Travel Photo of the Day: Colored Sails, Lake Titicaca, Peru

This photo of the traditional sailboats on Lake Titicaca was taken from a hillside on the island of Amantani, Peru. Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, bordering two countries, Bolivia and Peru, and also the highest navigable lake in the world at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The area is a cultural and historical treasure trove and more is being discovered every year. A 1,500 year old, 600 foot long submerged temple was found in the lake by archeologists in 2000 and includes a wall, terraced gardens and a submerged road  that runs from the temple to the lakeshore city of Copacabana.  

Because of the altitude, the light is incredible: almost unbearably clean, white and bright, especially when the sun is out. In December 2007, we traveled through Bolivia and Peru, stopping at the Uyuni Salt Flats, Puno and sailed the lake, visiting the fascinating islands of Lake Titicaca. Among the islands are Uros (a group of 42 inhabited islands made entirely of floating reeds), Isla del Sol (a roadless island and the site of 180 Inca ruins dating to the 15th century) and Amantaní (the most populated island and home to two mountains, ancient ruins and terraced wheat and vegetable farms).