The territory of Desaguadero was inhabited from the pre-Incan period by several indigenous communities and little tribes which were the origin of the Lupaca kingdom. This kingdom consisted of inhabitants of the aymara ethnic group, who for a long time controlled the high Andean plateau lands until being conquered by the powerful Incan culture, at this time under the leadership of the inca Mayta Cápac. During his control, the inca ordered to build a bridge made of “totora” (large reed). This bridge was known as Chacamarka. “Chaca” means “place where the river crosses” and “marka” means “town”. The complete interpretation is “place where you cross the river to get to the town”. With the Spanish arrival the few things that remained of the Lupaca kingdom’s splendour disappeared due to the constant sacking and destruction. Nevertheless, the aymara were for a while under a special consideration, owing to their indomitable and rebel character. The residents of the city gave up the name of Chacamarka to accept the name of Desaguadero, since it’s the place where the Titicaca waters flow (“desaguar” means drain). The district was created during the Independence period, but it was in 1954 that it was established legally. The waters of the river separate the Peruvian side from the Bolivian side. The Peruvian side is located inside the Chucuito province and the bolivian side at the province of Ingavi.