The stunning Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Isla del Sol is the largest island on Lake Titicaca. It is also known as Island of the Sun. It might be the world’s highest and South America’s 2nd largest island. For me, the only thing matters are the exotic beauty, nature, and Bolivian culture.
© Brizardh | Dreamstime.com
About Isla del Sol:
Isla del Sol, also called Isla Titicaca, or Isla de Titicaca, the island in the Bolivian sector. It is stretched across some 190 km, A hidden getaway on the border of Peru and Bolivia. Isla del Sol has it all! The Bolivian island is less popular than some of the islands on the Peruvian side, so it has less tourist fall compared to the others.
Places to see
1. The Inca Steps: The Inca Steps consist of 206 stone steps built by the Incas. When you reach the top of the steps you will find a natural spring that the Incas believed was a fountain of youth. A very good tale attached to this place - The water pours out in 3 streams nicknamed “don’t be lazy, don’t be a liar and don’t be a thief”.
2. The Inca Table: This stone platform is known to be used for human sacrifices and is still used by shamans for religious rituals dedicated to the sun.
3. The Gold Museum: A small museum, located on the North Side of the Sun Island in the town of Challapampa, has a collection of Inca treasures, ancient pottery and some amazing metal objects which was discovered in the underwater city Marka Pampa.
4. The Rock of the Puma: It is also known as Titi Kharka, is said to be the place the sun and the moon were born. Lake Titicaca was named after this mysterious place and the history.
How to get there?
Ferries depart Copacabana 2-3 times a day. If you are planning to take a day tour then you can also book a return trip. You can also book in advance. There are no cars on the island and the only way to get around is on foot or by renting a donkey.
Accommodation:
Isla del Sol has plenty of hostels, ecolodges, and quirky looking domes where you can spend the night. You can certainly spend a night and enjoy the lonely island. Most people take a day tour and go back to the Copacabana, from where you took the boat. We took a stay here and planned a camp on the beach. We have never enjoyed this kind of beautiful night before.
Hiking and Trekking:
Isla del Sol is very tiny, there are quite a few attractions and hiking trails worth visiting. There is a map available, no need to take the guide for the trail. Choose a trek and get going.
Some important notes
1. Lake Titicaca is situated at 12,506 feet that is 3,812 meters above sea level, which is the extreme altitude of Lake Titicaca, which can leave even the fittest of travelers gasping for air. Heart patients and pregnant ladies should take precaution.
2. A lack of shade and the thin mountain air mean that sunburn is a real danger here. Always take adequate precautions to avoid burning under the unrelenting sun.
3. Take locals to help while visiting north section as currently there is some tribal dispute going on. It might not be safe hiking there region.