Lake Titicaca, also known as “the birthplace of the Incas”, is a famous body of water found in the Andes, and a treasure trove of beauty and history in South America. It is a massive deep lake, the largest on the continent, and it lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia. 

(By Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)  

The lake is 120 miles long and 50 miles wide. It also has a high surface elevation of approximately 12,000 feet, and due to its gargantuan size, it is the highest lake that remains navigable for commercial and recreational crafts. 

(By Anthony Lacoste, Wikimedia Commons)  

This stunning land was once inhabited by the Incas, the Native Americans, Amazonian tribes, and numerous other small communities prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Some of those communities still remain, residing on the shores, the 41 islands within the lake, as well as so-called floating islands created by the tribes.

These islands are home to not only beautiful ruins and historic monuments and buildings, but a plethora of unique wildlife. There are also numerous fun water-based activities for all ages. Lying on the border of two major countries, you can enjoy the experience of Lake Titicaca from Bolivia or Peru, so you can make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime traveling experience. These 20 pictures show you the must-see attractions of this grand destination.

1. A map of Lake Titicaca, lying on the border between Bolivia and Peru

(Wikimedia Commons)   

2. It is so large, it has two smaller sub-basins connected by a narrow strait, known as the Strait of Tiquina

(By StarbucksFreak, Wikimedia Commons)  

3. The view of Lake Titicaca from Puno, a city situated between shores of the lake and the mountains

(By Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)  

4. The Devil of Puno Dance, practiced during the Festival de la Candelaria in Peru, in early February every year

(By Aldoz, Wikimedia Commons)  

5. Floating Islands, made In the shallow waters of the lake by the Uros people, indigenous to Peru and Bolivia

(By Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)  

6. These Floating Islands were made from mud, aquatic plants, and reeds of totora 

(Wikimedia Commons)   

7. Totora is a plant harvested by the Uros to build the floating islands and rafts 

(By Christophe Meneboeuf, Wikimedia Commons)  

8. The Reeds of Totora fashioned into a boat 

(By Thomas Quine, Wikimedia Commons)  

9. The Uros Islands and Taquile Island in Peru, offer excellent destinations for kayaking

(By Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons)  

10. A totora boat being used in Isla del Sol, in Bolivia 

(By Germarquezm, Wikimedia Commons)  

11. Isla del Sol, situated in Bolivia, is one of the largest islands on the lake and a sacred Inca island

(Wikimedia Commons)  

12. On the shores of Isla del Sol sits the popular destination town of Copacabana

(By Christopher Crouzet, Wikimedia Commons)  

13. Yumani is another village in Isla del Sol, home to a temple built where the first Inca, Manco Cápac is said to have emerged, of which only the stairs remain standing…

(By Alaexis, Wikimedia Commons)  

14. … as well as the fountain 

(By Alaexis, Wikimedia Commons)  

15. Titi Qala, a large sandstone outcrop, is another sacred Inca ruin on the Island, which is one of the most important pilgrimage locations in the remains of the Inca empire

(By Alexson Scheppa Peisino, Wikimedia Commons)  

16. Walking trails and hiking routes can be found all around the Cerro Calvario, a sacred mountain near Copacabana

(Von Christopher Walker, Wikimedia Commons)  

17. East of Isla del Sol is the smaller Isla de la Luna, and the mountain system Cordillera Real behind it

(By Francesco Bailo, Wikimedia Commons)

18. The Titicaca grebe is an endangered flightless feathery fowl that lives in colonies across Lake Titicaca and the many smaller lakes connected to it

(By Tsirtalis, Wikimedia Commons)  

19. If you’re really lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the Chilean Flamingo! 

(By Tragopan, Wikimedia Commons)