Lake Titicaca hosted the ancient Inca, Colla, Pukara, and Tiahuanaco. The last three were pre-Inca tribes for centuries. Then, an imaginary border split it into Bolivian and Peruvian land.
There have been conflicts in their history. But, they have also coexisted happily at times. The Incas viewed Lake Titicaca in esteem. According to legend, the Inca deity of creation, Viracocha, created the sun, moon, stars, and the human race.
He rose from the bottom of Lake Titicaca, symbolizing the Inca Empire's start. It also showed its fast spread over the Andes and beyond.
Lake Titicaca crosses the line between Peru and Bolivia, one of the largest lakes in South America. It spans 8562 km and is 281 meters deep. Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, reaching 3,810 meters above sea level.
People believe that the lake started in the form of a puma chasing a rabbit. It means "puma mountain or puma rock." People often call it the "Birthplace of the Sun" or the "Birthplace of the Incas."
You may completely lose yourself in a world of cultural and natural delights. You can do this by exploring Lake Titicaca. Every minute of the trip, from boat cruises to island walks, promises to be remarkable. Take in the splendor and culture of Peru while exploring the enigmas of Lake Titicaca!
The Uros are one of Lake Titicaca's main tourist attractions. This island on Lake Titicaca sits 6 km east of Puno and can only be reached by boat. These islands are unlike anything you have ever seen. They are built from layers of dried totora reeds that grow in the lake.
The weakened bottom layers of the pond are repaired with fresh layers of reeds every year. It's a must-experience to take a walk on the cushiony surface of an island covered with up to 3 meters of reeds.
Local communities who live on these islands, “The Uros People” constructed as a defense against foreign invaders. Almost everything on the islands is made of water-resistant totora reeds. This includes the islands themselves, the homes, elegant boats, and even beds.
Each year, new layers of reeds are introduced to the lake bed, replacing the rotted bottom levels. Walking across the spongy surface of an island made of up to 3 meters of reeds is an experience not to be missed.
By 2011, around 1200 Uro people lived in these 60 floating islets. Uros Island has been increasingly commercialized in recent years thanks to travelers. Tourists are drawn to the totora reed boats.
They are also drawn to locals dressed in traditional attire for guests. The majority of the people who still make their home on the islands commute every day from Puno, where they welcome guests.
Just a private boat can transport you to the most authentic islands further out. This is well worth the trip because it feels less crowded than the main Uros region, and it's amazing to see how the Uros people managed to thrive in the middle of the lake.
The Uros has a commercial side. But, it remains a one-of-a-kind and intriguing site unmatched in the world. The vast majority of visits to the Amantani and Taquile Islands include a brief stay at Uros.
Taquile Island is a 2.5-hour boat ride from Puno, in the middle of Lake Titicaca. The island is 5.72 square kilometers and is home to about 2,200 people.
Known for its textile arts, has the recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Men and women made these pieces of art as a daily activity and everyone on the island wore the final product.
The 'taquileños' or locals want to keep their traditional way of life. They have developed a community-run tourism model that is sustainable. They organize their community by the Inca moral code "Ama sua, ama llulla, ama quella."
It translates as "do not steal, lie, or be lazy." Besides, the community's economy is almost entirely centered on tourism. But, agriculture and fishing are among their assets.
The island has no cars or roads, so it is peaceful and feels like time has stopped. We recommend you considering stay not just for a couple of hours, but for a day trip. So, you can enjoy Taquile culture, and the lake views, and explore the island.
The island is around 40 kilometers from Puno and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to arrive by boat. Amantani has a population of around 3,600 people. You’ll see the island is quite peaceful.
There are no roadways, cars, or lights. People are mostly farmers, and the most popular crops are quinoa, green beans, Andean potatoes, and barley. Amantani is possibly the least visited island in Lake Titicaca.
Amantani is possibly the least visited island in Lake Titicaca. Most day tours will take you to Taquile Island, but not always to Amantani. This is because most trips to Amantani involve spending the night with a local family. Most people will just visit the Uros Islands and Taquile because they do not remain in Puno for long periods.
Would you like to have a complete experience of Lake Titicaca Peruvian side? Contact our travel professionals to navigate the vast Lake like an expert.
Viagens Machu Picchu is committed to providing you with all you need for an unforgettable trip to Peru. If you want to learn more about things to do in the historic Inca land, check out our travel packages and start arranging your dream holiday.
