Lake+Titicaca+Info

Located between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is situated in the Andes Mountains at 12,500 ft. above sea level. It is 3,200 sq miles large and almost 1,000 ft. deep, making it one of the most commercially navigable lakes in the world (Sacred Destinations). The lake itself is separated into 2 sub-basins called Lago Grande (Large Lake) and Lago Pequeno (Small Lake). While the origins of the name Titicaca remain a mystery, some possible translations are “Crag of Lead” and “Rock Puma” (Destination360). According to Incan legend, it was from Lake Titicaca that the god Viracoca rose and created the moon, stars, sun, and the very first humans (Sacred Destinations). Lake Titicaca was also the site where the first Inca king, Manco Capac, was born by the sun god, Inti (Destination360). Lake Titicaca is home to 41 islands, all of which are considered sacred. The Isla Del Sol is one of the largest and most sacred Lake Titicaca islands. It is said to be the home of the god Inti (Destination360). According to Incan legend, the Isla de la Luna was home to the Incan goddess Mama Quila. During the Inca times, the Isla de la Luna house d the “Virgins of the Sun”, chosen women who lived a nun-like lifestyle and performed ceremonie s to the sun (Sacred Destinations). The most interesting Lake Titicaca islands are the Uros Islands, or Floating Islands. They are man-made from the tortora reed and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Peru.