Lake Titicaca is both the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world.
© Mrpeak | Dreamstime
Aside from the records, Lake Titicaca is a fascinating place which straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru. Those arriving on its shores from La Paz will reach the small town of Copacabana, which bears little similarity to the famous Brazilian beach of the same name.
© Jesse Kraft | Dreamstime
One major difference is the weather. At 3,812 meters above sea level, Copacabana is far colder than its Brazilian namesake. The town provides a base for trips to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. Boat trips are offered to both islands, where you will find Incan ruins and great hiking trails.
Although Copacabana is usually quite peaceful, it is also known for its various festivals. Arguably the most famous is the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria, celebrated from Feb. 2–5, during which cars are blessed by local priests.
© Pclvv | Flickr
After a couple of days in Copacabana, cross the border into Peru and follow the road around the shore of the lake to Puno. The town itself is a grey place buffeted by howling winds, but it does serve as a gateway to the floating reed islands of Uros. The Uros people predate the Inca, and a number of them still live on floating islands made from the totora reed, which is also used to make boats and provide food.
Interestingly, Titicaca is home to the Bolivian Navy, one of the few landlocked navies in the world. Although Bolivia has no coastline, it maintains a small naval force which patrols Titicaca and some of the larger rivers in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for a military rarity.
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia © Hugoht | Dreamstime
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedRestaurant
May 2, 2024A New Rooftop Bar and Venue Comes to South London
Opening May 4, Pergola Brixton marks South London’s latest rooftop opening for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Surrounded by tropical greenery and bright, colorful murals, Pergola Brixton transports guests to an island paradise, complete with a retractable roof terrace.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Hotel
May 2, 2024Hotel Indigo Williamsburg Partners with Immersive Tour Company
Hotel Indigo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, recently debuted its new partnership with Brooklyn-based tour company Like A Local Tours. Through the partnership, the hotel offers guests immersive experiences that support the local community.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024What to Expect at This Year’s Catskill Cuisine Fest
The second annual Catskill Cuisine festival is set to kick off soon, May 10–12. After the inaugural event’s success, this year’s festival is bigger than ever, with the one-day main event once again held at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival). Events, including a charity golf tournament and Mother’s Day brunch, will also occur throughout the weekend.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024Go Bikepacking on North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey Trail System
Escape Adventures now offers a five-day camping and mountain biking tour of the Maah Daah Hey Trail System in North Dakota. Showcasing some of America’s most unique terrain, the trail offers majestic plateaus, jagged peaks and valleys, rolling prairies, and intertwining rivers.
ShareThis