Lake Titicaca is one of the most beautiful and mysterious of America. Its water to bathe and retain a majority indigenous population, which still keep the traditions of the Inca empire.
In this place the past and present come together around one of the most emblematic places of the Inca culture, and its mysteries remain staggering.
During an expedition composed of divers from the Navy and Peruvian experts in oceanography, conducted during October 2002, they found remains of what could be a lost city, built by a predecessor to the Inca people, under water Lake
Geographic Location
Located in a zone shared by Peru and Bolivia, the lake water is characterized by large dimensions that it has: an area of approximately 8490 km2 and a depth of 280 meters.
At its edge is home to the folklore capital of Peru for excellence, the city of Puno. Founded in 1666, its population of 60,000 is predominantly Aymara origin, but conservative in its Spanish legacy artistic and cultural expression. The population living around the lake is principally engaged in the fishing and crafts, being characteristic of the area of reed canoes, better known as "horses totora.
The waters of the lake all in all 36 islands within the Peruvian territory is the largest island of the Uros, Taquile and Amanti. The lake has a navigation system that keeps in touch with Peru and Bolivia for vessels that connect the Peruvian port of Puno with the Bolivian city of Huaqui.
In 1978 the reserve was established in Lake Titicaca, with the aim to preserve its flora and fauna and the beauty of its landscapes. On this subject, have been found 60 varieties of birds, 14 species of fish originating from Lake and 18 species of amphibians, which include the giant Titicaca frog which can grow to weigh up to 3 kilograms.
The ideal time to visit the lake is between May and October, because the days are sunny and temperature changes are not as sharp. The average temperature during this period is 25 ° C. but at night temperatures are usually under 0 ° C. throughout the year.
One of the easiest ways to access the lake is via a flight to the city of Juliaca, which is an hour from the city. From there you can travel to the islands in various transport Nautical. Another way is by road, traveling 416 km. from Cuzco to Puno.
Islands of Lake Titicaca
One of the best known islands, is the floating island of Uros. This island is built on an artificial cattail, plant and long thin leaves that grows in the lake. This material is also used in the manufacture of any craft and boats with their sales people to fish.
The floating reed island awaits visitors. A 4 km. Puno. Can be reached by motor boat, delayed from the city of Puno, about 20 minutes on the island still retains the characteristics of costumes and people Inca terraces.
Taquile Island contains the largest number of local tours, as their inhabitants organized and managed all aspects of their island to tourism, welcoming into their homes to visitors, a way of preserving their ancient customs. In it live some 350 families, who follow strict customs Incas, where the three most important precepts of the rule remain in force as law: Do not steal, do not be lazy and do not lie. On this island you can see Inca ruins and its people, very hospitable and cheerful, organized tours and special excursions to the tourists there. Visitors can embark on the journey to the island from the city of Puno, climbed into a boat made of reed, for about three hours, admiring a beautiful landscape, until one of the ports of the island. Once there, travelers can explore on foot, following ancient Inca trails constructed of small pieces of stone, archaeological remains and ancestral customs that time has failed to break. Within the island there is no means of modern transport.
The Amanti is another island where traditions are preserved of the former empire. It is one of the most beautiful islands of the lake, as its decoration and climbing plants of cultural relics, invite visitors to soak up one of the most important pre-Columbian cultures of America .. On this island would be one of the archaeological remains of the holy cities of empire.
Inca Legacy
At present, according to census data supplied by the INEI-Peru 1993, there were 300,000 people who speak the original language Aymará, Jaqaru, most of whom are in the city of Puno, Tacna and Monquegua, and that is not surprising.
According to the ancient Inca legend, from the depths of Lake Titicaca emerged Manco Capac and Mama Occllo, founders of the Pre-Columbian empire, today layenda this could become reality.
An expedition undertaken by experts from 14 and October 25, discovered the ruins and remnants of what would be an Inca citadel hidden in the depths of the lake. A depth of 8 meters from the lake, divers were able to assess stone walls perfectly fit with each other, very similar to those found at Machu Pichu. Within the city underwater, there also was a stone platform with pottery figures, which coincide with the locations of sacred sites offerings.
The issue should also be given a structure of rock formation above water with 20 meters in diameter and up to three meters in height. On this one, would have appeared a stone statue in the form of flame, an animal native to the Andes, is characteristic of the Peruvian highlands.
