Puno – Sun island – PunoAPE - 218

Offered only by hydrofoil service operated by Crillon Tours.

La Isla del Sol is located on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, to the north of the Copacabana Peninsula in Bolivia. The island is about 21 kilometers long and only 8 km at its widest point. It occupies an area of about 20 square kilometers, making it the largest island in Lake Titicaca. Geologically, it is an extension of the peninsula of Copacabana, but separated from it by a stretch of water of 1 kilometer.

This island is regarded as a legendary place of the creation of the Inca Empire, as has been given credit for being the birthplace of all major institutions of the Inca religion, including the very Sun was there where they made their first appearances Viracocha, the white god Inca, Manco Capac and his sister-consort Mama or Mama Huaca Occlo. The Aymara and Quechua accept these legends as history, so the island was taken as sacred.

In the early sixteenth century, this island was among the holiest sites of the Inca world. However, only a few years after the conquest of Peru by the Spanish Empire, the island was turned into a looting ground for treasure hunters and their quarry Inca temples to build churches on the mainland. During the eighteenth century, the island fell under the domination of large landowners and their sacred status was almost forgotten.

To visit take the same route followed by the ancient pilgrims, along the shores of the lake, through Chuchito, Juli, Pomata, and after crossing the Peruvian-Bolivian border reach the city of Copacabana. Where we board a boat to cross the portion of the lake that separates us from the Isla del Sol, after 50 minutes of journey is docked at the pier of Kayma Pilcher. From here you climb some 20 meters down a trail to reach the sanctuary of Kayma Pilch, where Tiwanaku and Inca buildings appreciate.

After this visit and back in our boat, heading towards the Yumani, where we visit the source of the Inca, which is also known as the fountain of youth. Also appreciate the numerous terraces Incas, whose farmland was transported to the place from far away to enable the cultivation of corn in the island.

Ended our visit to the Isla del Sol, Copacabana and then return to lunch at a local restaurant visit to the Virgin of Copacabana, the patron saint of Bolivia.

Completed our visitors cross the border again to return to our hotel in Puno.

Included

• Lunch

Route: 380 km. Duration: 10 hours. Check Out: 07:00.