Guaqui

Guaqui is a town in Bolivia, located on the northern shore of Lake Titicaca in the La Paz Department. It serves as the administrative seat of Guaqui Municipality and sits at a high altitude, typical of the Bolivian altiplano.

Geography and economy: The town lies at roughly 3,800 meters above sea level and functions as a lake port on Lake Titicaca. Its economy centers on port activities, fishing, small-scale trade, and services for travelers and transport along the lake. Guaqui is connected by road to La Paz and offers ferry or boat connections across the lake to the Peruvian port of Puno. Historically, a narrow-gauge railway linked Guaqui with La Paz, forming an important link between the highlands and the Titicaca corridor; the railway is no longer in regular operation today.

History and culture: Guaqui developed as a regional trading post during the colonial era and retains elements of Andean culture, including local markets and traditional crafts. The community has influences from Aymara and Quechua heritage, which are reflected in language, festivals, and everyday life. The harbor area and surrounding architecture illustrate the town’s historical role as a gateway between the Bolivian highlands and the Titicaca region.

Overall, Guaqui is a small, historically significant port town that reflects Bolivia’s lake-based trade routes and Andean cultural traditions.