Lake Titicaca’s mystical Isla del Sol

May 10

May 10 Lake Titicaca’s mystical Isla del Sol

Shrouded in legend and surrounded by the magical Titicaca Lake, Isla del Sol is a must visit. Whether you’re an Inca fanatic or simply wish to bask in the tranquility of the world’s largest and highest lake, it’s a captivating place not to be missed.

The island takes its name from the Temple of the Sun and is the site where Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca dynasty, were sent to earth by the sun god. Landing on the shore of Isla del Sol after a slow 1.5hr boat crossing from Copacabana (ducks will overtake you) you're greeted by status of these Inca gods and an intimidating staircase leading you away from the lake and up to the village of Yumani.

Sitting at 3,812 m above sea level Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable expanse of water in the world and this is felt very acutely as we ascend to the islands summit to take in 360 degree views of lightly cultivated hillsides, rocky bays and distant Andean peaks.

There's a spiritual feel to the isle, almost as if the Inca gods are still watching over their birthplace. To explore the island is to walk through South American history. We've all heard of the Incas thanks to Machu Picchu but this isle is where it all began; locals and tourists alike hold it in certain reverence and we felt at peace instantly.

Sadly there's some island politics going which hindered our island exploration. One of the communities who isn't best located to benefit from tourism has blocked the south to north path stopping us from walking the 3hrs to Challapampa. Instead, we took in a watch tower of sorts and talked to the free-roaming pigs, sheep, llamas and donkeys before settling in for a light lunch overlooking the eastern side of the Isle and across the lake to distant Peru 🇵🇪 our next destination.

It's easy to stay the night and we've heard if there's a clear sky then sunset and stars are spectacular. Given our need to exit Bolivia the next day (30 day visa limit which we’d already exceeded) we opted for an 8:30am boat returning at 3pm (Bol$30 return). This is ample time to explore while still getting you back to Copacabana (the original one that Rio has since pinched) and the mainland for a scrumptious and affordable dinner of trout.

As Peru is the land of the Incas we felt, thanks to Bolivia's Isla del Sol, culturally prepared to embark upon our next country adventure. Farewell Bolivia xoxo