Thanks to the long holiday weekend set on the occasion of the APEC Forum in Lima, foreign and domestic tourists have the chance to visit the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca, which hosts a unique biodiversity.
Located at 1,324 km southeast of Lima, this State protected natural area relies on a 36,180 hectare-extension, and an area surrounding Puno-Huancane provinces.
Its presence seeks to conserve Lake Titicaca’s wild flora and fauna, support the regional socio-economic development and maintain communities’ cultural traditions.
Given its great ecological importance, Peru’s Lake Titicaca has been recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention in 1997, especially as a habitat for water birds.
Three main zones have been set on the inland reserve: the Larger or Chucuito Lake (with a maximum depth of 283 meters), the Smaller or Wiñaymarca Lake and the Puno bay. The lake also includes five main tributary rivers: Ramis, Huancane, Coata, Ilave and Suches. Water temperatures vary between 11 °C and 14 °C.
Likewise, most of the popular floating islands such as Los Uros are found in this National Reserve. These sites are prepared to welcome visitors, while others serve for housing purposes.
At present, many inhabitants work on the tourism field and handicraft business, joining other traditional activities such as fishing and hunting. Thus, this area has become one of the reserve’s most significant tourist potentials.
Moreover, Conservation Committees have been organized to monitor the use of resources and oversee the National Reserve, and this way, protect its full integrity.
Flora and Fauna
Titicaca National Reserve shelters 159 wildlife species, of which 15 are mammals, 105 birds, 9 amphibians, 4 reptiles and over 26 fishes.
With regard to flora, a total of 171 plant species have been found within such biological spot.
Tourist routes
Taquile and Amantan islands stood out as attractive places to practice community rural tourism. At the same time, private tourist services are provided in the Suasi island.
Among remote destinations located in Puno region are Cutimbo, Chucuito, Sillustani, as well as Juli, Pomata and Zepita.
(END) LZD/MAO/HMC/RMB
Published: 11/18/2016