Lake Titicaca
A navigable sea high in the Andes.
Where the lake is
The pulsing dot marks the lake's position (Peru / Bolivia).
among the 18 lakes in this section
High in the mountains there can only be small ponds.
Titicaca is a vast lake at nearly 4 km altitude. It holds about 893 km³ of water, slightly more than Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake by area.
About the lake
Titicaca sits at 3,812 m in the Andes, on the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is widely described as the world's highest large navigable lake. A narrow strait joins its two basins, and its shores are home to communities with centuries of tradition, including floating islands made from totora reed.
Across 8,372 km² and at depths up to 281 m, Titicaca holds about 893 km³ of water. This large water mass moderates daily temperature swings on the surrounding high plateau.
Lake Titicaca: Questions
Its surface lies 3,812 m above sea level. It is widely recognised as the world's highest large navigable lake, although smaller mountain lakes lie higher.
Yes. Uru communities build and maintain artificial floating islands from totora reeds. New layers of reed must be added regularly.
About 893 km³, over 8,372 km² and up to 281 m deep.