| Lake Titicaca, Bolivia was
the cradle of Inca civilization, is the second largest lake of South America
(after Maracaibo). It is reputed to be the highest navigable lake in the
world (about 12,500 ft. above sea level), extending from southeastern to
western Bolivia. The lake is 122 miles long with an average width of 35
mi. The lake has waves, testament to its size and not surprisingly the
waters are cold and deep, over 1,200 feet. At that altitude and fed from
snow-clad Andes the lake does not invite swimming. It is the remnant of
an ancient inland sea and the blue waters make a beautiful contrast to
the parched altiplano. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest lake navigable
to large vessels.
The Totora reeds that
grow on the banks of Lake Titicaca have been used for building ships by
inhabitants of this region for centuries. After failing in attempts to
cross the South Pacific, Thor Hyerdahl came to Lake Titicaca to hire the
expert reed boat builders native to this area. After cutting the reeds,
they're dried in the sun for about two weeks, then intricately woven to
build their boats.
Copacabana Bolivia is the
site of the Festival of the Virgin of Copacabana, it is located on the
shores of Titicaca lake and attracts hundreds of pilgrims each year for
the Virgin's festivities.Normally is is a sleepy fishing village but during
this festival(August) it comes alive with the sounds and colors that will
give the traveler memories to last a lifetime. |
