A boat trip to Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca is a must when you visit Copacabana, Bolivia! These beautiful islands are rich in history, featuring ancient ruins that date back to 300 BC, even before the Inca Empire.
The Island of the Sun is larger than its sister's island, “La Isla de la Luna”. With stunning landscapes, and cozy places such as “La Estancia” to stay overnight, you can also find well-preserved temples, and coca leaves left on altars and ruins on the islands.
Legend has it that the island of the sun was the origin of the Sun God and the first two Incas, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo were born. After a great flood, the Lake Titicaca region fell into darkness for many days. Then, the bearded god Viracocha emerged from the lake.
While this story is quite captivating, it’s important to consider a different perspective. Historians suggest that the Incas did not start on Lake Titicaca's shores. Instead, in the 15th century AD, the Incas took control of the island from its rulers. They crafted this story to support their rule and connect themselves to the earlier Tiahuanaco civilization, which they admired for its rich cultural and religious identity.
You can easily visit “Isla del Sol” from three wonderful locations: Puno, Peru; La Paz, or Copacabana. Copacabana is a great starting point, as boats leave from there regularly.
From Puno, Peru: Start your adventure in Puno, which is about 142 kilometers from Copacabana. You can catch a bus in the morning or afternoon at the Puno Bus Terminal. The ride takes around 2 ½ hours. When you reach the border at Kasani, just show your passport or ID.
It will just take you twenty minutes to get to Copacabana, then, you can take a boat ride to Isla del Sol island from there. It could be a good idea to consider making a tour booking in advance.
Fom Copacabana, Bolivia: If you’re in Copacabana, you can hop on a boat right from the beach in the city center. The ride to Isla del Sol takes about 2 hours, and you will enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Titicaca. Remember, the boats stop at two piers: Puerto Sur "Yumani" first, then Puerto Norte. If you're planning a day trip, catch a morning boat and come back in the afternoon. However, staying overnight can enhance your experience.
From La Paz, Bolivia: Start your journey in La Paz, which is about 153 kilometers from Copacabana. You can take a bus from the Bus Terminal, and the trip will take about 4 hours as you travel through the stunning Bolivian Altiplano and the Cordillera Real.
Keep in mind that there are no night buses for safety reasons. Once you reach Copacabana, just take a boat to Isla del Sol, as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your trip!
Your trip to the Andean country will be a wonderful experience, but be careful with the diverse weather in Bolivia! You can find around two main seasons: The dry season which runs from May to october, and the rainy season, from mid-November to April.
The dry season could be suitable to enjoy stable weather, lots of sunshine, and very little rain. It’s the perfect time to explore amazing places like Lake Titicaca, and the Altiplano. However, be prepared for extreme cold! High-altitude areas (more than 3800 meters above sea level) such as La Paz or the Altiplano, can drop temperatures between 1°C and 10°C, especially at night.
On the flip side of the island, you can visit tropical spots like Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where you’ll find summer temperatures reaching up to 35°C, along with heavier rains from November to March. On the other side, if you love rain, the best time to visit Uyuni Salt Fields is exactly this time of the year. You can enjoy the giant mirror-esque effect. You can have a more comprehensive guide about Uyuni in this post.
Isla del Sol, Bolivia's gem, offers two unbeatable hiking trails. The Willa Thaki, revered as the Sacred Route of the Eternal Sun, begins in Yumani and leads you to the captivating Chincana ruins, treating you to breathtaking coastal views.
The eastern trail takes you to Cha'llapampa, winding through picturesque villages, lush terraces, and secluded beaches. This three-hour hike showcases the stunning Cordillera Real and Lake Titicaca, allowing ample time to absorb the scenery.
At 3,500 meters, Isla del Sol demands a relaxed pace to appreciate its crisp air. Refresh at kiosks selling drinks and snacks, and take advantage of public toilets for a small fee. Embark on an unforgettable adventure on this captivating island!
With over 80 archaeological sites in just 70 sq km, Isla del Sol is a place that bursts in ancient culture. We highly recommend visiting the Museo del Oro in Cha’llapampa. Here, you can see amazing artifacts from the Incan and Tiwanaku cultures, like beautiful pottery and gold figurines. The entry fee is only about 1 dollar 50. Besides, this ticket also lets you visit other important ruins such as Chincana and Pillkukayna.
As you travel north from Cha’llapampa, you'll discover incredible sites like Titikala, a sacred rock thought to be the birthplace of the sun, and Chincana, a fascinating maze-like ruin that was once a palace for Incan leaders. Be sure to visit the Mesa Ceremonica, known for its significance in ancient rituals.
On the south side, the Pillkukayna temple is a must-see with its beautifully preserved architecture. And don’t forget to visit the Fountain of the Inca—many believe it grants eternal youth to those who take a sip! Enjoy your adventure through this enchanting island! Don’t forget to have a closer look at the agricultural terraces around you!
Isla del Sol is more than just a destination; it’s a wonderful experience waiting for you. With stunning views, fascinating history, and welcoming locals, there’s something for everyone. You can hike, discover ancient ruins, or relax and watch the sunset. The island beautifully blends adventure and peace. Have a great time exploring this charming part of Bolivian heritage with Viagens Machu Picchu!
