Lake Titicaca is the world’s largest high-altitude navigable lake, shared by Peru and Bolivia.
The lake lies in the Andes at an elevation of about 3,812 metres above sea level. Its open waters are navigable by large vessels, and ports such as Puno in Peru have long supported transport and trade. Titicaca is also the largest lake in South America by volume and surface area commonly measured for freshwater lakes.
The lake has deep cultural importance for Indigenous peoples, including the Uros, who traditionally built floating islands from totora reeds. In Inca tradition, the lake was associated with the origin of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo.
Lake Titicaca is sometimes described simply as the world’s highest navigable lake, but that wording can depend on how “navigable” and “large” are defined. Its high elevation, rather than just its size, is the key identifying feature.