Location

• Lake Titicaca is located in the Andean highlands of South America. The western side of the lake lies within Peru, while the eastern side is situated in Bolivia. According to the Peru Explorer website, the lake has a surface area of approximately 3,100 square miles.
  
  

Where to Stay

• There are two main urban bases for tourists, one on each side of the lake. Puno is the biggest city on the Peruvian side, while the smaller town of Copacabana is the focal point for tourism on the Bolivian side. Both settlements are well equipped to handle the large number of tourists that visit the lake each year. A wide range of hostels, hotels, restaurants and tour offices can be found in both Puno and Copacabana.
  
  

Attractions

• The floating islands of the Uros people provide the main attraction on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. These artificial reed islands have been the home of the Uros tribe for centuries. Tourists can visit the islands and their inhabitants by taking a short boat ride from Puno. The Island of the Moon and the Island of the Sun provide the main attractions on the Bolivian side. These islands are the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilization, and Inca ruins can still be explored on the islands today.
  
  

Transport

• Public ferries and private tour boats take passengers from both Puno and Copacabana to the main attractions on the lake. Buses provide the main form of overland travel, with daily departures to and from the Peruvian capital of Lima and the capital of Bolivia, La Paz. The Peruvian city of Cusco and the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu are not far from Puno and can be easily reached by bus. The land border between Bolivia and Peru can be crossed to the south of Lake Titicaca. There are also daily flights between Puno and Lima.
  
  

Altitude

• Lake Titicaca lies at a height of 12,725 feet above sea level, making altitude sickness a potential problem. According to Travel-Bolivia.com, the best way to prevent altitude sickness is to "rest on your first day in the highlands, drink plenty of liquids and avoid alcohol." Medical treatment should be sought if symptoms become severe.
  
  

Climate

• Due to its high altitude, Lake Titicaca's climate can quickly shift between two extremes. The Peru Explorer website advises visitors to prepare for any weather: "In the evenings it becomes quite cold, dropping below freezing from June through August. In the day, the sun is intense and sunburn is common." Cold winds coming off the lake can be bitterly cold, so always take warm clothing before setting off on a boat trip.