Lake Titicaca Facts

Inca Civilization

The Inca civilization was the largest Pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas and Cusco was its capital. The best kept example of its architecture is Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

The Sacred City is one of the most significant archeological sites left by the Incas

Culture

Fascinating culture and Inca heritage of this beautiful country

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It occupies an important place in Inca mythology.

Animals of Peru

Animals in Peru have specialized and adapted to the conditions of its geography. At higher altitude levels, few animals and plants can survive because of the lack of oxygen.

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Largest lake in South America in terms of volume.

Highest navigable lake in the world

It is Located at an altitude of approximately 12,500 feet of 3,810 meters above sea level.

It covers an area of 8,300 sq km or 3,240 sq miles.

It extends for 190 km or 118 miles in length and 80 km or 49 miles in width.

It has a maximum depth of 284m or 931feet with the average being 106m or 350 feet.

Its geographical coordinates is 15.821324° S, 69.384155° W.

Lake Titicaca is a national reserve.

Its surface is evenly distributed between Bolivia and Peru.

There are 40 floating islands made from totora reeds.

The lake is fed by rainfall and melting glacier water.

Annual precipitation varies between 200 and 1,400 mm.

The most important tributaries of Lake Titicaca are located in the Peruvian side of the lake.

There are 25 rivers that deposit their water in the Titicaca. The Ramis River is the most important contributor in terms of volume followed by Coata, Ilave, Huancane and Suchez.

Only one river, River Desaguadero, drains 5% of the incoming water out of the lake.

Close to 95% of the incoming water is loss through evaporation.

The lake is so large it forms its own waves.

Because of the source of its water the lake temperature is quite cold it has an average temperature of 11 degrees Celcius.

Lake Titicaca is divided into two sub-basins, the larger one is Lago Grande and the smaller is Lago Pequeño. Both lakes are connected by the Strait of Tiquina.

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