Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, highest lake in South America, located in the Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia. Its altitude of 12,507 (3,812 m) makes it the highest lake in the world to provide large boat transportation. It is 110 mi (180 km) long and 45 mi (72 km) wide, with depths up to 900 ft (270 m). There are 41 islands of varying size throughout the lake. Over 25 rivers empty into the lake, but only the Desaguadero River acts as drainage. The shores have been home to Native American settlements for centuries.