Lake Titicaca and the Altiplano Travel Guide
Life upon the lake and Peru’s high plains
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The Altiplano, or high plains, of Peru are windswept and barren, yet the with the clear air of this altitude the quality of light gives the region an incredibly photogenic touch. Here rests Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, which covers an area of over 8,300 square kilometres and straddles the borders of Peru and Boliva.
Ancient civilisations have lived from these waters and along its shores for thousands of years, and many of the methods practiced by the ancient Andean civilizations of the Aymara and Quechua people remain the same today.
Titicaca has always played an important part in local folklore, and legend tells of how the founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from its waters.
Attractions in Lake Titicaca and the Altiplano
Lake Titicaca has several important islands that still maintain their ancient farming methods and social systems, including Taquile, Amantani and Suasi. Floating upon the lake’s waters are the famous Uros Islands, built entirely out of reeds by their inhabitants who make a living from the rich fish life that surrounds them.
On shore, the cities of Puno and Juliaca are important hubs for the region that sits next to the Bolivian border, and remnants of fascinating ancient ruins can be found in the area. A visit to the the Sillustani chullpas is highly recommended, as is a trip onto Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros islands and beyond to Taquile, Amantani or Suasi. The towns of Chucuito, Juli, Lampa, Pucara and Ayaviri (Tinajani rock forest) are also recommended.
Lake Titicaca is an important National Reserve and is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, fish and amphibians, including a species of giant frog.
There are several important festivals that take place in the region each year, these include:
February 2 – The festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria is the most important festival in the region. Celebrated for a full week with continuous folk dancing of hundreds of different dances, including the Diablada, Morenada and Llamerada.
May 3-4 – The festival of Alacitas and Las Cruces marks a special occasion when local inhabitants sell miniature arts and crafts in street market fairs.
November 4 – The anniversary of the founding of the city of Puno sees events and sbhool children dancing in the streets, as well as the staging of the legend of the founders of Cuzco and the Inca dynasty, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo.
Activities in Lake Titicaca and the Altiplano
It is possible to go walking on many of the islands, and given the altitude a short shopping trip can feel like a major activity. Boat trips are popular on the lake and it is also possible to take a short trip on a traditional balsa boat, made entirely out of reeds.
Relaxing
Head up to the ruins at the top of Taquile Island at the end of the day to watch the sun set and reflect its shades upon the distant mountains of Bolivia.
Getting Around
The Altiplano and Lake Titicaca cover vast areas, and there are many ways to get around from the Orient Express train between Puno and Cusco, fleets of tri-cycle taxis in the towns, boats on the lake and on foot on the islands.
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