Isla del Sol Bolivia: 14 Epic Adventures Await

Uncover the allure of Isla del Sol in Bolivia, where ancient Inca legends meet breathtaking landscapes. Curious about the island’s centuries-old ruins or yearning to relax on pristine shores along Lake Titicaca? Dive into a journey that merges history and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.

Isla del Sol, also known as “The Island of the Sun,” is located on the eastern sector of Lake Titicaca and about an hour from Copacabana’s mainland town. 

Home to over 80 pre-Columbian ruins, Isla del Sol is a dream destination for history and archaeology lovers. Spread across the lake’s largest island, encompassing 5.5 square miles (14.2 square kilometers), these ruins await exploration by enthusiasts like you.

Isla del Sol is considered one of the country’s most sacred sites. Incan lore has it that the Incan god Viracocha emerged from Lake Titicaca after a great flood and a long period of darkness. He ordered the sun to rise from the island and made the Andean Adam and Eve, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, believed to be the first Incas from whom the Inca empire began.

14 Best Things To Do in Isla del Sol Bolivia – Sights

1. Del Oro Museum 

Del Oro Museum is located on the northern side of the island. It is in the heart of the Challapampa region. Here, you can learn the island’s history through fascinating artifacts recovered from the bottom of Lake Titicaca. 

These artifacts include stone boxes, silver figures, gold, and pottery of Incan and Tiwanaku origin. The entrance fee to the museum is around 10 Bolivian bolivianos (1.40 US dollars). Make sure to hold the ticket, as it can also be used to enter Pillkukayna and Chincana ruins. 

2. Cerro Quenuani Viewpoint

Cerro Quenuani offers a great view of the snowcapped mountains and the lake from the top and one of the most scenic hikes to reach the viewpoint. On your way, you can spot a few llamas eating and playing in the distance. 

Photography is not free here, so seek permission from the owner before capturing images. While they are generally accommodating, taking photos of llamas and cattle without prior consent is considered disrespectful.

Once you reach the top, the sight of the blue waters and the breathtaking islands will instantly catch your attention. Here, you can rest for a while and enjoy the views while having snacks. 

3. Cerro Palla Kasha Viewpoint

Palla Kasha is a beautiful hill with a great view of Lake Titicaca and the nearby islands. It takes about 30 minutes to hike to the top, including breaks.

The viewpoint is also the highest point in the southern part of the island. From the top, you can see from the Yumani village to the northern end of Isla del Sol. 

4. Inca Temple 

The Inca temple called Pilko Kaina is around an hour’s walk from the Yumani village. The walk itself is pretty scenic. You will see plenty of white sand beaches with an amazing view of deep blue waters. You might meet some alpacas along the way, so keep looking for them during the walk. 

5. Mesa Ceremonica

Mesa Ceremonica is a carved stone ceremonial table which is believed to be the place where many humans and animals sacrificed their lives. However, it is still a myth as old photographs show the cut rocks in different positions. As of now, the table is used as a means of showcasing the local handicrafts for visitors. 

6. Chincana

Chincana ruins are a must-visit for adventurers. The ruins consist of a maze of stone walls containing small rectangular rooms and passageways. It is a place where one can easily get lost, which is what Chincana means. The design of the walls indicates that there were multiple floors once, but now it only has the walls left to trap you inside its history. 

7. Huellas del Sol 

Huellas del Sol means “the footprints of the sun.” It is a track that has footprints going away from the Challapampa region. The footprints are believed to have been created by the sun that walked from a sacred rock and lit the world with its light. 

Best Things To Do in Isla del Sol Bolivia – Activities

8. Hiking

There are two points to start your hike: Challapampa and Yumani. Yumani is located on the island’s southern end, whereas Challapampa is on the north. Two different trails connect the north and south ends. 

The first is Willa Thaki, which goes through the island’s backbone from Yumani to Chincana ruins. This is the trail we took. We had some amazing views over the entire island. We took the boat to Challapampa and walked to Yumani.

The second trail, however, is on the island’s eastern coast, passing through the Challapampa village with small settlements. 

Regardless of the path you choose, there are some great views along the way. The hike will take around three hours, providing a good look at magnificent beaches, giant eucalyptus cacti and trees, small settlements, and agricultural terraces. We took around 5 hours, as we wanted to take tons and tons of pictures, and we walked slowly due to the 13,000 feet (almost 4,000 meters) altitude. 

9. Titikala Ruins

Titikala ruins are believed to be the origin of the sun, which later made it a place of worship. People in the past made a lot of offerings to the sacred rock, including gold, corn, beer, silver, and even their children. The name of Lake Titicaca is also derived from the word Titikala. 

10. The Inca Steps 

Inca Steps has more than 200 steps on the island’s southern port. The steps lead up to Yumani village. Once you finish the steps, you will end up at an amazing fountain called the Inca Fountain, which is believed to have healing powers. 

11. Drink From the Inca Fountain 

Inca Fountain, known as the “Fountain of the Youth,” contains three different sprouts. The names of the three sprouts are Ama Llulla, Ama Kella, and Ama Sua. People believe that drinking water from one of the sprouts will keep you young forever. 

I am not saying I believe it’s the true fountain of youth, but I am also saying that I drank from it.

Best Things To Do in Isla del Sol Bolivia – Food

12. Trout at Pachamama Restaurant 

Pachamama Restaurant has a large terrace amidst a backdrop of colorful flowers. The best dish to try here is the local trout. You can also try their pizza and quinoa soup. For dessert, sundaes and wafer cookies are highly recommended. All this delicious food can be enjoyed in an open-air setting with a lake view. 

13. Pizza and Pasta at Las Velas 

Las Velas is one of the island’s best places to eat pizza and pasta. However, it is not the only thing you can try. The restaurant also offers some delicious trout and llama meat. Like Pachamama, you can enjoy the food with the view of the lake. 

14. Inti Jalanta Soup 

At Inti Jalanta, you can enjoy the best soup on the island. Locals highly recommend trying grilled trout with soup. The restaurant’s decor is simple, but the lake’s beautiful views and delicious food more than make up for it.

Transportation Options

How To Get There 

The only way to get to Isla del Sol is by boat from Copacabana, Bolivia. If traveling from the capital, you must travel to Copacabana via bus. You can take a day tour or a boat to reach the island from there. 

The boat ride from Copacabana to Isla del Sol takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the destination. You can purchase the tickets from anywhere in Copacabana. The round trip can cost you around $12 per person. There are two departure times – 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and return at 3 p.m. from Yumani port. 

If you want to take the boat to the north and walk south, like we’ve done, you only have to buy a one-way ticket to the north. When you arrive in the south, a ticket booth will be at the port to buy return tickets.

Note: some guides want to take you when you come from the boat. You don’t have to go with them. You can just say no and walk the other way.

Getting Around Isla del Sol 

You can walk or rent a donkey to get around in Isla del Sol. No other transportation is available on the island, so prepare for the tiring but adventurous journey. Most people enjoy the island by walking from north to south, which is also what we’ve done and recommend. 

Where To Stay in Isla del Sol 

Isla del Sol has some decent accommodation options for you to spend your night in the middle of Lake Titicaca. The island is divided into three sections – The north region, the Central region, and the South region. The best places to stay for all three regions are mentioned below

North Region 

• Titi Qala Hostel (Budget): Titi Qala is near Mama Ojjlla and Chinkana. The hostel offers a private beach area with mountain views and an amazing restaurant. You can also enjoy exotic drinks at the on-site bar. 

Central Region

• Inka Wasi (Budget): Inka Wasi is a perfect location for people traveling on a tight budget. It features stunning views of the city as well as the lake. A garden, restaurant, and terrace make the experience even more special. 

• Sol y Luna Isla del Sol (Mid-range): Sol y Luna is a mid-range hotel with a very friendly owner. There is a terrace and a garden to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. Sol y Luna also comes with views of the mountains and lake.

South Region

• Hostal Tawri (Budget): Hostal Tawri is around 10 miles (16 km) from the Copacabana market. It is a highly rated location for couples. This guest house has a terrace, city view, lake view, mountain view, and courtyard view. You can also enjoy some great American and continental breakfasts.

• Utasawa (Luxury): Utasawa is a luxurious hotel experience on Isla del Sol. They offer various hiking and walking tours for some additional charges. The private beach area, buffet, and availability of WIFI throughout the property set it apart from other hotels on the island. The amazing architecture, views, and food make it the best place to stay on Isla del Sol. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips to Stay Safe During Your Isla del Sol Bolivia Visit 

To get the best out of your visit to Isla del Sol, here are some expert tips that you can follow:

• The best time to visit the island is in the dry season, which lasts from May to September. The average temperature during these months varies between 60°F to 63 °F (16 °C to 17 °C).
• Before visiting the island, read the book “Lake Titicaca: Legend, Myth, and Science” to better understand ancient civilizations and the place as a whole. 
• Pack a good quality sunscreen as a higher altitude makes the UV radiation more dangerous for your skin. 
• Weather can change rapidly, impacting boat schedules to and from the island. Check the forecast and confirm boat times to avoid being stranded due to sudden weather changes.
• You will be hiking for most of your trip, so make sure you wear some good quality hiking shoes.
• Climbing steep parts can cause dehydration, so keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water. Lifestraw water filters will save the day, ensuring you access clean and safe water throughout your ascent. 
• Temperatures decrease drastically when the sun goes down, so keep warm clothes with you if you plan to stay the night.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) – Isla del Sol Bolivia 

What Is the Isla del Sol Famous For?

Isla del Sol is quite famous for its locations and spectacular ruins. It is also believed to be where the sun was born, which is why it is called “The Island of the Sun.”

Can You Stay in Isla del Sol?

Isla del Sol has many hotels and hostels, most of which offer great views of the lake, sunrise, and sunset. Make sure to choose a hotel that ensures all the amazing views. 

How Do People Survive on Isla del Sol?

People living on Isla del Sol are mainly farmers. Around 800 families live on the island, earning from fishing, tourists, and farming. There are two villages where most locals reside: Yumani and Challapampa. 

How Do You Get to Isla del Sol Bolivia?

The best way to get to Isla del Sol is by taking a ferry from Copacabana. The total ride is around two hours long. 

Where Is Isla del Sol Located?

Isla del Sol is located on the eastern sector (Bolivia side) of Lake Titicaca, on the plateau of Altiplano, with its western side in Peru and the eastern side in the La Paz department of Bolivia.

Conclusion – Isla del Sol, Bolivia

We hope this article gives you a clearer idea of what to expect in Isla del Sol. (If you want to see more Incan ruins, you can also head to neighboring Isla del Luna). Both islands are excellent spots for exploration and Lake Titicaca sightseeing.

Aside from a taste of the islanders’ cultural heritage, Isla del Sol’s laid-back atmosphere and relaxing views will surely be a welcome break from any traveler’s usual South American experience. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

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