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.

When I had the opportunity to visit Peru, where my goal was to get acquainted with the monuments of pre-Columbian civilizations, I did not miss the opportunity to get to know such an amazing and mysterious place as Lake Titicaca. Of course, in order to even superficially get acquainted with all the sights of this natural wonder, you need much more time than the few days that I had at my disposal. But I am grateful to fate that I had the opportunity to enjoy this unique phenomenon in such a short time.

I was able to get acquainted with such amazing places as the floating islands on Lake Titicaca, the island of male knitters Taquile, and also learned many interesting facts about the nature of the lake and the culture of ancient civilizations, whose history is directly connected with these lands.

Where is Lake Titicaca located and why is it unique?

Lake Titicaca is located in the Cordillera mountain range, in the South, between two states - Peru and Bolivia, at an altitude of more than 3800 m above sea level. The special features of Lake Titicaca are that it consists of two parts: the western smaller and the eastern larger. Both parts are connected by a strait about 800 m wide. The length of the reservoir is about 160 km, the width is about 80 km. The maximum depth of Lake Titicaca is 381 m, the average is 140 m, and the bottom slope noticeably decreases towards the eastern, Bolivian coast.

Regarding the fact Why was Lake Titicaca called that?, there are many versions. According to the most common one, this is a composite name of two words from the local Quechua tribes “titi” + “caca”, which are translated, respectively, as “puma” and “rock”, which can be interpreted as a mountain puma or a stone puma. This beautiful version is confirmed by the appearance of the lake on the map - it really resembles this representative of the felines.

The main mystery of the lake is its origin. It is believed that it was once part of the ocean or a sea bay. Then, as a result of some cataclysm, it turned out to be isolated, and then, together with the surrounding plateau, raised to such a height. This is evidenced by the traces of the surf left on the coastal rocks, the remains of marine fossils that are periodically found on its bottom and shores.

Besides, fauna of Lake Titicaca contains a large number of marine life. However, the salinity of the water is one ppm, which allows the lake to be considered a fresh body of water. The water temperature is constant throughout the year and stays between 10-14°. In addition, in deep layers it is 11°, while in most lakes in the world with such depths it is about 4°. Lake Titicaca is fed by more than 20 relatively large rivers and many small rivulets; only one flows out of it, which accounts for 5 to 10% of the lake’s water balance. The rest of the water loss is due to evaporation.

Lake Titicaca is also considered the highest navigable body of water in the world.

Main attractions

If you manage to visit the Peruvian part of Lake Titicaca, first of all try to get acquainted with the following attractions:

• Taquile Island. The ancient textile craft is practiced on the island. Known as the island of male knitters. The fact is that local women are engaged only in preparatory and weaving work. All knitting is entrusted to men, starting from the age of eight. The uniqueness and high level of their skill led to the fact that local art was declared an object of the intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The life and lifestyle of the local residents also deserves attention. It is a cross between the primitive communal system and democracy. Management is carried out by collective meetings, there are no household amenities such as electricity, medicine. The island's inhabitants subsist mainly on subsistence farming, receiving only some products from the mainland that cannot be grown in local conditions.
• . The Uros people settled in these places even before the Incas, and at the time of their arrival lived on the coast. The invasion of more powerful tribes forced the Uros people to move to man-made islands made from the totora reed growing here. This allowed them to leave their place at any time and move to a safe distance. Since then, reed has become for them not only a place of residence, but also the main building material (dwellings and boats are made from it), as well as a food product (dishes and drinks are prepared from it) and even medicine.

Floating reed islands of Uros

By the way, the island itself, although it gives the impression of being fragile, is actually up to 13 meters thick. A constant aggressive environment requires periodic renewal of the “soil”. During the rainy season, this procedure is performed up to once a month. At the moment, there are just over forty such islands, home to several hundred inhabitants.

• Chulpa Silustani. Funerary towers located near Lake Titicaca, which are associated with the culture of the mysterious Aymara people living in these places. Grandiose structures, reaching a height of 12 meters, built from stone blocks. The Aymara placed the mummified bodies of their leaders in them. It is unknown what technologies were used to build such towers. The very origin of the Aymara people remains mysterious. It is only known that before the reign of the Incas, they managed to create a powerful civilization, and the territory of their possessions included modern Peru, Bolivia, as well as parts of Argentina and Chile.
• Portal to the city of the gods. A giant rock with something carved into it that resembles a huge gate, as well as a keyhole. According to one legend, this is a place where contact with the souls of the dead is possible; according to another, a local priest led his people away through this gate during the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. Whether this is the border of the worlds or the door to the underworld is unknown. In any case, the place is majestic and mysterious. The locals avoid it in every possible way, citing the incomprehensible things that constantly happen here.

Portal to the city of the gods

How to get there

To visit the attractions located in the Peruvian part of the lake, you need to get to the city of Puno. This can be done in the following way:

• by bus from Lima, it will take 25 hours and cost 30-45 dollars;
• by train from Lima, it will take 9 hours and cost 30 dollars.

Titicaca. The most mysterious, deep-water lake in South America - video

Titicaca is an incredibly beautiful lake, known to people for many millennia. There are numerous legends and myths about it, but it still keeps secrets that modern scientists cannot unravel. This is the most mysterious, deep-water lake in South America. Enjoy watching!

• Since there are many legends associated with a supposedly mysterious city hidden under water, many attempts have been made to explore the bottom of the lake. One of The first explorers were the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who with his team conducted an expedition to the lake back in 1968. A submarine was used for the survey, but all artifacts recovered were limited to a few samples of pottery.
• In 1988, the famous publication became interested in the topic of exploring the island. National Geographic, but the work they carried out also did not bring much results.
• In 2000 it was held expedition of Italian archaeologists. They examined the lake with diving equipment and discovered at a depth of thirty meters the remains of a stone wall about one kilometer long, a terrace identified as part of a stone road, and a stone sculpture in the form of a human head.
• In 2013 there were held research by an international group of archaeologists, and they managed to discover more than two thousand items of historical value. Among them, in particular, 31 fragments of gold items were discovered in the immediate vicinity of the island of Isla del Sol, which has sacred significance for local residents.

In South America there is another amazing miracle of nature -. Iguazu is a national natural park located on the border of two countries - Argentina and Argentina.

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 in the direction of 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?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?

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.

High above the level of the World Ocean in the ring of snowy peaks of the Andes, this is where Titicaca is located, the most legendary and unique lake in South America. Any visitor to this continent certainly wants to see this miracle of nature with his own eyes. In the article we will tell you not only about Lake Titicaca: where it is located, what organisms live in it, but we will also dwell on the legends that hover around this wonderful place.

General facts

Titicaca is one of the largest freshwater bodies of water in South America. The lake, which has an area of ​​8,300 square kilometers, is quite deep: there are sections up to 140 meters, and in some places the depth reaches 280.

The water in the reservoir is cold: the highest value is +12 degrees. This is explained by the fact that the lake is fed by meltwater from glaciers located on the tops of the mountains near the place where Titicaca is located. In total, 27 rivers flow into the reservoir, and 5 of them are very deep. In addition, the water level is replenished by precipitation falling in the region.

An interesting fact is that, having filled up abundantly, Titicaca is in no hurry to part with its waters: only one river flows out of the lake - the Desaguadero. However, it also carries away up to 10 percent of the water; the remaining 90 evaporate under the sweltering hot sun and dry winds.

As for the water level, it is stable: during the rainy season, Titicaca is replenished with water, and during the dry winter months it loses it. This balance allows the lake not to dry out (research scientists have been sounding the alarm about this for a long time).

Geography of location

Where is Titicaca located? Where is it located, in what country? It is impossible to answer unequivocally, because the reservoir belongs to two countries: Peru and Bolivia. The border between the states runs exactly along the coastline: the western part is Peru, the eastern part is Bolivia.

Antiplano is the name of the plateau where Lake Titicaca is located. This place is very unsettled due to the abundance of active volcanoes, whose activity has formed the complex topography. It is characterized by the presence of closed basins, one of which eventually became Lake Titicaca.

Externally, the reservoir looks like two full-fledged lakes, but this is not so, because the parts (Big and Small Lakes) are connected by the 800-meter-long Tikuna Strait.

There are 41 islands located on a large area of ​​the reservoir. The largest, Isla del Sol, is quite populated, and there are other islands where people live.

Origin

According to scientists, Titicaca, where the largest reserve of fresh water in South America is located, was once part of the World Ocean. It was a sea bay, located almost 4 thousand meters lower than now. Gradually, under the influence of geological processes, together with the Andes, it rose to its current height. It is no secret that these mountains of South America are young, and therefore they tend to “grow” and rise upward.

What allowed scientists to reach such conclusions? Firstly, a study of the fauna of the lake, and secondly, traces of the surf that were identified on the slopes, and the fossilized remains of animals - marine inhabitants. The entire process of raising the reservoir took place over 100 million years.

Climate

The area where Lake Titicaca is located is very high above sea level. The Alpine climate zone passes through here. This explains the climatic conditions: there is no sweltering heat in summer, and winters are not frosty.

So, the average summer temperature is 18-21 degrees, and the winter temperature is 14-16 degrees. Such indicators are determined by where Lake Titicaca is located, on what continent and in what hemisphere. After all, here the summer period is December-February, and the winter period is June-August.

The water temperature is always the same: 10-14 degrees over the entire surface, but off the coast in winter the lake sometimes even freezes.

However, the waters of Titicaca have attracted people since ancient times, because they had long noticed that the climate in the vicinity of the lake is milder than on the continent. Titicaca is a kind of buffer that makes the harsh weather conditions of the cold desert more comfortable.

Animal world

The area where Titicaca is located is a real abode of birds, both permanent and migratory. More than sixty species live here, and there are also those that are on the verge of extinction. For example, here you can find the almost extinct Titicaca flightless grebe or the slender-billed ibis. Chilean flamingos, Andean swallows and countless species of ducks have also found a home here.

The most famous amphibian is the unique frog, which can breathe underwater. This is a Titicaca whistler. It lives in swampy areas, hiding among stones or reeds. The animal very rarely comes ashore. Watching him is a great success. In addition to the whistler, Titicaca is home to 18 other species of amphibians.

Mammals are poorly represented - due to the rather harsh climate and altitude of almost 4 thousand meters above sea level. There are llamas, Andean foxes, wolves and skunks, wild guinea pigs and the amazing animal viscacha - a rodent very similar to a rabbit.

As for fish species, many that existed here have died out or become very rare. The fact is that in the 30-40s of the 20th century, people decided to improve fisheries in the lake by introducing non-native fish breeds. As a result, they took root, displacing the old-timers. The trout did especially well here.

Reed Islands

The area where Titicaca is located is inhabited by numerous tribes, including the unique Urus. They live on islands that they themselves weave from ordinary reeds.

It would seem a very fragile structure. However, its thickness of 13 meters can withstand people and their structures, which, by the way, are made from the same reed. It grows abundantly on the shores of the lake, which is why it became the material for creating such unusual islands. They have been making uru by hand for many centuries.

Why do the Indians need such structures, since Titicaca is very rich in islands of natural origin? The answer is simple: the Urus are motivated by the fact that at the slightest danger they can sail to another place.

It is noteworthy that this tribe has a special reverence for reed: it is used not only for furnishing homes, but also for eating, and clothing is made from it.

Mythology

The place where Lake Titicaca is located is very mysterious. In which country did the Inca civilization begin? Right here. And the lake was the center of the universe - this is what the ancient tribes believed.

After a massive catastrophe, akin to the Great Flood of the Bible, the supreme god Viracocha emerged from the depths of Titicaca. He stopped the complete disappearance of the planet. For a long time Viracocha wandered among the Amantani islands until he chose two of them. These were Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. On the first, he ordered the Sun to rise, on the second, the Moon. And then on the top of Mount Tiwanaku he created people. It is noteworthy that local residents still idolize these places. The islands located in the middle of the lake are home to ancient sanctuaries that have attracted pilgrims for centuries.

Archaeologists have clearly proven that many sanctuaries existed before the Inca civilization. The latter simply adopted the structures for their own similar cults. The predecessor of the Incas was the Tiwanaku civilization, which disappeared from the annals of history in 1200 AD.

Island of the Sun

Isla del Sol, or Island of the Sun, is one of the iconic islands of Lake Titicaca. Where is? In which country: Peru or Bolivia? It belongs to the latter. According to legend, it was on Isla del Sol that the founders of the Inca civilization, Manco Capac and his wife, were born.

The island is hilly and rocky throughout; there are no roads or cars here. The entire population of five thousand lives from fishing and the tourism business.

Indeed, there are more than eighty sites of ancient Inca architecture on Isla del Sol. Let's look at the main places of pilgrimage for tourists. Their interest in the place where Lake Titicaca is located, photos of which are presented in the article, does not weaken.

The ruins of Chinkana are a building where once there was a school of Incan cult ministers; on their territory there is an ancient memorial stone, from which, according to legend, the Inca civilization began.

The steps leading to the Yumani village are another attraction. According to legend, the path to the fountains of eternal youth lies through them.

Pilko Kayna is a very interesting building. Archaeologists believe that girls from Isla de la Luna were kept here in order to protect them from attacks.
The literal translation is “the place where the birds sleep.” Outwardly, it very much resembles a kind of bastion.