Lake Titicaca, Peru, Bolivia is situated on the Peru-Bolivia border. It is 12,500 feet in altitude making it the highest lake that can be navigated in the world. Considering water volume, it is largest Lake in South America.
The Lake comprises of two distinct sub basins interconnected by the strait of Tuquina, which at 2,620 feet is the narrowest point of intersection. The larger sub basin is the Lago Grande or Lago Chucuito and the smaller one is Winaymarka or Lago Pequeno meaning the little lake.
There are five main rivers which flow into Lake Titicaca, Peru-Bolivia. These are Coata, Sunchez, Ramis, Huancane and Ilave. There are about twenty other small rivulets and streams draining into Lake Titicaca. The Lake also boosts of forty one islands.
The lake has been receding since 2000 and has reached its lowest ever recorded levels since 1949. This is as a result of shorter rainy seasons and the melting of the glaciers that feed the lake’s tributaries. The lake has an average temperature of 10-14 degrees Celsius. During the winter the waters mix with the deep waters which maintain a temperature of 10-11 degrees Celsius.
Lake Titicaca, Peru, Bolivia, boosts of a diverse species of water birds leading to its designation as a Ramsar site. It hosts endangered species such as the massive Titicaca water Frog as well as the flightless Titicaca Grebe. Lake Titicaca climate is alpine with temperatures ranging from cool to cold all year round. The islands have attracted a lot of tourists from the lake side city of Puno on excursions. No hotels and cars are available on the island because no machines are permitted on the island. Some families offer overnight stays.