DESTINATIONS IN BOLIVIA
Here you can find descriptions of the various regions of Bolivia.
LAKE TITICACA
With an altitude of 3.810m above sea level, the mystical Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and is situated in the Altiplano (high plain) between Peru and Bolivia (30% of the area belong to Bolivia). The lake is 195 km of length, 65 km of width and contains more than 40 islands, which are mainly floating islands named after the Indian people of the Uros and very popular with tourists. The Uros were considered a savage people and the Inca couldn't manage to oppress them as they retreated to their floating islands whenever there was danger in sight. The life element of the Uros was the totora reed of which they built their islands, huts and the famous reed boats (balsas) used for hunting.
Many myths and legends are told about the shimmering blue Lake Titicaca such as being the 'sacred lake' and the origin of the Inca Empire. On several boat trips you can discover the various attractive sites full of history and culture, such as Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) or Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon). Also Taquile and Amantani Islands, famous for their weaving art, are worth a visit. Along the shore of the lakes are other interesting sites such as the pilgrimage destination of Copacabana and the Inca ruins of Tiahuanaco.
Copcabana - Island of the Sun
On the Bolivian shores of Lake Titicaca lies the little pilgrimage town of Copacabana. The town offers a great amount of sights to see and tourist attractions and excursions into the surrounding areas. In the town you will be able to visit the famous dark virgin in the Basilica Virgen de la Candelaria, a cathedral built in 1605. The dark virgin was invented in the 16th century as cartridge of the indigenous population and was even sainted by the Vatican. The Moorish church was built in the 17th century, constructed by the architect Francisco Jimenez de Singüeza. Every Saturday and Sunday cars are blessed and decorated with flowers and garlands at the church.
The name of the town Copacabana is an eponym of the Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Copacabana is a popular weekend destination for Bolivians. Just outside the town is the Cerro Calvario that you can climb up and from where you will have spectacular views over the town and the Lake. Mountain bike Tours and Kayak tours around Lake Titicaca are also offered.
From Copacabana you can easily reach the Islands of the Sun and Moon by boat.
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The biggest and most famous island of Lake Titicaca is the legendary Island of the Sun located on the Bolivian side, 20 km north of Copacabana.
One legend tells that the creator-god, Wiracocha, the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his wife/ sister, Mama Ocllo, were born on this island. Still today uncountable ruins and terraces testify to the past glory of the Inca Empire. The legend also tells that the inhabitants sank their treasures in the lake just before the Spanish conquistadors arrived at the island in the 16th century. It is very possible that the treasure still lies on the ground of the lake, waiting to be discovered. On the north side of the Island of the Sun, in Koa, artefacts have been found which prove that somewhere there is a sunken city on the floor of Lake Titicaca.
On the Island of the Sun many trekking trails are available to the visitor, so a stay of several days is highly recommended. Famous and breathtaking are the beautiful views from the island over the whole lake, especially at sunset. Again and again the hiker gets new spectacular views over the shining lake, the snow-covered Royal Cordillera and the smaller islands in the surroundings. The Island of the Sun also works with many ecotourism projects.
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