Unbelievable Facts About The Elevation Of Lake Titicaca


elevation of lake titicaca

Lake Titicaca is an inspiring and stunning place, high altitude body of water surrounded by the Andean plateau’s great landscapes. A visitor who visits this place feels a spiritual connection here or sees the wonder of nature or feels a positive energy that transcends their physical body. The elevation of Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and also the largest lake as per the volume of water in South America, making this lake an iconic place to visit.

The Titicaca lake is an immense water body that creates a more humid microclimate and warmer, which surely helps cultivate quinoa and potatoes. It also sustains the population approx 228000 of its surrounding area. Locals also keep herbs of alpacas, cows, sheep, and dioramas.

9 Key Facts About The Elevation Of Lake Titicaca

A large body of water with a mountain in the background

Surface area- This lake has 8370 square km (3230 square miles). For comparison, the Ontario Lake has a 7340 square miles surface area.

Width- The lake measures about 80km or 50 miles widest.

Max depth- The deepest area of this lake is about 920 feet and place in the northeast corner.

Length- The elevation of Lake Titicaca stretches from the northwest to southeast, and its distance is about 190 km or 120 miles.

Average depth- It has a 107-meter average depth.

Transport- There are several fishing boats and small passenger transport available.

Economy- The economy of this place depends on fishing and tourism, and both things are really important for locals.

Protected status- This lake is protected by national reserve status (Peruvian law). The lake of beauty was designated in 1988 by the Ramsar site.

Major island- Taquile, Isla de la luna, amantani, Isla del sol, a strike is famous and amazing artificial floating islands on the Peruvian side that are made of totora reeds.

Other Interesting Facts About Lake Titicaca

A sandy beach next to a body of water

If you think that why should you visit the elevation of Lake Titicaca, then here are some interesting facts about it.

Origin of name- Local people believe that the lake depicts’ shape, which means it has puma hunting the rabbit. Therefore, the name Titicaca comes from the ‘titi Khar ka’ meaning rock of the puma in Aymara.

World records- This lake is 3800 meter above sea level. Thus it is the highest navigable lake in the world. At 12500 feet above sea level of South America in Andes Mountain and its place astride the border between Bolivia to the east and Peru to the west. This lake is higher than Cusco but lower as compared to the highest point on the Inca trail.

The Number Of Tributaries And Civilization

Over 25 rivers and many glaciers are Titicaca lake’s tributaries but only a drain from it. The river desaguadero drains 5% of incoming water, and other water is lost by evaporation.

Before the Inca civilization, three other civilizations resided at this lake and left their culture marks like collars, pukara, and Tiwanaku.

Conclusion

The elevation of Lake Titicaca is a rich cultural past and present, and it is the most beautiful and alluring destination of South America. However, this lake has many other facts like unique ecology, island hopping, Inca mythology, etc.

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