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Geographical information
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Titicaca means Titi - Puma, Caca - Rock (puma is an animal worshipped by the Pre-Incas)
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Lake Titicaca is located in Puno, a southern state of Peru.
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It is the only navigable lake in the world at a high altitude of about 3,810 mtrs, (12,500 feet) above sea level.
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It covers about 36,180 hectares and is 195 km long and 50 km wide
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It is considered a treasure between Peru and Bolivia. About 60 per cent of the lake is in Peru and 40 per cent in Bolivia.
Importance of Lake Titicaca
This lake has a very important Andean mythology. The founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, are believed to have emerged from its waters. It is considered a sacred place for the Ayamara people, a local tribe. On the Peruvian side there are several natural islands. This lake tempers the area, since without its presence life would be impossible at that altitude.
This Easter holidays we decided to visit Lake Titicaca as we live in Peru. Along with our friend’s family we left for the adventurous trip. We flew to Juliaca (capital of Puno) about 1.45 hours travel from Lima, the capital of Peru.
We were excited and with much of expectations landed in Juliaca. We drove straight to Puno which is about 40 minutes from Juliaca. Puno is said to be the folkloric capital of Peru.
Since the city is located at an altitude Of 3,820 metres above sea level, we were advised to rest for half-a-day to get adjusted to the altitude. We took Coca De Mate to drink (it is a local drink out of coca leaves which helps to overcome headache and breathing problem caused by the altitude). Intake of additional oxygen, which is available in cylinders, is a must.
By afternoon we went to a place called Sillustani, which stands on the shore of Lake Umayo. It has chullapas (which are large circular fortified burial towers, similar to the pyramids of Egypt, but in cylindrical form). These were erected for the main leaders of that village. Some of them are really very high and measure up to 12 metres. With great difficulty we climbed to see the chullapas. But from the top we had a spectacular view of the whole city and Lake
Titicaca.
The next morning we left to an island called Suasi, situated on Lake Titicaca. It is about five hours travel from Puno by boat. The entire journey was in the Lake itself. It was a marvellous and memorable journey. The area was totally blue. It was fascinating. In between we stopped at two floating islands.
Floating islands of Uros
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(Picture of floating
islands of Uros)
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These are located at the Bay of Puno. There are about five families living in each of the 10-12 floating islands constructed artificially. Their origins go back to eras before the Incas. We were surprised to see people living in floating houses just made of reeds of totora plants which grow in the lake. The lifestyle of the people is totally different from today’s modern world. They have built watch towers within the house for communication and guarding themselves.
The guide explained to us the living style of these people and we were amazed. Currently, they depend on tourism as their main source of living. We also got a brief explanation on the importance of the lake to the surroundings. A close observation of the shape of the Lake resembled a form of puma.
The next island was called Taquile. In the early days, this island was used as a prison. Then by 1970 the local people took over. Till date, the people of this island live according to the customs, traditions and beliefs of the Andean community.
Suasi Island
After an hour we reached our final destination, Suasi Island, which is in the north-east of Lake Titicaca. The entrance to the island is a visual treat. You can find sand beaches, huge rock formations, a variety of flowers and bushes and some rare animal specimens. The smell which filled the air was something inexplicable.
This island belongs to Senora Martha Giralda. It runs to about 43 hectares. A notable point in Suasi Island is its lack of connection to the outside world. Here we can listen to silence and feel a sensation of unique eternity. Sunset and sunrise are more intense in this part of the world. Many medicinal herbs could be spotted around this area. The lake seemed to be like an ocean rather than a lake because of its vastness.
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(Picture of Suasi Island)
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We were lucky to get some good vegetarian food (which is not easy in South America.).
We went for a boat ride in the lake for about 1-1/2 hours, where we could get glimpses of some rare species of birds and animals. It was an enthralling experience to sail in the midst of a beautiful lake which had picturesque surroundings and snow-clad mountains around. When the rays of the sun touched the water it shone like silver. So many small villages were spotted on the shores. At a particular point, we could cross the frontier and enter Bolivia.
After two relaxing days we left the place fully energised. While returning, we preferred to come by road. The five-hour journey was really tiring and dangerous as almost half the places looked deserted.
Finally, we arrived in Lima, after an adventurous trip and carrying back sweet memories. We did face some problems because of the high altitude. In spite of all the difficulties, we enjoyed the trip.
Lakshmi Viswanthan
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