Tourist Wonders of Peru:

Lake Titicaca, Lost in TimeLake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is one of the most beautiful and mysterious of America. Its waters bathe and
conserve a largely indigenous population, which still keep the traditions of the Inca
empire.Here past and present come together around one of the most emblematic places
of the Inca culture, and its mysteries continue to amaze.

During an expedition composed of divers and Navy oceanography experts Peruvians,

heldduring the month of October 2002, they found remains of what could be a lost city, a
town built by the Inca predecessor, under water Lake

Geographic Location

Located in an area shared by Peru and Bolivia, this navigable lake is characterized by large
dimensions having: a surface of 8.490 km2 and a depth of 280 meters.

At its edge houses the folklore capital of Peru for excellence, the city of Puno. Founded in
1666, its population is 60,000 mostly Aymara origin, but conservative Spanish legacy in
their artistic and cultural expressions. The population living around the lake is mainly
engaged in fishing and crafts, being characteristic of the area of reed canoes, better
known as "little reed horses".

The lake waters have a total of 36 islands, the Peruvian territory within the larger islands
of the Uros, Taquile and Amanti. The lake has a navigation system that maintains contact
with Peru and Bolivia by vessels joined the Peruvian port of Puno with the Bolivian city of
Huaqui.

Lake Titicaca

In 1978 the reserve was created Lake Titicaca, in order to preserve its wildlife and the
beauty of its landscapes. In this book, have 60 varieties of birds, 14 species of fish
originating from Lake and 18 species of amphibians, among which are the Titicaca giant
frog that can weigh up to 3 kilograms.

The ideal time to visit the lake is between May and October, as the days are sunny and the
temperature changes are not so abrupt. The average temperature for this time is 25 ° C.
but at night, temperatures are usually below 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 of Puno. From there you can travel to the islands in various transport
water. Another way is by road, traveling 416 km. from Cuzco to Puno.

Islands of Lake Titicaca

One of the most popular islands, is the floating island of Uros. This island is artificially built
on reeds, plant and long thin leaves that grows in the lake. This material is also used in the
manufacture of all the craftsmanship and the boats with their sales people to fish.

The floating island of reeds awaits its visitors. A 4 km. Puno. It can be reached by
motorboat, lingering from the city of Puno 20 minutes on this island still preserved
features clothing and terraces of the Inca people.

Lake Titicaca

The island of Taquile collect as many indigenous tours, as their inhabitants personally
organize and manage all aspects of their island tourism, welcoming into their homes to
visitors, to preserve its ancient customs. It is inhabited by about 350 families, who strictly
follow the customs Incas, where the three most important provisions remain in force as
law rule: 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, organize tours and special tours to tourists of
the place. Visitors can make the journey to the island from the city of Puno, standing on
one of the boats made of reeds, for about three hours away, admiring a beautiful
landscape, until one of the ports of the island. Once there, visitors can explore on foot,
following ancient Inca trails constructed of small pieces of stones, archaeological remains
and ancient customs that time has not been broken. Within the island there are no
modern transportation.

Amanti Island is another place where traditions are preserved of the ancient empire. It is
one of the most beautiful islands of the lake, since its decoration with creepers and
cultural vestiges, invite visitors to soak in one of the most important pre-Columbian
cultures of America .. This island find the archaeological remains of one of the holiest
cities of the empire.

Inca's Legacy

At present, according to census data released by INEI-Peru 1993, there would be 300,000
people who speak the original language Aymara Jaqaru, most of which are in the city of
Puno, and Tacna 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 this layenda could
become reality.

Peruvian Woman

An expedition conducted by experts from 14 and October 25, discovered the ruins and
remains of what would be an Inca citadel hidden in the depths of the lake. A 8 feet deep
lake, divers were able to appreciate perfectly fitted stone walls with each other, very
similar to those found in Machu Pichu. Within the city underwater, also found a stone
platform with ceramic figures, matching the offerings of local sacred sites.

The expedition also would have a structure of rock formation above water with 20 meters
in diameter and up to three meters high. On this one, would have appeared a stone statue
shaped flame, an animal native to the Andes, characteristic of the Peruvian highlands.