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Island · Copacabana, La Paz
Isla del Sol
Island of terraces and trails on Lake Titicaca, about 1½ hours by boat from Copacabana, considered by the Incas the place where the Sun was born, with the Yumani staircase, the ruins of Pilko Kaina and the Chinkana labyrinth.
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 del Sol
The Isla del Sol is the largest island on Lake Titicaca, about 14 km² and nearly 10 km long, northeast of the Copacabana peninsula. For the Incas it was where the Sun and the founders of the empire, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, were born, and the island was a pilgrimage center. Today it is inhabited by Aymara communities who live from terrace agriculture, fishing and tourism, and there are no cars.
In the south of the island the community of Yumani receives boats at the foot of the Escalera del Inca, a stone staircase with more than 200 steps, beside the Fuente del Inca, from which water flows through three channels. Nearby are the ruins of Pilko Kaina, a two-story Inca palace with trapezoidal doorways, overlooking the lake and the Isla de la Luna.
In the north, near the community of Challapampa, are the Sacred Rock, considered the birthplace of the Sun, and the Chinkana, a complex of stone rooms and corridors in the form of a labyrinth. A trail crosses the island along the ridges, linking north to south, with lake views on both sides.
Each community administers its part of the island and charges an entrance fee; access to the trails and to the northern ruins depends on agreements between them and can change. Confirm at the Copacabana port which areas are open before buying your ticket. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: the sun is strong and there is no shade.
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
Half a day for Yumani and Pilko Kaina; a full day or overnight for the trails and the north of the island.
Best time
During the dry season, which usually runs from May to October, with clear skies and a calmer lake. For sunset and sunrise, stay overnight in Yumani. Morning boats usually face less wind.
How to get there
Boats leave from the Copacabana port in the morning and afternoon, taking about 1h30 to 2 hours to Yumani or Challapampa. Agencies and boatmen's associations sell tickets on the waterfront.
Tip
Climb the Yumani stairway very slowly, with breaks: it's more than 200 steps at nearly 4,000 meters. Bring small change for community fees.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isla del Sol
Why is the island called Isla del Sol?
For the Incas, it was there that the Sun and the founders of the empire, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, were born. The Roca Sagrada, in the north, is said to be the place of origin.
Can you cross the island on foot?
There is a trail along the ridges linking north to south, but access to each section depends on the communities and can change. Confirm at the port before going.
Does the island have accommodation?
Yes, mainly in Yumani in the south, with simple guesthouses, and in Challapampa in the north, with family homestays.
Is the Yumani stairway difficult?
It's more than 200 stone steps at nearly 4,000 meters. Go slowly, take breaks, and don't carry heavy loads.