The Titicaca National Reserve of Peru

Peru is known for its scenic beauty and beautiful national reserves, one of these being the National Reserve of Titicaca. This natural area is made up by the Titicaca lake, the artificial man-made islets and the cultivated farming zones, all of which are located within the Department of Puno. Its most visited spots are the floating islands of Uros as well as the Amantani and Taquile islands, which are the two largest islands on the lake.

This reserve is part of a system offering a save haven for natural and ecological areas and is protected by the state of Peru using the assistance of the Ministry of Environment.  It was officially recognized as a National Reserve in 1978. It should also be mentioned, that Titicaca Lake is the highest navigable lake in the world and aside from this, is also a place where various cultures emerged and to this day continue to dwell by the lake’s shoreline.

Within the multitude of activities that are available, and aside from the usual tourist tours, it’s possible to take a local marsh boat and take a spin around the lake, or to rent a paddle boat and leisurely make your way around. There are also sail boats available for use in open public areas, sport fishing (for Silverside fish ‘pejerrey’) activities in the Coata River canal, and plenty of opportunities for bird watching as well as the other species whose habitats are within the zone.

The Uros

Within the reserves compound, there lives a community of people called the Uros, and they’re considered to be the oldest group of residents still in the region. They tend to make their homes on the reed islands within the lake. These islands on Titicaca are one of the most visited and central tourist spots on the reserve. The economy of this village, is solely based on the income that comes  in from tourism, fishing, hunting and artisanal crafts.
       
Flora and Fauna

The lake houses a great amount of bird species, fish and amphibians. Within the groups of fish that make their habitat in Titicaca, there is the Suche, Mauri and Orestia among many others, native to the area. In terms of the flora of the area, the most well known are the cattails (totora) or the marsh plants, as they are the main components of the floating islands and the boats on the lake. 

Archeological Remains

At the reserve, we can also find some archeological remains. For example, in the Capachica Peninsula, there are remains here and there, of Incan tombs. As well as in the Chucuito Peninsula where you’d find funereal tombs and a stone raised ceremonial temple used by the Tiahuanaco culture. Likewise, in other cities like Chucuito, there are fertility temples, and in Taraco there have been found the remains of figures carved into stone, which can also probably be attributed to the Tiahuanaco culture. The visit to the lake is not only an experience where you’ll learn about the customs and lifestyles of other cultures, but also you’d be able to enjoy beautiful scenery the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Due to the location of the reserve, it’s an ideal place to get a little ecotourism done, adventure touring is quite popular as well, and of course there’s plenty of opportunity to go about investigating and experiencing some cultural exchange.

Blogalaxia Tags: Peru, Puno, Titicaca Lake, The Tititcaca Reserve, Tourism

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