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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca
Regarded as the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,580
feet (3,825m), Lake Titicaca covers 3,861 square miles (10,000 sq
km) and is shared by neighbouring Bolivia and Peru. It has clear
water, numerous islands and most importantly a place in Inca
history. To many Peruvians, it is a revered and mythical place:
legend has it that the founders of the Inca Empire, descendants of
the sun, rose from the waters of the lake to create the ancient
civilisation. The Uros Indians today live on unique man-made
floating islands in the lake, believing they are the direct
descendants of the Inca royalty.
For centuries the Uros people have built their homes and made
their boats from the abundant source of reeds that grow in the
shallows of Lake Titicaca. The islands are made from many springy
layers of reeds that are continually added to replace the rotting
layers below and it is not uncommon for the islands to drift after
heavy rains. Fisherman can be seen navigating the water channels in
beautifully crafted, sturdy 'canoes', some with reed figureheads
forming a creative extension of the prow. Excursions to the
floating islands have become rather commercialised and many
visitors are put off by the throngs of children begging for sweets
and the persistence of the souvenir sellers, but its popularity
remains due to the fact this unusual and fascinating way of life is
not found anywhere else in the world.
Further out into the lake and therefore less visited, but more
beautiful, are the two fixed islands of Taquile and Amantani, with
a genuine traditional lifestyle without electricity or solid
infrastructure that gives visitors a glimpse of pre-colonial Andean
Peru. The inhabitants of the attractive island of Taquile still use
age-old weaving techniques and wear colourful traditional clothes,
and the steep-sided fertile shores are covered in pre-Inca
agricultural terraces that are the basis for the island's
self-sufficient economy. The larger island of Amantani is a
basket-weavers island and traditional crafts like stone masonry,
and Inca structures of agriculture and trade are still
practiced.
Day tours can be arranged from Puno, taking travellers to the
Floating Islands, and the two natural islands where traditional
hospitality and accommodation is provided by the local residents;
or boat trips depart for each island individually at various times
throughout the day.
Information & Facts
Climate
Lake Titicaca's climate and weather is largely influenced by its
altitude as well as 'El Niño' which is known to cause serious
droughts in the area. It experiences a generally pleasant and sunny
climate throughout the day, especially from February to November,
but the cool wind off the lake can make for some very chilly
nights. The maximum average temperature in the northern Altiplano
ranges from around 59F to 63F (15C to 17C) during the day while the
nights are much colder averaging 33F (0.5C) in summer and (-10C) in
winter at night. The average year-round temperature is 53F (12C)
and most rainfall occurs during midsummer in December and
January.
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
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