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12,000 feet into the Andes Mountains of Peru is South America’s largest lake. It is hailed as the highest navigable lake in the world. Its vast splendor is bigger than the country of Switzerland, and borders both Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivian Naval Force sometimes will use this lake for naval exercises. The lakes average depth is 350 feet, but at its deepest point it is over 900 feet. It is a rather tranquil body of water, which in part may be due to the surrounding snow capped peaks of its Andes Mountains. No one knows how Lake Titicaca got its name, but two different translations are “Rock Puma” and “Crag of Lead”. This massive lake is separated into two sub-basins that are linked by the narrow Straight of Tiquina. The larger sub-basin is known as Lago Grande (large lake), the smaller being Lago Pequeno (small lake). One way to visit this incredible body of water is through the little city of Puno, which can be found in the southeastern portion of Peru.

Tradition has it that Lake Titicaca was the birth place of the first Inca King, Manco Capac, born by the sun god, Inti. It was from there that Manco created the Kingdom of Cusco, thus commencing the birth of the infamous Inca Empire. Today this lake is still known to be a sacred place of the Inca religion and mythology. Across the border to Bolivia, Copacaban is where it is believed that Manco Capac emerged. Pilgrims travel to Copacabana, from all over the continent, to receive the Virgin blessing. From there you can take a boat ride to the Isla del Sol, where you will find the sacred rock.

Lake Titicaca is surrounded with beauty and rich history that can only be appreciated by visiting its shores and floating islands. Making this a part of your Peru itinerary is worth every moment of your time.