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Titicaca Lake

Titicaca Lake
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Description

Titicaca is the most high-altitude lake in the world. Its depth is on average 140-180 m and enough to navigate. The maximum depth of the lake is 300 meters The lake is very important in the commercial life of Puno, but is not very suitable for swimming, as the temperature of its water is too low. The lake’s water is cold all year round, the constant temperature of water of Titicaca not exceed 12 * C. The reason is the 25 icy mountain rivers flowing down from the top and not permitting to water of Titicaca to warm. Only one river called Desaguadero flows out of the lake. This lake is a national reserve in Peru, as its waters are inhabited by a number of rare species of animals.

Geologists believe that Titicaca Lake was part of the sea about a hundred million years ago: it is still inhabited predominantly by marine fish and crustaceans; the traces of the sea are notable on the slopes of mountains, and the fossilized remains of marine animals could be found on the shores of the lake. Geologists claim that the Andes are young rising mountains, their slope is still going on, albeit unevenly – it is stronger in the north than in the south. As a result of a natural disaster, the lake was formed of the gulf, and it has risen along with the mountains. It is not surprising, geology knows many such examples.

There are about 40 islands on the surface of Titicaca. Among them there are land areas of natural origin, the majority of which the local Indians live on, as well as artificial islands, made by local population of the reed. These islands are called "uros", and each of them serves as home to several Indian families. The lower layers of these reed islands are constantly washed off with water, and the upper ones are periodically updated by their owners. The inhabits of "uros" live in huts built of reeds and move across the lake on makeshift boats.

Many ancient legends are related with Titicaca Lake. It is believed that it is the place where the Inca nation − one of the most important in the world of Indian cultures − was born. According to legend, the founders of the Inca civilization, Manco Capac and his beloved Mama Oklo, came out the waters of the lake. On the islands of Titicaca Lake the god of the sun and the goddess of the moon, which played an important role in the mythology of the Incas, were born. There are also rumors that the depths of Titicaca Lake hide a treasure of the Temple of the Sun – the golden chain of Inca Askar weighing about 2 kg. This chane was dropped to the bottom of the lake, when the Spanish conquerors were attacking the city of Cusco, located near Titicaca Lake.

Bolivian scientists argue that have discovered an ancient city on the bottom of the lake. The cuty seems to refer to a pre-Inca civilization, very innovative and advanced in the field of stone processing.

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