Lake Titicaca sits at an average altitude of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. Located on the Andean plateau between Peru and Bolivia, this elevation requires acclimatization for visitors due to the thin air.
The altitude of Lake Titicaca marks the beginning of our journey to one of the most mystical bodies of water in the Andes, a lake that graces both Peru and Bolivia with its imposing presence. Known as the “cradle of the sun,” it is home to resilient communities like the Uros and the Taquileños, who thrive on their unique floating islands. Scattered across its waters are the ruins of ancient temples and structures that have miraculously survived centuries of history.
Key Details:
Exact Altitude: Approximately 3,812 meters above sea level (12,507 feet).
Location: Andean Altiplano, shared by Peru and Bolivia.
Meaning: It is the highest navigable lake in the world, accessible to large vessels.
Travel Considerations: Given its high altitude, it is crucial to take the first day easy, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous physical activity to acclimatize to the thinner air, as recommended by Explorandes and Intupa Cusco, among others.
Where is Lake Titicaca in South America?
Lake Titicaca is located in the Andes Mountains, on the border between Peru and Bolivia, in the high Altiplano. It is an endorheic lake, meaning it is a closed basin with little outflow to rivers or the ocean. Its western section is in the Puno region of Peru, and its eastern side is in the La Paz department of Bolivia. Approximately 60% of the lake lies within the borders of Peru, and 40% in Bolivia.
Lake Titicaca Altitude
At an impressive altitude of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level, Lake Titicaca holds the title of the world's highest navigable lake. Its elevation means the air is thinner, and visitors may feel the effects of altitude sickness during their stay. It's advisable to take it easy on your first day, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous physical activity until you've acclimatized. This high-altitude environment also rewards travelers with clear skies, fresh air, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes Mountains—a unique reward for those who venture here.
Lake Titicaca Facts and More
The name Titicaca comes from the Quechua word Titiqaqa Qucha, meaning "stone puma" or "gray puma." It is a vast freshwater lake in the Andes. It is also the second-largest lake in South America, after Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. The lake sits at approximately 3,820 meters above sea level and reaches a depth of 284 meters at its deepest point. It is believed to be over 3 million years old and is one of fewer than twenty "ancient lakes in the world."
Lake Titicaca is home to several unique cultures and a wide variety of unusual flora and fauna. The Uros people use totora reeds to construct and reinforce their "floating islands," which they can move with effort. Taquile Island is home to a culture where men weave and women spin. This culture has lived in the same way for a millennium and produces everything it needs without outside interference. Amantani is a third island that is home to communities that adhere primarily to traditional Andean ways of life.
The subtropical highland/alpine climate of this region is dry, with intense sunshine and cool to cold temperatures year-round. Average high temperatures are in the 60s (around 15°C) and average low temperatures are in the 20s or 30s (around -6°C to 4°C) for most of the year. The region receives about 24 inches (61 cm) of rain annually on average. Lake Titicaca moderates the surrounding climate by absorbing solar energy during the day and radiating it at night, preventing nearby regions from experiencing extremely low temperatures.
It consists of two sub-basins connected by the Strait of Tiquina, its narrowest point. These sub-basins are Lake Grande and Lake Pequeño. Lake Grande has an average depth of 135 meters, while Lake Pequeño has an average depth of 40 meters. Although little water flows out of the lake, five major rivers and about 20 streams flow into it. Lake Titicaca has 41 islands, some of which are inhabited by Quechua and Aymara cultures.
