Along with the many Inca destinations within Peru, there is also Lake Titicaca, known as the highest navigable lake in the world. Covering 10,000 square kilometres, this lake is shared by Bolivia and Peru and holds particular significance to the Peruvians, as this is the traditional mythical birthplace of the Inca Empire, where the ancient ones, descendants of the sun, rose from the waters of the lake to create their sacred civilization. The Uros Indians continue to live today on man-made islands that float around the lake. There are numerous islands to explore, and the view is simply breathtaking.
Coming to Lake Titicaca is one of those experiences that ranks up there with visiting the Great Wall of China, or the Galapagos Islands. This is one of those places where the combination of nature and mythical legends combine to create a sense of wonder that cannot be experienced simply by reading about it or seeing it in a picture. You have to be there first-hand to know what it means.
You will need to travel to Puno, the city where most tourists start. They have guided tours around the lake, including some to the Floating Islands, and boat trips go to each of the fixed islands every day. Accommodation is provided by the local residents.
This is a cultural experience. The people in this region believe they are the royal descendants of those first Incans who rose from the waters of the lake. They are basket weavers and masons, and the Incan agricultural ways of life are still practiced here. For a simple, exotic experience like no other, this is the place. This is South America at its most breathtaking.
Filed under: Air Travel, Travel Destinations, Worldwide Travel | 1 Comment »
August 5th, 2009 at 4:27 am
I love some of the pictures for this area on flickr