Explore the archaeological ruins of Peru at the mysterious "Lake Titicaca," a hidden gem at 3,800 meters above sea level

By Rita

While we enjoy the conveniences of technology, can you imagine that at the border between Peru and Bolivia in South America, indigenous communities still maintain a thousand-year-old living tradition—dwelling on floating reed islands on a lake?Lake Titicacais the world’s highest navigable lake, approximately 3,812 meters above sea level, covering an area roughly a quarter the size of Taiwan.

▲ Lake Titicaca (Photo / Wikipedia)

This lake is considered the cradle of pre-Spanish civilization. Legend has it that Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca Empire, were born from the waters and traveled to Cusco to establish the empire. There are around several dozen artificial islands made of reeds, with the largest covering about 100 square meters. In the past, they drifted with the water, but now they are fixed to the lakebed and even house post offices and restaurants.

▲ Reed floating islands on Lake Titicaca (Photo / Wikipedia)

Here, you can take a historical journey to admire pre-Colonial archaeological sites, such as the precolumbian cemetery of Sillustani, believed to be older than the Inca Empire. You can also admire the stunning colonial-era architecture and art in the churches and temples of the provinces of Chucuito, Juli, and Pomata.