The Tiquina Strait, a vital transportation link across Lake Titicaca, has reopened after a two-day closure due to strong winds and dangerous wave conditions. Travelers and barge operators faced disruptions as gusts of wind whipped up waves that made navigating the strait unsafe.

Stormy Weather Halts Ferry Operations: The Tiquina Strait was forced to close on Friday after winds intensified and waves on Lake Titicaca reached heights of up to two meters. The Naval Strategic Command reported that these hazardous conditions necessitated the suspension of all barge and motorboat operations.

“Wind speeds reached 37 kilometers per hour on Thursday, causing waves to rise nearly two meters high,” explained Sergeant Álvaro Mayta of the Tiquina Naval Port Authority.  Mayta confirmed that following the intense windstorm, navigation through the strait could now resume under normal conditions.

Safe Operation Relies on Wind Speed Limits: Mayta also noted that safe barge operations depend on maintaining wind speeds below 25 kilometers per hour. “We rely on the Navy to measure wind speeds with their anemometer,” said a barge operator. “If the winds become too strong, they will immediately close the strait to ensure safety.”

Tourists Express Fear of Rough Waters: The strong winds and rough waves also impacted tourism on the strait. Port merchants reported that many tourists felt apprehensive about traveling on motorboats during the storm. “Locals like us are accustomed to these conditions and don’t get scared,” explained a local merchant. “We take the boats every day, but foreign tourists often find it frightening.”