Lake Titicaca

Stunning, unpredictable, and enormous, Lake Titicaca is a world of unique flora, fauna, cultures, and geology. Lago Titicaca, which means lake of the grey (titi) puma (caca) in Quechua, borders Peru and Bolivia, with Peru's largest portion to the northwest. While Peru boasts the largest port in Puno, Bolivia's side has Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, two beautiful islands with great views and Inca ruins.

The Bahía de Puno, separated from the lake proper by the two jutting peninsulas of Capaschica and Chucuito, is home to the descendents of the Uro people, who are now mixed with the Aymará and Quechua. The lakeshores are lush with totora reeds—valuable as building material, cattle fodder, and, in times of famine, food for humans.

Although it's generally cold, the beaming sun keeps you warm and if you don't watch it, burned.

Getting Around

A boat is necessary for traveling the lake. Most people go to the islands with a tour, but colectivo boats in Puno Bay will transport you for S/10-S/25. Most boats are super slow, super old, and they won't leave port unless at least 10 people are smushed aboard. A four-hour trip will take only an hour in one of the newer speedboats that the higher-end tour companies now use.