Isla del Sol

Birthplace of the sun in Inca creation myth, a car-free island where terraces, Inca ruins and sapphire waters make up the classic highland lake scene.

Isla del Sol is the largest island on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, about 9.6 km long, and home to roughly 800 Aymara and Quechua residents. There are no roads or cars, only stone-paved trails and donkeys. The Incas believed that the sun god Inti and the first Inca king, Manco Capac, were born here, and the island holds more than 80 archaeological sites. At the south end, Yumani has the Inca Steps (Escalera del Inca) and a clear spring, while the east shore is home to the Pilko Kaina palace. Around Challapampa in the north are the sacred rock Titikala and the labyrinthine Chincana ruins. The classic route is a hike of about 3–4 hours along the ridge trail from north to south, with views over deep blue water and the snowcapped mountains across the lake. A word of caution: since 2017, disputes between the northern and southern communities have at times closed the north to visitors for long stretches. Boat service to the north has resumed in recent years, but conditions change often, so before setting out, confirm at the Copacabana pier or your lodging whether the north is open. The south at Yumani is usually open for visits. Getting there: boats leave Copacabana pier at about 08:30 and 13:30 daily and take 1–1.5 hours to reach the south. Tickets cost about 25–40 Bolivianos. Each community charges a small entry fee upon landing. It is recommended to spend a night in Yumani. The island sits at around 3,800–4,000 m, so the climbs are tiring; pack light.

Isla del Sol

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Places to eat nearby