Explore culture and history in the islands of Lake Titicaca, world’s highest navigable lake

Filled with culture, breathtaking views, ancient culture, and floating islands, Lake Titicaca has become a must-see destination in the Peruvian Andes. Sitting on the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest commercially navigable body of water at an altitude of 3,810 meters above sea and it covers 8,300 square kilometers. Aside from being such a unique freshwater lake, it is also home to a fascinating history and culture. In Andean belief it is thought that the lake is the birthplace of the sun. Filled with incredible scenic vistas and countless islands, visitors are able to hop between waterfront cities, natural and man-made islands to discover more about indigenous communities that still live on floating islands. This unique experience is one of Peru’s leading attractions and is a perfect destination for visitors who wish to be submersed in nature and culture. 

Home to captivating history, Lake Titicaca has religious significance to the Incas, and has ruins on the lake’s bottom. According to legends, this sacred lake is the origin of the Inca civilization, it is believed to be the birthplace of the first Inca King Manco Capac and his wife Mama Ocllo. The history of the lake dates back to around 200 BC when the Puraka culture settled into the land, many other tribes such as the Tiwanaku and Collas lived in the areas nearby, yet it was the Inca civilization that unified many cultures. Today there are many archaeological remains on some of the islands including structures such as the ‘Palace of the Virgins of the Sun’ which dates back to the 15^th Century. As well in 2000, the remains of a temple from 1000 to 1500 years ago was discovered at the bottom of Lake Titicaca that belonged to the Tiwanaku culture. To discover modern day indigenous culture, visitors are able to discover the Uros, a group that has lived on floating islands for hundreds of years.  

Lake Titicaca has incredible destinations on the shores and islands of the lake, and one of the most popular things to see are the floating islands created by the Uros. This indigenous group that has lived on Titicaca for the past hundreds of years has a fascinating history of first creating floating islands as a way of protecting themselves from invading groups. Today many Uros people still live on their man-made floating islands that are constructed from reed plants roped together. For the residents on the islands, gathering more reeds to keep their islands floating is a continuous process. They welcome tourists to their islands and offer tours, homestays, hand crafted products, and even bring visitors on their beautiful handmade reed boats to explore more floating islands. This is a completely unique way of life that captures the interest of so many guests who are curious to learn more about the history and culture of the Uros people. 

The cities surrounding Lake Titicaca are a mix of beautiful cathedrals and rolling hills that lookout towards the water, and the city of Puno on the Peruvian shore is a popular stopping point for many travelers. This hub is a common place to visit for tourists who want to explore the lake, go to Cusco, or see La Paz in Bolivia. However, there are plenty of activities to do within the coastal city, it has a fascinating history as it served as a trading hub and is home to historic churches such as Puno Cathedral. For nature lovers, hiking up hill showcases the stunning panoramic views that overlook the city below. For visitors who wish to spend more time in Puno, it is recommended to coincide their travels with one of the festivals that takes place in Puno like Carnival and Puno week. 

Another incredible spot to visit is the historic Isla del Sol. This rugged island is a unique destination that allows its visitors to connect with nature and mysticism through its ruins and indigenous groups. Believed to be the birthplace of the sun god by the Incas, Isla del Sol has had religious significance since the 15^th Century BC and there are over 80 ruins across the island. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, which creates a scenic environment for visitors to enjoy the landscape of Lake Titicaca. It is a gorgeous place to visit while discovering Lake Titicaca to see archeological ruins while exploring nature. 

Combining culture and history with the majestic beauty of the scenery draws people from around the world to visit Lake Titicaca. It is home to unique indigenous groups, diverse wildlife, and bustling waterfront cities. Lake Titicaca offers an array of experiences to its visitors and the incredible fresh water lake that sits at a high altitude is a must see when travelling to Peru or Bolivia.