Discover Lake Wiñaymarka, the smallest subbasin of the highest lake in the world.
Around little Lake Titicaca, locally known as Wiñaymarka, farmers and fishermen live in harmony with the extraordinary fauna of the plateau.
Little Lake Titicaca is surrounded by an exceptional landscape thanks to the presence of the Cordillera Real mountain range. The entire coastline features areas of totorales, aquatic plants three to four meters tall, characteristic of Bolivian aquatic habitats and wetlands.
There are many species of birds in this part of Lake Titicaca: the chulumpi tiki (Andean duck) with its characteristic yellow beak, the huallata, with its black and white plumage, and the parihuana (Andean flamingos) can easily be seen in its waters. Some birds, such as the diving duck, which disappears into the waves in search of small fish, or the choka, choose the reeds surrounding Wiñaymarka Lake, the little lake as it’s known, as their nesting place.
Other animals that live in or around the lake include the Andes cat, known as titi, and many fish such as suche, mauri, karachi, an endemic species, and trout, which features heavily in the region's cuisine.
One of the most characteristic animals of little Lake Titicaca is the giant frog, an amphibian that can grow to up to between 30 and 50 centimetres long, the only frog species in the world to breathe through its skin. Endemic to the region, this species of amphibian is currently endangered and there are conservation projects under way.
Write to us to ride a boat on the waters of the sacred lake to discover the fauna that lives in this fantastic environment.
Services
- Visits available in English, Spanish
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, fit for windy weather conditions, comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and to bring binoculars and a camera.
Suggested periods
- Weekend
Where
Lake Titicaca, municipality of Puerto Pérez, department of La Paz.
Transportation
By public transport
With minibuses from the interprovincial terminal of the city of El Alto to Quehuaya, travel time approximately 4 hours. The departure time of the minibuses is at 10:00 a.m., booth 17. The ticket price is Bs 10 per person. Consult about changes in schedules or prices in the terminal.
Community transportation
From the city of El Alto in the Rio Seco area, in front of the interprovincial terminal, local transport leaves to Quehuaya. Departure time: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The ticket price is Bs 15 per person. The return is at 3:00 pm.
By private transport
From the city of La Paz take National Route 2 towards Batallas; take the deviation towards Pucarani towards Lake Titicaca until the Community of Quehuaya. The duration of the trip is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
