Nestled between two of South America’s most iconic Andean countries, Lake Titicaca stands out for its intriguing cultural panorama. Likewise, the highest navigable lake in the world is also one of the most mysterious attractions you can visit. Grasping its traditions is important for those who experience this magical place. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share the amazing enigmas of this famous attraction.
All about the mysteries of the highest lake in the world
Lake Titicaca
Taking a boat tour on Lake Titicaca is one of the iconic activities of both Andean countries. Especially for its over 8,200 square kilometers of coastline and its location in the middle of the Andes. However, these distinctive features don’t only represent this natural wonder; the surrounding legends do it too. The enigmatic origin, customs, and stories are key to its global fame.
Origin
By the impressive location of Lake Titicaca, diverse mysteries surround it, especially regarding its origin. However, the scientific perspective has its standpoint. They refer its beginning to the development of the Andes Mountains. This is thanks to the movement of tectonic plates, the territory rose from the sea.
Ages later, this portion of the ocean remained on the Collao plateau. Thanks to its flat and level terrain, which formed over thousands of years. During the Ice Age, the waters froze within, allowing them to retain their shape and depth. They turned into a one-point in a kind of sea that reached an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters.
Another interesting fact is the origin of the name. Lake Titicaca means “stone puma” according to the ancient language of the Incas. According to some legends, the Andean deities sent pumas to devour humans after they made their offerings. As a gesture of mourning, the sun god, also known as Inti, wept for 40 days and nights, forming the lake mentioned above.
Legends
Contrary to the scientific perspective, there are various legends surrounding this natural wonder. As it houses a wealth of natural and cultural treasures, the number of legends surrounding it is undeniable. Some of them relate to its nature, age, or other exciting stories told by local people. Below, we present some of the best-known legends about this binational wonder.
Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo
The legend, also known as the origin of the Incas, tells of the birth of this majestic empire. According to these ancient tales, the creator god of the universe, Viracocha, emerged behind the waters of the lake. Subsequently, using his godly abilities, he created the land, the heavens, the celestial bodies, and the initial humans. Viraqocha traveled across the continent and disappeared into the ocean.
Sometime later, the Andean entity sent Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the Inca ancestors, to emerge from the lake. They were instrumental in establishing one of the largest empires in South America. After searching for fertile land, they planted a golden rod, which symbolized the beginning of the empire. According to these tales, the aforementioned valley was Cusco, the birthplace of the Inca civilization.
The Lost City
According to some Aymara people, legends refer to the shape of the lake, in the sense that it resembles a feline idol. According to these stories, this shape represented a sunken city in the lake. Wanaku, or City of Spirits, was an important spiritual center before the lake’s origins.
However, in 2002, an aquatic expedition led to important treasures. Various oceanographic experts and divers from the Peruvian Navy led this important expedition. They found remains that could indicate signs of a sunken city thanks to their arduous research. Indigenous groups likely developed this fortress during the Inca Empire.
Sharks of the Lake
Given the nature of the lake, it may seem difficult to believe that sharks exist in the lake. However, the answer is a little more complex than a yes or no because the scientists found fossilized remains in 2017. This shark’s remains date back approximately 400 million years, making it one of the oldest vertebrates in South America.
Likewise, some students from the University of Puno began researching paleontological sites in one of the closest districts. These remains belong to the Age of Fish, where the first fish originated, which later evolved into amphibians. Therefore, researchers confirmed the existence of sharks; however, they trace their presence back to ancient times.
The Mermaid of Lake Titicaca
Another of the most popular legends about this body of water relates to the mythological creatures known as mermaids. According to indigenous accounts, at least one such creature existed. These ancient tales tell of a boy named Amaru who discovered the existence of this creature. Driven by curiosity and fascination, he began visiting the lake every afternoon in the hope of finding her.
As time passed, the boy witnessed the depths emerge a woman of unusual beauty, with a fish tail and brilliant eyes. Although hesitant at first, Amaru approached her and forged a friendship. As a token of gratitude, the mermaid offered to grant him one wish.
After a while, when the boy’s mother became gravely ill, he sought assistance from his friend. The mermaid gave him a remedy that managed to heal the woman. However, days passed, and Amaru’s father asked the boy to ask the mermaid for gold to alleviate his family’s needs. Innocent and trusting, Amaru obeyed, and the mermaid then handed him a golden vessel.
Nevertheless, the villagers awakened their greed and soon set a trap to capture the creature. They caught her and, under threats, tried to force her to reveal the origin of the precious metals. The mermaid began to change because her body took on human form, fading into the crowd and disappearing.
When Amaru saw her leave, he began changing because his body started looking like a water creature. On a whim, he leaped into the lake and disappeared. Thus, the story of the Titicaca mermaid and the boy who chose water over the world of men emerged.
Floating Islands
Without a doubt, the most peculiar place on Lake Titicaca is the Uros Islands because of their origin. Centuries ago, various peoples of the ancient Antiplane witnessed a civil war on the side of the lake. The war was so intense that the Uros people decided to abandon the mainland and take refuge in the middle of the lake. To do so, the indigenous people created their own islands from the totora reeds that grow on the shores of the lake.
Thus, over time, they built great engineering works in the middle of the lake. These civilizations remained unknown for several centuries, and specialists cannot determine the exact nature of these civilizations. However, researchers estimate that these islands emerged 3,700 years ago. Nowadays, people estimate that more than 1,800 people live fully on these sites.
Interesting facts
In addition to the ancient legends, both on the Peruvian and Bolivian sides, Lake Titicaca holds lesser-known curiosities. Many of them relate to their size, nature, origin, and even history. Below, we present some interesting facts that make this lake a natural enigma.
- People divide Lake Titicaca into two main sectors: the greater lake and the lesser lake. The depth of each sector of the lake stands out because it curiously focuses on one-third of the lake. This has led to numerous investigations and speculations about what happens in its depths.
- In 1973, a satellite photographed and gave a first indication of the Lake Titicaca map. The image revealed a surprising silhouette of a feline about to hunt its prey. Local interpretations suggest it is a puma hunting a vizcacha, an animal with a strong Andean symbolism.
- In terms of biodiversity, the Titicaca National Reserve is home to approximately 160 species of fauna. However, one of the most iconic amphibians is the giant Titicaca frog, the largest in the world. Peruvians consider this exclusively aquatic amphibian as one of the emblems of the Andean region.
- One of the oldest stories says that the god Viracocha was a top Inca god who came from the waters of Titicaca. What’s interesting about this tale is that it depicts the god’s physiological structure. The description indicates a man of medium height, wearing a white tunic, carrying a staff, and holding a book.
- For those planning to visit the Lake Titicaca islands, this information will be interesting. Especially because it is home to one of the most renowned cradles of textile art in Andean culture. We’re referring to Taquile Island because it preserves ancient textile techniques.
“REGARDLESS OF ITS ORIGIN, WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THE CULTURAL VALUE IT CURRENTLY RETAINS”
As we saw, various legends, myths, and tales surround this impressive tourist and cultural attraction. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team hopes to have given you a glimpse into just a portion of Andean culture. You can enjoy this and many more experiences on the Peruvian-Andean Antiplano.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
