Exploring Lake Titicaca, The Cradle of Inca Civilization

Lake Titicaca, the cradle of the Inca civilization and origin of the Inca Empire, is the largest lake on the South American continent.

It is reputed to be the highest navigable lake in the world (about 3,810 m above sea level), stretching from southeastern Peru to western Bolivia.

The lake is 196 km (122 miles) long with an average width of 56 km (35 miles).

The lake has waves, a testament to its size, and it's no wonder the waters are cold. At this altitude and fed by the snowy Andes, the lake does not invite you to swim.

It is what remains of an ancient inland sea and the blue waters make a beautiful contrast to the arid plateau.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Lake Titicaca, in Bolivia

Source: In Between Lattes

Getting there

Arrive at Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian side of Puno, the capital of the highlands of Peru, which is the center of Peruvian folklore and the gateway to Lake Titicaca.

Puno itself is not attractive, but the dance program, including the Devil's Dance that takes place during the Virgen de Candelaria festival and other festivals, draws visitors throughout the year.

Check flights from your area to Lima or La Paz for lake connections.

History

According to Inca mythology, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, also known as Mama Huaca, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca at the gate of the sacred rock on Isla del Sol to found the Inca Empire.

The sister island Isla de la Luna is not so visited, but it is also a sacred place since it housed the convent of the virgins of the sun.

The whole lake was a holy place. Also related to the legend of Lake Titicaca is the Lemurian Solar Disc that ruled the thousand-year cycle of Inca time.

According to legend, when the Spanish forces arrived in Cuzco, the Incas took the two-tone gold chain of the Inca Huáscar from the Koricancha temple and threw it into the lake.

It has never been found, although a few years ago Jacques Cousteau organized an expedition to explore the lake with a mini-submarine.

What to see and do

The best-known islands in the lake are the floating reed islands, which are maintained by adding new reeds to the surface, even as the bottom ones decompose.

Reeds are used for many things, including reed boats and sails for daily use on the lake and the reed rafts used on Thor Heyerdahl's voyages, Ra I and Ra II, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the 1920s. 1970, they were built in Suriqui. Island.

From the Bolivian side of the lake, travelers can take the hydrofoil tour to see the highlights of Lake Titicaca and learn more about the cultural and archaeological significance of the lake.

Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna are in Bolivian waters, and visitors wanting a touch of ancient Bolivia often fall on a trip to Samapaita, which was more than an outpost of the Inca civilization.

An easy excursion is the small town of Copacabana, famous for the miracles of Bolivia's patron saint, the Black Virgin of the Lake.

The miracles began in the 16th century after the town became home to an image of the Virgin of Candelaria.

Another image of the Virgin was brought to Brazil in the 19th century and placed on what is now a well-known beach of the same name.

When to visit

Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies, as well as a favorite tourist destination.

If so, plan to visit in the summer months, but bring warm clothes. Days can be pleasantly sunny, but nights can be very cold.

Remember that the lake is still sacred to the Aymara who live there.

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