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Lake
Titikaka, located 70 km west of the city of La
Paz, covers an area of 8 300 km². It is fed
by meltwaters from the glaciers in the
Apolobamba and Royal or La Paz Cordilleras.
The colossal peaks of the Bolivian Andes
covered with eternal snow rise majestically
near the northern bank of the Titikaka.
Copacabana lies in a bay graced by the
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Copacabana. There are
other important pre-Hispanic sites to be
visited there, as well, such as Kusijata, the
Inca’s Gallows and Intikala, among others.
The Island of the Sun in the Greater Lake is
one of the most interesting sites in the area.
It houses important archeological remains,
such as the Yamani Staircase.
The Island of the Moon, about one hour by
launch from the Island of the Sun, and known
also by its native name of Koati, is dedicated
to worship.
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Access |
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A
paved highway takes visitors from the city of
La Paz to the Strait of Tiquina. After
crossing the Strait by launch, it is about a
4-hour drive to the town of Copacabana.
The Islands of the Sun and the Moon can be
reached in about an hour and a half by river
transportation. Tourist agencies offer tours
of the area.
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Tourist Attractions |
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 Lake
Exceptional
highland landscape. It is known for having
islands that contain archeological remains in
a living testimony handed down from
pre-Colombian civilizations. The Lake’s
entire coastline interconnects with natural
areas filled with cattails where an assortment
of ducks and birds nest.
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 Copacabana
This
town is the repository of major historical
remains, particularly the Inca’s Gallows,
the Kusijata and the Intikala.
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 Sampaya
The
architecture of this pre-Colombian town is
impressive. The structures are built of stone
united by mortar and mud and roofed with
straw.
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 Suriki
This is
the cradle of the great builders of the totora,
or cattail, rafts, using unique techniques.
Textiles, handicrafts and archeological
remains can be seen there, as well as natural
sites.
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 Island
of the Sun
Located
in the Greater Lake, the island shelters
valuable archeological remains, the most
important of which include the Yumani
Staircases, the Pilcocaina Palace and La
Chincana.
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 Island
of the Moon
This
island can only be reached by vessel. The
second most important sacred site of Andean
culture, the Island of the Moon was the center
for the maidens of the Sun, the chosen place
for the worship of Women. The architecture of
the Iñak Uyu temple is worthy of note.
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591-2-2442442.
