Peru
Lake Titicaca
Welcome to Peru! Lake Titicaca sits high in the Andes Mountains, so high that boats sailing on it are higher up than many mountain peaks. It is the highest lake in the world that boats can navigate.
Why is it special?
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting more than 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level.
It is also the largest lake in South America by the amount of water it holds, shared between Peru and Bolivia.
How was it formed?
The lake formed millions of years ago as the Andes Mountains rose up around it, trapping water in a huge basin high in the highlands.
Rivers and melting snow from the surrounding mountains feed the lake, keeping its deep blue waters full.
Amazing facts
The Uros people build entire floating islands out of totora reeds and have lived on them on the lake for generations.
The lake is so big that it has islands, including Isla del Sol, or Island of the Sun, which was considered sacred by the Inca.
Quick facts
- The Uros people build entire floating islands out of totora reeds and have lived on them on the lake for generations.
- The lake is so big that it has islands, including Isla del Sol, or Island of the Sun, which was considered sacred by the Inca.
- The water stays chilly year-round because of the high altitude, even though the lake sits near the equator.
- Lake Titicaca is home to a giant Titicaca water frog that can grow much larger than an ordinary frog.