Lake Titicaca is more than just a large body of water at altitude (3,812 m.a.s.l to be exact). It’s considered the highest navigable lake in the world and one of the largest lakes in South America. Located on the altiplano of the Central Andes between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca falls just behind Machu Picchu as a major tourist attraction in Peru. But what actually draws people to Lake Titicaca’s shores?
The Highest Navigable Lake in the World
This claim to fame is probably the greatest contributor to Lake Titicaca’s popularity with tourists. At 3,812 m.a.s.l. (12,506 feet), Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, meaning its various interesting islands like Taquile, Amantani and the floating Uros Islands, are accessible to tourists for homestays and day visits. The total area of Lake Titicaca is an impressive 8,562 sq. km. (3,305 sq. mi.), of which 56% belongs to Peru and 44% belongs to Bolivia. Additionally, the lake has an approximate depth of 108 meters (354 feet).
The Extreme Climate of Lake Titicaca
Due to its altitude, the average temperature of Lake Titicaca is around 13 degrees Celcius but daily temperatures vary drastically depending on how close to the lake you are. Below we’ve listed the average temperature (in Celcius) of Lake Titicaca by month to help you choose the best time of year to visit Lake Titicaca.
January (10.7)
February (10.7)
March (10.3)
April (9.5)
May (8.0)
June (6.2)
July (5.7)
August (7)
September (8)
October (10.4)
November (10.7)
December (10.3)
The Biodiversity of Lake Titicaca
An important feature of Lake Titicaca is its large variety of flora and fauna in and around the lake, making for an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to know the plants and wildlife of the Peruvian sierra.
The Floating Islands of the Uros
The floating islands of the Uros are located a short boat ride away from the lakeside town of Puno. The inhabitants of these man-made floating islands have maintained the tradition and culture of the Incas. It’s common for this population to live and die on these islands without ever having left or set foot on stable ground. For this reason, a visit to the Uros is a unique opportunity for tourists to know the customs of the Incas and the modern Uros people, from fishing to island building.
Lake Titicaca is the 3rd most visited tourism destination in Peru. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this most impressive high altitude lake and its unique lake-dwelling communities, tribes, flora, and fauna.
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