Lake Titicaca is one of the largest in South America, because it is one of the largest in terms of surface layer area, recognized as the highest navigable lake and the largest in terms of fresh water reserves on the mainland. With such a list of features, it's no surprise that millions of tourists visit it every year. However, the photos prove that this is also a very picturesque place in South America.
About Lake Titicaca from geography
The freshwater body is located in the Andes on the border of two countries: Bolivia and Peru. Titicaki's coordinates are as follows: 15 ° 50? eleven? S, 69 ° 20? nineteen? W. Many people assign the title of the largest lake on the mainland, its area is 8300 sq. Km. Maracaibo is larger, but it is more often referred to as bays due to its connection with the sea. Numerous tribes live along the coastline; the largest city belongs to Peru and is called Puno. However, it doesn't matter which country the vacation is in, since both organize tours of the surrounding area.
Surprisingly, at an altitude of 3.8 km above sea level, the lake is navigable. From it flows the Desaguadero River. The alpine reservoir is fed by more than three hundred rivers, which originate in glaciers among the mountains around the lake. There is so little salt in Titicaca that it is rightfully considered freshwater. The volume of water changes at different times of the year, but the maximum depth is 281 m.
Historical reference
During geological studies, it was revealed that previously Lake Titicaca was nothing more than a sea bay, and was located at the same level with the ocean. As the Andes formed, the body of water rose higher and higher, as a result of which it assumed its present position. And today marine fish, arthropods and molluscs live in it, confirming the conclusions of geologists.
Local residents have always known where the lake is located, but this information reached the world community only in 1554. Then Cieza de Leon presented the first image in Europe.
In the summer of 2000, divers studied the bottom of the lake and made an unexpected discovery. A stone terrace was found at a depth of 30 meters. Its length is about a kilometer, and its age exceeds one and a half thousand years. It is believed to be the remains of an ancient city. Legend has it that the underwater kingdom of Wanaku used to be here.
Interesting Facts
The name of the lake comes from the language of the Quechua Indians living in this area. They have titi meaning puma, a sacred animal, and kaka means rock. True, this combination of words was invented by the Spaniards, as a result of which the lake became known to the whole world as Titicaca. The natives also call the reservoir Mamakota. Previously, there was another name - Lake Pukina, which meant that the reservoir is located in the possession of the Pukin people.
Interestingly, the lake has floating islands that can move. They are made up of reeds and are called Uros. The largest of them is the Sun Island, the second largest is the Moon Island. One of the most curious for tourists is Tuckville, as there are no amenities at all. This is a quiet, secluded place where all residents follow the laws of morality.
All islands are made of totora reeds. The Indians used them for safety, since in the event of an attack, no one knew where the island was at one time or another. Such pieces of land are very mobile, so residents could easily wander around the lake if necessary.
Whatever impression a visit to the vicinity of Lake Titicaca makes, emotions will remain in your memory for a long time, because, being on the top of the mountain, where the sun shines and glare from the surface of the water sparkles, your breath will certainly take your breath away. There is something to see and listen to, as the natives believe in mystical phenomena, so they are happy to share stories about them during excursions.
