- The catchment area is 56270 sq. Km. km
- Average depth: 107 m
- Height above sea level: 3812 m
- Capacity: 893 km³
- Type of mineralization: fresh
- Saltability: 1 ‰
- Flowing river: Desaguadero
There are many interesting, beautiful and even mysterious reservoirs on our planet. But among them one can always identify the deepest or the largest. In this article we will tell you about the highest mountain lake in the world. Around the pond there are many mysteries and secrets - Lake Titicaca has been visited by treasure hunters and explorers for hundreds of years.
Geography of Lake Titicaca
Schoolchildren often call the name of the lake a laugh. Adults, remembering the lessons of geography, think: in which hemisphere, on what continent and where exactly is Lake Titicaca located? The answer is: Lake Titicaca is located in the Southern Hemisphere, in South America, on the plateau Altiplano in the Andes. The reservoir is located on the border of two states - Bolivia and Peru, therefore it is impossible to say unequivocally where in which country the Lake Titicaca is located. Both countries are using this treasure of peace. Therefore, intending to go on a tourist trip to this pond, first determine which shore you will be studying from Titicaca. By the way, experienced travelers recommend it to Bolivia. Why - read further.
It is believed that these are the largest reserves of fresh water on the continent: the area of its surface is 8300 square meters. km. If we compare this indicator, Titicaca ranks second after Lake Marciaibo. The water in the lake is fresh, its salinity does not exceed one ppm. But the origin of Lake Titicaca is not known.
What interests Lake Titicaca?
The height of the lake Titicaca above sea level is variable and depending on the season varies in the range of 3812-3821 m. Interestingly, the water temperature averages 10-12 degrees Celsius, and at night off the coast one can observe how it freezes, turning into ice! The depth of the fresh water body along its entire length is kept at the level of 140-180 m, the maximum depth of Lake Titicaca reaches 281 m.
The very name of the lake - Titicaca - from the language of the Quechua Indians is translated as "rock" ("kaka") and "puma" ("titi"), a local sacred animal. But in the natives of Lake Titicaca - Aymara and Quechua - the water body was called "Mamakota", and earlier - "Lake Pukin", which means that the pond belongs to the people of Pukin. It was an ancient state in South America, which had disappeared before Columbus.
Lake Titicaca still attracts the attention of archaeologists, especially since 2000, when at a depth of 30 m divers found a stone terrace about 1 km long. It is believed that this is an ancient pavement. By the way, there was found a part of human sculpture, like artifacts in the city of Tiwanaku . The age of all these finds is approximately 1500 years. There are many islands on Lake Titicaca, but the island of the Sun is the most famous. It is believed that it was here that the gods created the founders of the Inca tribe.
How to get to Lake Titicaca?
From Bolivia it is easier to reach the lake via La Paz : the city has an international airport, and there are many bus routes from all over the country. And then, by an organized and detailed excursion route, you will visit the most interesting places of the lake. And it is most convenient to study the reservoir from the resort town of Copacabana , which is located on the shore of Titicaca. Here is the only large beach in Bolivia.
If you travel to South America on your own, the coordinates of Lake Titicaca will help you: 15 ° 50'11 "S and 69 ° 20'19 "h. etc. And remember that it is more convenient for Bolivia to visit Lake Titicaca for the first time. Here the tourist infrastructure is more developed, and the coast of Copacabana is cleaner and more attractive than the city of Puno in Peru, lying on the opposite shore of the lake. In addition, you can get acquainted with local Indians and buy souvenirs from them.
Interesting facts about Lake Titicaca
Going to the lake, it's time to learn some information about it:
- in Europe for the first time about the lake learned and saw sketches of its contours in 1554;
- Lake Titicaca - the highest navigable lake;
- in Titicaca empties about 300 different rivers and streams originating in mountain glaciers, but only one river flows under the name of Desaguadero, further flowing into the inland Lake Poopo in Bolivia;
- a hundred million years ago the lake was lower by 3,750 m in level and was a usual sea bay; on its bottom there are still remains of ancient sea animals;
- according to the local legend on the bottom of Lake Titicaca lies its own Atlantis - the ancient city of Wanaku.
To travel to the mountains you should always prepare thoroughly, in order to foresee all the difficulties of the road. After all, you will have to decide on the shore of what country you will admire the stunningly beautiful lake of Titicaca. And if you travel without a guide and escort, then to write the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of Lake Titicaca is also necessary, because there are not many signposts along the road.
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