View of the snow-capped mountain Janq’u Uma from across Lake Titicaca.
Despite being a landlocked country, Bolivia has one of the best islands that I have visited in South America. La Isla del Sol, or The Island of the Sun, is a small island in Lake Titicaca, but it has had a big impact on history. Today, it holds ruins of ancient civilizations, as well as small villages that make their living through fishing and farming. The amazing views from this island are reason enough to visit. Read on to learn more!
Historical Significance
Ancient ruins and artifacts reveal that people have been living on this island for thousands of years. However, the majority of the 80 ruin sites on the island come from the 15th century, when the Inca ruled the region. The Island of the Sun is a very significant part of Incan mythology, as it is where they believe the sun was created (hence the name, Island of the Sun). Also, while experts debate the exact origin of the word Titicaca, they agree that the name comes from a description of a sacred rock on the Island of the Sun in the Aymara language. This island has played such an important role in history, that the largest lake in South America is named after a rock on it!
What to Do
When you arrive on the island, you will either land near the small village of Yumani to the south or Challapampa to the north. I recommend finding a boat company that will drop you off in Challapampa and pick you up in Yumani a few hours later. This will give you plenty of time to walk across the island and experience the amazing scenery, landscapes, and ruins on different parts of the island.
In the north, you will find a few vendors selling souvenirs and refreshments near the famous Sacred Rock (the one Titicaca is named after). You will also see the Chincana ruins, some of the most impressive on the island. If you are up for a 5-6 mile hike, there is a rock trail leading across the island. If not, you can go back to the shore near Challapampa and wait for a boat to take you to Yumani.
Yumani is a much bigger village and you will see more tourism. There are restaurants, small stores, and even hostels you can stay at. Climbing down the famous Inca Stairs will get you to the southern port. There are some impressive ruins down here for you to enjoy while you wait to sail back to Copacabana.
What to Bring
Even if you plan on staying there for just a few hours, it is important to take plenty of water. I was in Bolivia in April (when it is really cold!) and I’m glad I brought as much water as I did. The hike across the island takes a lot of you. You should also bring food and some extra money in case you need to buy refreshments while on the island. Bring something to cover your face from the sun too. While walking the trail, there is no shade. Plus, being at such a high elevation makes it easier to get sunburnt.
Another important thing to bring is a watch (or phone). You need to be cognizant of the time. The boats are pretty punctual, and they will leave you if you are not on time. My boat left three people who tried to walk across the island but did not make it to the southern port in time. If you already are paying for a place to stay in Copacabana, you do not want to have to pay for an additional place on the island.
Where to Stay
You can choose to either stay at Copacabana or the Island of the Sun. There are a lot more accommodation options in Copacabana than on the island, so you will have more flexibility in prices. Most hotels cost anywhere from $25-70/night. Hostels are much cheaper, with most going from $10-20/night. If you look around, you can find even cheaper options. I stayed in a private room and only paid $6/night.
On the Island of the Sun, the options are a little more expensive. Hotels start from $50/night and can reach over $100/night. Most hostels cost $25-35/night, but there are some for $15-20 as well. If you want to save money, stay in Copacabana and just do a day trip to the island. But if you truly want to spend time on the island and experience the culture, it will be worth the extra money.
How to Get There
Boats from the nearby Bolivian town of Copacabana leave every day. I paid 45 Bolivianos (about $6.50 USD) for a round-trip ticket plus a dinner of fresh trout. You shouldn’t pay more than 50 Bolivianos for the boat ride. Some travel agencies may try to charge you much more than this, but just look around for other companies. The town of Copacabana relies on tourism, especially to La Isla del Sol, so there is plenty of competition for business. You will definitely find someone willing to take you there for 50 Bolivianos.
