Over 12,000 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca forms the border between Bolivia and Peru. Fed by five rivers and connecting several Bolivian and Peruvian towns along the shoreline, the lake is held sacred by both nations and the native people continue to live peacefully by the tranquil waters of the lake.
Native Peoples
Lake Titicaca has several islands that are home to the regions indigenous tribes. The important islands include the Uros Islands, home to reed gatherers Suriqui, the last bastion of boat makers, the Amantaní, home to shepherds and agriculturists, the Taquilea home to the artisans and finally the islands of the sun and the moon – Isla del Sol and Isla del Luna. Most islands are inhabited, although there is a lack of modern conveniences so visitors who intend to stay overnight often carry their supplies with them.
Reed Boats
The Uru and Suriqui people are considered the last practitioners of the tradition of building reed boats from Totora reeds. These reeds grow quickly and even form small islets that last about three decades before they sink to the bottom of the lake. Today, visitors may see the gathering of reeds and the construction of boats that are used for fishing and travel across the lake.