Bolivia’s Sacred Sun Island in Lake Titicaca

Sun Island (Isla del Sol) is the most popular attraction on Bolivia’s side of Lake Titicaca, and the largest island on the entire lake. It was considered sacred by the Aymara and the Inca after them, whose creation myths began with the god Viracocha emerging from the water at this location and creating the sun. Hikes on the island showcase Incan ruins, beautiful scenery of green hills contrasted against clear waters and the Andean Cordillera Real in the background, and the simple hallmarks of island life, such as grazing llamas, burdened donkeys, and adobe mudbricks being produced. What you won’t see on this tranquil island are cars or motocycles!

It’s easy to arrange transport to the island from the Copacabana waterfront, from where boats leave at 8:30am and 1:30pm. There are two towns on the island, Challapampa and Yumani. It costs 25 Bs and takes two hours to reach the former, and 20Bs and an hour and a half to reach the latter. Most travelers take a boat to Challapampa and enjoy a 3hr hike to Yumani. The last boats back to Copacabana leave at 1:3pm from Challapampa and 4pm from Yumani.

If you’re interested in arranging for a tour of Sun Island, there are full and half-day excursions available. Be aware, however, that if you opt for a half-day tour the majority of your time will actually be spent on the boat. Many full-day tours include a short excursion to the nearby Isla de la Luna.

To avoid tiring yourself too quickly, try to limit yourself to a small daypack during your trip, storing your larger backpack in Copacabana, if possible.

At Cha’llapampa, where you are likely to be dropped off, you can visit the Gold Museum to see Incan treasures recently unearthed from the waters surrounding the island. The Rock of the Puma, whose name in Aymara (Titi Kharka) gave the lake its name, is also included in the 10Bs admission price. It is not easy to actually see the puma unless someone points it out to you.

The best beaches are located within the area considered part of the archeological site as well, so if you don’t pay this you won’t have access to them. (If you have more time on your hand, consider taking a dip in the lake. Keep in mind that the water is cold, however.)

Continuing on, you will come across the stone Inca Table, which is believed to have been used for human sacrifices. Nearby, you’ll arrive at the Footsteps of the Sun, which aren’t an Incan artifact at all. They’re actually natural impressions in the rock, although earlier generations believed their origin to be supernatural. As you walk along one of the two paths leading south, expect to find a checkpoint from the Challapampa community, which will charge 15Bs.

At Yumani on the southern part of the island, you can descend the Inca Steps down to the shore. At the bottom is the Fountain of Youth, as the Spanish conquistadors christened a small stream of water that the island’s inhabitants had channeled throughout the hill.

Yumani is the best place on the island to stop for lunch, with trout being the popular choice in the island’s restaurants. Afterwards, for Bs5, you can visit the Temple of Pilcocaina a little further south.

If you plan on spending the night on the island, make sure to appreciate the island’s stunning sunsets and sunrise, and to keep an eye out for the Southern Cross and Arco Iris at night when the stars appear. There are some cheap hostels on the island with beds going for US$2 per night, and camping is also an option for those with gear.