chickens and pigs. Food is prepared over a fire, lighting a fire on special stones. Houses on the islands were built from reeds and boats were made on which the Indians sailed. In addition, this material is used to make clothing and is used as food by the islanders. Over time, the reed breaks, so new stems are added every three months.
Underwater archeology
Lake Titicaca is famous for its myths and legends, which tell of the city of Wanaku resting at the bottom, which houses the gold of the Inca Empire. When the Spaniards advanced, the Incas threw jewelry into the water. The first dive into the waters of a high-mountain lake was made by the famous French explorer Jacques Yves-Cousteau. He could only find pottery products. In 2000, 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, dishes, pottery and vessels decorated with the head of a puma. All found objects belong to the eras of different civilizations, including the Inca Empire.
The altar at which the priests performed their rituals. 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 Inca legends, the sun god, Inti, was born on it. The island's population is 5,000 people. All of them are engaged in agriculture, fishing and serving tourists. The main attraction of the island is the Chincan stone labyrinth, which was a school of priests in the Inca state. It contains a stone sacred to the Incas, from which the entire empire of this people began. There is also a sacred spring on the island called the “Fountain of Youth”. It is located on a hill, and to get to it you need to climb 206 steps.
Tourist Information
You can get to Lake Titicaca by bus. It departs from the capital of Peru, Lima, and goes to the city of Puno, the largest populated area on the lake. The floating islands are not far from Puno. Travel time will take about 40 hours. You can also fly to the city of Cusco, and from there take a train to Puno. Travel time will be 10 hours.
On the Bolivian side is the tourist city of Copacabana, rich in hotels, cafes and bars. From its pier, boats depart to 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, La Paz. Travel time will be 3 and a half hours.
Location: Peru, Bolivia
Square: 8,372 km²
Greatest 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 strive to see the ruins of the ancient capital of the Andean Empire, Tiwanaku, or as scientists call it the “City of the Dead.” Others want to enjoy the beauty of nature and get acquainted with the unique culture of 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 descendants of the Incas used the word “kaka” to designate a rock, and “titi” meant a puma. It is noteworthy that the brave and warlike Quechua considered the 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 Pukina language and called the mountain reservoir “Pukina Lake.” The Aymara Indians called it “Mamakota”, and today the locals call the majestic lake “Chukivitu”.
How did the lake appear 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? Geological studies made it possible to establish that approximately 100 million years ago the lake was located 3.7 km lower. It was a large sea lagoon and connected to the world's oceans. Together with the Andes mountain ranges, the bay gradually rose to greater heights and became freshwater.
Nowadays, on the rocks surrounding the lake shores, you can see traces of the sea surf and fossil remains of the inhabitants of the ancient sea. The bottom of the reservoir is inhabited by invertebrate marine fish, crustaceans and some species of sharks. Although the lake is considered freshwater, all types of salts characteristic of the Pacific Ocean are dissolved in its water, and the level of mineralization is quite high and amounts to 1%.
Geographical features
Titicaca is located on the Altiplana mountain plateau and is the highest 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 stores 893 cubic meters. km of 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 shores, night frosts often bind the surface of the reservoir with a layer of thin ice.
The lake is 176 km long, 66 km wide, and its maximum depth reaches 281 m. Water transparency 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 flows from this lake - the Desaguadero. 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 removes only 5% of its volume from the lake. The rest of the water evaporates from strong solar radiation and mountain winds.
The underwater secrets of Lake Titicaca
Since the 16th century, when Europeans began colonizing South America, much scientific research has been carried out on the lake and its underwater world. According to surviving Indian legends, the ancient Incan city of Wanaku rests at the bottom of an Andean reservoir. They tried to disarm him several times. In the 1960s, the famous explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau looked 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. The discoveries they made amazed the scientific world! At a depth of 30 m, scientists found a long terrace similar to an ancient pavement, and for 1 km under water there was a stone wall. However, the most surprising discovery was a stone statue in the form of a human head. The same sculptures were previously discovered in 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 underwater research. More than two thousand unique artifacts were recovered from the bottom of the lake, which date back to the ancient Tiwanaku empire and to later periods in the history of South America. Researchers found here objects made of gold and silver, as well as stylized animal figurines.
Indian culture
The interest in the Andean reservoir is so great that it is rightfully considered one of the most popular 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 mid-17th century. Considered by many to be the cultural capital of the country, most Peru tours are routed through Puno. It was in these places that fiery dances and songs were born that 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 telling about the pre-Columbian history of the continent. The museum was named after a German artist and antiquities collector who lived on the banks of Titicaca for about 30 years. The halls of the museum display ancient mummies, Inca ceramics and sculptures, gold items, household items of 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 Incas - the legendary Manco Capac. This place attracts many tourists, as from the hill there is a beautiful view of the old part of Puno and the expanses of Lake Titicaca. Puno is also an important economic center of the country. Several shipyards have been built in this city, and there is active trade with Bolivia along the lake.
Not far from the city there 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 houses on the reed islands, but also spend the night in them to get a closer look at the life of the Uros Indians. Here, travelers are taken on reed boats, given a taste of delicious dishes made 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 are preserved. On the islands, the Inca priests performed their sacred rites, and tribal leaders 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 its high mountain nature. At a distance from the lake shores, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes rise. On the northwestern coast lies the territory of the Titicaca National Reserve. The natural 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 reed-covered banks of Titicaca have the status of wetlands of international importance and are protected as a habitat for rare species of waterfowl - ducks, geese, gulls and flamingos. The waters of the lake are inhabited by salmon trout, reaching a length of one meter.
Amazing Lake Titicaca, hidden in the Andes, is home to many people. Many cities and villages are located along its banks. Some live on islands in the middle of the lake. And some people build islands themselves so that they never leave the lake. In legends, the Incas, Aymara and other peoples call this territory the home of their ancestors.
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 quite cold; it often freezes near the shores, and its average temperature is 11 degrees. The salinity of the water is about 1%, so it is considered fresh. Titicaca received its name from the Quechua Indians who live around its shores, as well as on the floating Uros islands made from totora reeds in the lake itself. “Titi” is translated from the Quechua language as “puma”, this is the totem animal of the local Indians, and “caca” means “rock”. According to another version, the name of the lake was given by the Spaniards, and among the Aymara and Quechua Indians it was called “Mamacota”.
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 high plateau of the Altiplano |
| 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 |
| Maximum depth | 281 m |
| Length | 230 km |
| Width | 97 km |
| Coastline | 1125 km |
| Water type | Fresh, salinity about 1 ppm |
| Peculiarity | The lake has floating Uros islands made of totora reeds, where Quechua and Aymara Indians live. |
The main questions that interest everyone about this lake are 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 a sea bay, as evidenced by traces of the surf on the mountain slopes, as well as fossils of large marine inhabitants on the shores of the lake. But as a result of tectonic activity when the plates of the earth’s crust collided, the Altiplano plateau rose to a height of about 4 kilometers.
In the lake itself, at a depth of about 30 meters, researchers discovered stone terraces, sculptures and a 1 kilometer long pavement, indicating that the lake was previously shallower. From local legends it follows that 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 local residents build floating islands, their houses and boats
Lake Titicaca on the map
How to get from Cusco to Puno
So, to see this amazing Lake Titicaca for ourselves, we took a bus to the Peruvian city of Puno, inhabited mainly by indigenous Indians. Many buses from different companies go 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 departs at 8.30. We spent about 7 hours on the road. There was one stop for 15 minutes with the opportunity to buy all kinds of local sweets, chips, juices or coffee. There was also a very clean toilet there.
Hotels in Puno and Lake Titicaca
Everyone who comes to the city of Puno has one goal - to see the unique Lake Titicaca. The choice of accommodation is the following: find a very good or inexpensive hotel in Puno, or settle right on the lake - on a reed island!
Best hotels in Puno
- Libertador Lago Titicaca Puno- grade 9.1 . The best 5* hotel in Puno, located on the island of Esteves. Puno is only 5 minutes by car. Everyone sailing from the port of Puno on an excursion around the lake must 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 sauna. There is a park around the hotel, and guests are happy to see wild animals there. Book >>
- Mirador del Titikaka- grade 9.1 . The hotel is located on a hill and the rooms have views of Lake Titicaca. Guests note the warm, ethnic-style rooms and incredibly helpful staff. The hotel has a good restaurant and breakfast is included in the room rate. There is an Inca Trail on site, 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 >>
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. While on Uros Island you can get involved with local families, go on reed boat rides and fish, and learn about the culture of the people 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 with everything. The price includes meals. The hosts provide transfers from Puno. Book >>
Excursion to Lake Titicaca from Puno to Lake Titicaca
Having arrived in Puno and checked into a hotel, we immediately went to the local port to see what options we had to see the lake. After studying the proposals, we decided that to get acquainted with the lake and the local culture, a day excursion 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 shouldn’t be any problems with tickets; you can easily buy them at the pier right before departure at a time convenient for you. Having dealt with all this, we went to bed with peace of mind. And in the morning we ran to the port twenty minutes before the departure of the first boat and bought tickets for a tour of the islands of Uros (Las islas Uros) and Taquile. Departure is at 7.45 and the tour costs 25 soles per person. However, along the way we still had to pay 5 soles to pay for the 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 Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca in Peru
As usual, newly arrived tourists are met by the president of the floating island and talk for about five minutes about how they build such islands and run a household on them. He speaks Spanish, and some things were clear to us, but others, naturally, were not. In any case, he accompanied his story with an example of 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 come running in, wanting to sell their products. But tourists mostly brush it off and try to look at the amazing floating island, for which they actually came here, and which the locals created with their own hands.
Video excursion to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
These islands are built using ancient primitive technologies from totora, a local reed-reed plant that grows on the lake. The ancestors of the current islanders once did not share something with the Incas and fled to Titicaca, their historical homeland, where they hid in the green waters of the lake. Since then, all they have been doing is building islands, then placing meager dwellings right on top of the floating island, and living, preserving ancient traditions. Their legends tell that these people were the very first on Earth, that they appeared precisely at Lake Titicaca, and from here they dispersed throughout the surrounding area. The legends of the neighbors confirm this, calling the islanders “the first people.” 
Be that as it may, now the fugitives carefully preserve their culture and do not want to return to the mainland. And what should they 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 are getting 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 on 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 you feel as if you are sailing 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.
People also lived on the island of Taquile a long time ago. Incan and pre-Incan ruins have been found here. All of them, however, are in rather poor condition. Almost nothing remains to this day. Nevertheless, it is interesting to walk around the island.
We, of course, knew that the Incas and other peoples loved to build on the tops of hills, so we went there to look for ruins. Oh, and it’s not an easy job to go up the steps three days after finishing and at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level! Moreover, we had to hurry, since we were allotted 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 to spend the night here, but we did not want that.
We managed to climb only one part of Taquile Island. Surprisingly, once again the rural hinterland of Peru reminds me of Ireland and Wales. Something in common in the landscapes and buildings seems to hint at subtle connections between such distant civilizations. But I sat on the top of the hill, looked at the surface of the water and remembered Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed across the ocean on the 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 occurrence 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
I don’t know how it happened that in Bolivia - such a small, cheap and not the most popular country among 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 highland 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 8,500 km². The water border between the two countries divides the lake into almost two equal parts with a slight advantage (56% and 44%). The lake is famous for having the largest reserves of fresh water in South America and for being the highest navigable lake. However, these are all just boring details.
In fact, Lake Titicaca amazes not with numbers and place in ratings, but with its nature, colors, brightness and flavor. This is one of those 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, the ancestors of the Incas Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, came out and founded a great civilization. If I were in their place, I would also leave there. On the Bolivian side, the most striking place, in my opinion, is the Island of the Sun, which is considered the birthplace of the ancestors of the Incas. On the Peruvian part of Titicaca, there are curious floating islands on which 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 Titicacu twice, saw it from two countries, and if the opportunity arises, I will definitely go again, because views like those there cannot get boring. And the emotions that I felt 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 countries, you can get here in different ways, depending on which country is first on your route. Moreover, the border between Peru and Bolivia is very simple, so you can easily see Lake Titicacu from both sides, because the landscape is radically different.
Typically, combined routes in Latin America are designed so that travelers first get to Peru and then go to Bolivia. There are exceptions, for example, if you are traveling by plane and flying only to Bolivia. Nevertheless, given the popularity of this particular order, I will follow this 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 on connections.
From Moscow to Lima
Lima's main international airport is Jorge Chavez International Airport, where flights from the Russian capital land.
All flights have at least one connection. Here is a list of airlines that fly on your desired route.
- Iberia(connection in Madrid);
- KLM(connection in Paris and Amsterdam);
- Airfrance(connection in Paris);
- Lufthansa(connection in Frankfurt)
- British Airways(connection in London);
- Delta airlines(connection in London and Atlanta).
Ticket prices start from 1200 USD. More often the price is higher, but you can and should monitor promotions and special offers on the websites of these airlines so as not to miss the opportunity to purchase tickets at a favorable price. 800–900 USD is a very good price. You can monitor promotions and special offers here.
From Lima to Puno
Once you've traveled thousands of kilometers by air and arrived in the Peruvian capital of Lima, you need to make another effort and get to Puno. Puno is a city located on the shores of the mystical Titicaca.
This is an Indian town with a colonial center and several observation platforms. The closest airport to Puno is Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, 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, one-way ticket costs 160–190 USD. You can get from Juliaca Airport to Puno by taxi (25–40 USD), by minibus (8-10 USD per person) or order a transfer from your hotel in Puno.
To Puno from other cities
Since travelers usually try to see different sights during a trip to Peru, many go to Puno after Cusco.
If you want to travel this route by air, LATAM airlines operate flights from Cusco to Puno (55 minutes, 120 USD).
By bus
The bus is the most popular way to travel within and between countries in Latin America. There are many companies in Peru, the buses are comfortable, and you can choose the desired class of travel.
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 high. 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 cheaper if you know the language and are unpretentious to comfort.
By train
Rail lovers arriving in Puno from , can use the local rails and take a train ride with breathtaking views from the windows.
The Andean Explorer train departs at 8 am and arrives in Puno at 6 pm. The same schedule is valid for the return route. The train runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. From April to October, Friday trains are added. However, the entertainment is not for the budget-conscious: the cost of the trip starts from 250 USD for a one-way ticket.
Of course, this includes food, drinks and even the panoramic platform at the end of the train.
But the composition is slow, and I personally think this price is too high. In addition, Peruvian railways offer various ticket options. Not only can you travel 10 hours from Puno and vice versa, but you can also spend the night as part of a two-day tour, watch the sunrise and take part in a glamorous dinner with other elite passengers.
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. An overnight move allows you to save money on spending the night in a hotel, and the comfort is sufficient so as not to experience inconvenience. In VIP class, for example, tablets and hot lunches are provided, and wireless Internet works even on 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 Copacabana.
It is here that tourists come to see the fantastic lake, and it is from here that boats depart 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 - the highest international airport in the world (4061 meters above sea level).
All flight options from Moscow have at least two connections. There are not many flight options:
- British Airways(through );
- Lufthansa(via Frankfurt);
- KLM(through );
- Air France(through );
- Iberia(through ).
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 route, then it is more convenient to fly to Peru or Colombia, and from there go to Bolivia. Either by plane (the South American companies LATAM and Avianca have the most flights), or by land.
La Paz is located 136 kilometers from Copacabana. Therefore, after landing on Bolivian territory, the further journey takes place overland - in a bus so beloved in Latin America.
From La Paz to Copacabana
Buses from La Paz to Copacabana depart from the city's main terminal (Terminal De Buses). The colonial-style building is easy to find, but the main thing is not to pay attention to street barkers, but confidently go inside to the ticket office.
The 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 Bolivian Copacabana from Peruvian Puno, combining the two banks of Titicaca in one trip.
It's very easy to do. The only thing you should think about in advance is a visa to Bolivia. For Russians it is free if you receive it in advance at the consulate. This could be a consulate in Moscow or in any other city. I received it once in the Peruvian capital of Lima, and the second time at the Bolivian consulate in Ecuador. Typically, a visa is issued within an hour if the documents are submitted correctly. 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 must bring a photo on a red background. Reservations and tickets are treated flexibly, yet many travel by land. For example, they provided me with a computer so that I could print out a letter from a Bolivian travel agency in which they sent me prices for a salt flat tour. If there is no time and no desire to run around looking for where to take a photo against a red background, then the problem is easily solved at the border. 55 USD and the visa is pasted into your passport. Choose the method that is convenient for you! From the Puno terminal towards Copacabana, buses depart 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 cross the border, then 300 meters on foot and another 10 minutes by bus to Copacabana, already on Bolivian soil.
Clue:
Lake Titicaca - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Ekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
How to get there?
By plane
Clue:
Lake Titicaca - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Ekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Ideal time to travel through the highlands of Bolivia and Peru - from May to October. This is the dry season, there is 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 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, the sun is hot during the day 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, I was caught in the evening rain, but the sun was shining in the morning, and the trip around 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, there were no signs of trouble, when suddenly the sky turned beautiful, but terrifying shades of gray and blue. The stormy sky is beautiful, but we still didn’t know what awaited us….
After 10 minutes lightning flashed, after 15 it started to rain, after 20 it started snowing, after 25 it became creepy. The boat dangled on the waves, the locals laughed, the foreigners looked at the swaying horizon with horror in their eyes.
The old Bolivian grandmother rolled her eyes and nervously waved her hands in the air, reciting spells. When the wave hit the front window, the granny rolled her eyes even more and increased the amplitude and intensity of her hand waving. All hope was on her and the captain.
There was a team on the boat. One passenger was wiping the glass so that the captain could see where to go. Another passenger helped change the gas tanks, and everyone tried to pretend that nothing was happening. It was scary, I had never been in a storm on Titicaca... There was no panic, but every time the boat began to rock, and the next wave loudly crashed against the windshield, my hands nervously clung to the partition, and everything inside turned over, cooler than the first impressions of "Titanic". When the captain began to ask those sitting in front if the anchor was in place and if it had been washed away by the wave, he began to feel uneasy. Apparently, grandma knew a lot about spells, and we still arrived at our destination alive. Everyone applauded the captain.
Meanwhile, the rain had subsided and the sky was painted with bright colors, nothing was left to remind us of the horror in which we had all been participants 10 minutes ago. Therefore, you should not be afraid of the off-season; at this time the views will be no worse, and there will be fewer people (April, May, October, November). And, as you know, additional adventures only add spice to travel.
Clue:
Lake Titicaca - weather by month
When is the season? When is the best time to go?
Lake Titicaca - weather by month
Clue:
Lake Titicaca - weather by month
Areas of residence
Puno, Peru
In Puno, two areas of residence can be roughly distinguished. The historical center around the colonial Plaza de Armas and what lies beyond.
Copacabana
Copacabana is a small town, and accommodation is simple here. There are many options to suit every taste and budget. I would divide the town into 2 zones.
What are the prices for holidays?
Vacation prices usually depend on what and how you like to do while traveling: where to eat, how to get around, what to eat and what to buy.
Puno
During the holiday, colorful processions and speeches by the country's top officials are held in order to recall the losses in the war and not to forget about the state's position on this issue. Bolivian President Evo Morales has not given up hopes of returning his piece of the Pacific coast to the country. There is even a monument dedicated to Bolivia's former maritime possessions.
In addition, like everywhere else in Latin America, they celebrate carnival(in February-March) and the pre-Easter week in April (Semana Santa).
And, of course, as in a religious country, Catholic Christmas is celebrated here on a grand scale at the end of December.
Safety. What to watch out for
In general, the Lake Titicaca region is fairly safe, but the towns that stand in the way can be fraught with danger. 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. Wiring is as old as time. 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 this incident happened to me on one of my trips. You suddenly see a tourist looking at the map in bewilderment. Most often it 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, for example, where is such and such a museum or such and such a restaurant. This situation immediately bothered me, 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 guard. Then the scheme is always the same. A man in civilian clothes comes up to you and introduces himself as a policeman (quickly shows some document) and says that their department is just looking for several tourists. You and that decoy look very much like them, show me your documents. Then I realized for sure that this was a scam. Firstly, police officers are required to be in uniform. Secondly, it was not for nothing that the local tourist aroused suspicion. In such a situation, feel free to leave. Usually the further scheme is simple, you are asked to go to the “branch”, where everything can be more serious and dangerous, or they can simply take your passport and demand a ransom.
- Another popular wiring diagram in Peru - and raped woman. My friend and I were walking to the port to go explore the islands, when suddenly a woman of clearly local appearance approached us and, in broken English (which was immediately alarming), began to tell a sad story about how she was raped. She asked for help: to give her a phone to call or to go somewhere together. My companion was a sensitive person and wanted to help, and I thought that a local would rather be helped by someone local than by an obscure white tourist. That's why we left and didn't go deep into the poor neighborhoods to help figure it out. Be carefull.
- You need to be especially careful when deserted places in the evening and at night. It is not recommended to go up to the observation decks of Puno after 16. Do not carry valuables with you, keep your passports and money in the hotel lockers and be critical of strangers.
- Be carefull when choosing an ATM. Sometimes it is better to walk a couple of meters and withdraw money from ATMs at a bank branch than to 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 in the 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 lift to your brother, father-in-law, son or good friend.
Things to do
Shopping and shops
Shopping in Copacabana and Puno, as well as on the Titicaca Islands, is most often handmade products made by Indians and which help them earn an extra penny.
Remember that in Bolivia the price of llama and alpaca wool products is much lower than in neighboring Peru. Shopping centers are predominantly a spontaneous market format, or simply single local residents selling what they have made with their own hands.
There are many kiosk-type shops popular in Latin America where you can buy two eggs, half a package of margarine and 100 grams of vegetable oil.
Bars
Puno and Copacabana have bars, just like any tourist destination. In Puno, they are most often located near the central square 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 - 6 August Avenue (Avenida 6 de Agosto), or on the embankment.
Some bars operate 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 presuppose healthy sleep and the absence of a hangover.
However, for the most resilient 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 rugs 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.
Carpets made from llama and alpaca wool medium size (alpaca wool is softer and more delicate) cost from 85 USD. Prices for wool sweaters start at 20 USD, and a traditional bowler hat can be purchased for only 10 USD. Among the hats there is another interesting specimen - felt toadstool hat. Such a miracle can be bought for 4 USD.
A 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 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 inexpensively buy funny children's knitted toys (from 4 USD) and wooden rattles (from 3 USD).
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 get around the region
How to get around the region
People travel around the region, namely the Titicaca Islands, by boat. In the cities where you start exploring the lake, 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 best place to travel with kids. Cities are at altitude, and this can be experienced differently by little travelers. Puno, of course, has entertainment for children too.
On the shore of the lake there are cute swan boats in which you can ride on the surface of the water. However, it will suit older children.
Sun Island is beautiful, but children may find it difficult to walk from the north to the south in the heat at 4,000 meters. However, history also 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 a problem.
Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉
Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!
Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
It is one of the most mysterious bodies of water on the planet. Incredible natural phenomena, mysterious ancient pyramids, stern stone statues and the legendary city of Tiahuanaco are just some of the unsolved secrets that the silent waters of the lake and their shores, covered with centuries-old dust of eternity, keep from humanity.
Peculiarities. Titicaca is considered the second largest lake in South America by surface area, 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, possessing the largest reserve of fresh water on the planet. Many rivers flowing from glaciers flow into it, and the Desaguadero River also flows out, which in turn flows into the closed lake Poopo, located in Bolivia. Over the years, many scientists from around the world have been studying the features of the lake, its structure, flow and mysterious historical artifacts found at the bottom, but many questions still have no answer. In addition to researchers and experts, Titicaca is visited annually by thousands of tourists, who are also attracted by the mysteries and secrets of these places.
Main cities. The largest city here is Peruvian Puno, located on the west coast. It serves as an important agricultural center and also has light industrial enterprises and a shipyard. On the Bolivian part of the lake area, 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 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 long-standing traditions and way of life, subsisting in fishing and farming. In recent years, the construction of new factories in high mountain towns near Titicaca has caused air pollution and disruption of the unique ecosystem of the lake, leading to the formation of methane, which is a serious threat not only to underwater inhabitants, but can also turn into a real environmental disaster for the entire 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 to 180 meters, with the greatest depth being 304 meters. These indicators change periodically, 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. Local time is 9 hours behind Moscow. There is no change to winter time. Time zone is UTC-5.
A brief excursion into history. According to Incan 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 Cusco, thereby marking the beginning 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 sought answers to their questions in the depths of Titicaca, among whom was even the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Until 2000, their searches did not give the desired result, until at the turn of the century archaeologists finally discovered the ruins of an ancient temple dating back to the pre-Inca era. This discovery only increased the world community's interest in these places, and the number of tourists increased markedly.
Climate. The region is dominated by a cool continental climate, with an average annual temperature of about +7 - +9 degrees. From December to February the bulk of the year's precipitation falls. Due to the fact that the main feeding reservoir for Titicaca is glacial springs, 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, Guaqui and Juli. A narrow gauge railway connects Guací with the capital of Bolivia, La Paz. Sea vessels regularly sail between the Peruvian Puno and the Bolivian Guaqui. There are regular bus routes from Lima airport to the lake coast, delivering tourists to Puno in 42 hours. You can also get here by train from Cusco in 10 hours. To move between the islands, all kinds of floating devices are used, including banal, but ideally adapted to the local conditions, rafts.
Attractions and infrastructure. Among the most famous and visited tourist sites of Titicaca are the funerary towers of Silustani, where the burials of local Inca leaders are located, the island of Taquile, which houses the Textile Museum, the island of Amantani with the charming churches of Pachamama and Pachatata, which flaunt at an altitude of 4200 meters, and the high-altitude village of Chuquito, with the pretty temple of Santo Domingo. 20 km south of Puno, lies the mysterious Incan city of Tiahuanaco, where special attention should be paid to the 15-meter-high Akapana pyramid, the Kalasasaya stone and the Gate of the Sun, made of impressive stone boulders. To properly explore the surrounding area, 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, rocking the lake like eternal sailors. The islanders very hospitably welcome guests, show them their homes and take them on their own made reed boats. Interestingly, they also use the same reed as food.
Of no less interest is the small town of Chuquito, 18 km from Puno, with the Inca Uyo fertility temple located on its territory. A typical excursion program around the lake, with visits to the main attractions, archaeological areas and Indian villages, with overnight stays and meals, lasts about 3 days, and the price varies depending on the added sights along 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 there is no infrastructure as such. True, in local settlements the Indians have already adapted to the visits of foreigners, independently organizing for them improvised cafes and trading shops, where travelers can buy a variety of exotic souvenirs and have a good meal at a negotiable price. More discerning tourists should make forays within the accessibility of the main cities, where restaurants, comfortable hotels and entertainment venues are provided.
Lake Titicaca is a dream come true for many adventure seekers. This unique place is a combination of amazing nature, harsh survival conditions, the mysteries of civilization and the wonder of a culture that 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 previously known.
