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Island · Copacabana, La Paz
Isla de la Luna
Small island on Lake Titicaca east of Isla del Sol, with the ruins of Iñak Uyu, the Inca temple of the chosen women, on terraces above the lake and facing the Cordillera Real.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Isla de la Luna
Isla de la Luna, also called Koati, is a small island of about 1 km², east of Isla del Sol and northeast of Copacabana. For the Incas it was the island of the Moon, paired with Isla del Sol, and housed a sanctuary dedicated to the chosen women, the acllas, who wove fine garments and prepared ritual offerings.
The ruins of Iñak Uyu, the temple of the acllas, are on the east shore of the island, on terraces rising from the beach. They are stone-and-earth constructions with trapezoid-shaped doors and niches, typical of Inca architecture, and some walls preserve traces of painted plaster. From the top of the terraces you can see the lake and, on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real on the far side.
The island has few residents, from a small Aymara community, and a small pebble beach near the ruins. There is no lodging, and visits are usually a stop of a few hours on the route between Copacabana and Isla del Sol.
The community charges an entrance fee. Boats to Isla de la Luna run less frequently than those to Isla del Sol: arrange the trip in advance at Copacabana port or in Yumani.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours on the island, as a stop on the boat tour.
Best time
In the dry season, which usually runs from May to October, with a calmer lake and the Cordillera Real in view. In the morning, when the wind is usually weaker.
How to get there
By boat, from Copacabana or from Yumani on Isla del Sol, in about 1 hour. Day trips usually combine both islands; confirm at the port whether the stop is included.
Tip
Combine Isla de la Luna with Isla del Sol on the same day, leaving early from Copacabana. Bring small change for the community fee.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isla de la Luna
What is on Isla de la Luna?
The ruins of Iñak Uyu, the Inca temple of the chosen women, on terraces above the lake, and a small Aymara community.
Can you sleep on Isla de la Luna?
Generally no. The island doesn't have structured accommodation, and the visit is a stop of a few hours.
How to combine the two islands?
Day trips leave Copacabana in the morning, stop at Isla de la Luna and continue to Isla del Sol, returning in the afternoon. Confirm at the port.