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Lake Titicaca

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The name is no coincidence: the much more famous beach in Rio de Janeiro was named after the same virgin saint.

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Overview

In Andean belief, Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun. Set between Peru and Bolivia, it’s the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world. Bright days contrast with bitterly cold nights. Enthralling, deep-blue Lake Titicaca is the unifying, longtime home of highland cultures steeped in the old ways.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • nScenery when walking around Amantaní­ Island on Lake Titicaca on the border between Peru and Bolivia in South America.

    Isla Amantaní

    Lake Titicaca

    Of the small remote islands dotted around Lake Titicaca, Isla Amantaní is the least visited. Its population is just 4000, is a few kilometers north of the…

  • Iglesia de Santiago Apostol

    Iglesia de Santiago Apostol

    Lake Titicaca

    Worth seeing and the pride of locals, this lime-mortar church includes fascinating features, such as a life-sized sculpture of The Last Supper; Santiago …

  • Isla Taquile

    Isla Taquile

    Lake Titicaca

    Miniscule Taquile may be only 7-sq-km, with a population of merely 2000 people, but this island has a distinct culture famous for its colorful textiles…

  • Sillustani

    Sillustani

    Lake Titicaca

    Sitting on rolling hills on the Lago Umayo peninsula, the chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani stand out for miles against a desolate altiplano…

  • Yavari

    Yavari

    Puno

    The oldest steamship on Lake Titicaca, the famed Yavari has turned from British gunship to a museum and recommended bed and breakfast, with bunk-bed…

  • Cutimbo

    Cutimbo

    Lake Titicaca

    Just over 20km from Puno, this dramatic site has an extraordinary position upon a table-topped volcanic hill surrounded by a fertile plain. Its modest…

  • Kalasaya

    Kalasaya

    Lake Titicaca

    These pre-Inca ruins are spread out across a large area above the town and consist of nine pyramid-like structures, the largest of which gives the site…

  • Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

    Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

    Lake Titicaca

    The imposing 1557 church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción has an expansive courtyard approach that may awaken urges to oratory. Its interior is airy, and…

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Lake Titicaca and beyond

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