Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a large freshwater lake on the Altiplano of the central Andes, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. It covers about 8,372 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of roughly 3,812 meters above sea level, making it the largest lake in South America by surface area and one of the highest large lakes in the world. The lake is fed mainly by rainfall and glacial melt, and its depth ranges from the surface to a maximum of around 281 meters.

It contains several islands, the best known of which are Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. The Uros people traditionally live on floating reed islands constructed from totora reeds, and visitors are often invited to observe or participate in the reed-work and boat-building that sustain these communities.

The region has long been inhabited by Andean cultures. Its shores are associated with Inca origin myths and with pre-Columbian civilizations such as Tiwanaku, and the lake remains culturally significant for many local communities who engage in agriculture, weaving, and tourism.

Biodiversity in Lake Titicaca includes endemic fish of the genus Orestias and the Titicaca water frog (Telmatobius culeus), an amphibian that has faced substantial declines. Water quality has been affected by agricultural runoff, sedimentation, and invasive species in parts of the lake, prompting conservation and management efforts.

Tourism and access: The Peruvian port town of Puno and the Bolivian town of Copacabana serve as common bases for visitors. Boat trips to Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, and the floating islands are popular, and local communities offer handicrafts and accommodations for travelers.