Lake Titicaca Attractions

At an elevation of 3820 m / 12,338 ft, Lake Titicaca (Lago Titicaca) is the highest navigable lake in the world. Stretching 170 km by 60 km across the Peruvian and Bolivian borders, this is also the largest lake in South America.

The lake is steeped in legend and has been inhabited throughout the centuries by ancient cultures. Today Lake Titicaca supports a unique way of life in the Andes, not seen in other areas of Peru.

The Islas Flotantes, the famous Floating Islands, are one of the main attractions of Lake Titicaca. This traditional way of life has been in existence here for centuries. Although farming is the traditional livelihood throughout the Andes in Peru, Lake Titicaca adds a unique element, harvesting reeds from the lake. Boats overflowing with reeds can bee seen pulling up on the beaches and unloading their goods onto the backs of burrows who carry the reeds up to the hillside farms.

The main city on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca is Puno, which is a good place to arrange tours and activities. However, to fully appreciate this beautiful blue lake surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, it is necessary to get out onto the lake. In the small communities on the islands or along the shores of the mainland is where visitors will find clear water and sand beaches.