Let me introduce you to Isla del Sol.
In my opinion, every tourist passing by Lake Titicaca should add Isla del Sol to their itinerary–it’s one of the best places to visit in Bolivia. Protruding from the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca, this place is said to be the birthplace of the Inca civilisation.
Not only will travellers have the opportunity to wander through ancient Inca ruins with almost no one else around (a drastically different experience to the oh-so-popular Machu Picchu in Peru), but the stunning views that you’ll get of the world’s highest navigable lake are truly worth travelling for.
Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) is no ordinary patch of land. According to Inca mythology, this is where it all began—the sun god Viracocha emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca and created the sun, moon, stars, and the first Inca king. It’s a sacred place where you can feel the historic significance as you explore.
I remember having some difficulty finding information on visiting Isla del Sol while I was travelling through South America in 2015, but I’m so glad that I managed to figure it out – our day hiking along the island is a memory that I treasure from our trip to Bolivia and Peru!
If you want to know how to visit Isla del Sol, here’s my guide to seeing the best of this island on Lake Titicaca including how to get there, where to stay, and how to hike the Island Trail.
Quick summary:
Isla del Sol is a serene island on Lake Titicaca, filled with Inca ruins, hiking trails, and unforgettable views. This guide covers how to get there, what to do, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Recommended hotels and tours:
🏨 Stay at Sol Y Luna Lodge (Yumani) – Guesthouse on the island with stunning lake views
🛥️ Day tour from Puno to Isla del Sol – Includes bus to Copacabana and ferry
🚌 Day tour from La Paz to Isla del Sol – A full-day trip with early departure and return late at night
🛏️ Overnight Isla del Sol Tour from La Paz – Includes roundtrip transport and accommodation on the island
How to get to Isla del Sol
From Copacabana:
There is only one way to get to Isla del Sol, and that is by ferry from the town of Copacabana on the Bolivian shores of Lake Titicaca. We stayed a few nights in Copacabana and did a day trip to Isla del Sol while we were staying in town.
Ferries to Isla del Sol leave from Copacabana twice daily, usually around 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. To buy tickets, just stroll down to the main dock in Copacabana, where you’ll find multiple operators selling ferry rides. Prices hover around 20-30 Bolivianos for a one-way trip. If you’re visiting in peak season, it’s wise to grab your ticket a day in advance. Some hostels and travel agencies in town also sell tickets if you prefer to plan ahead.
The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can grab a seat on the top deck, slap on some sunscreen, and enjoy the dazzling blue lake stretching endlessly around you.
From Puno:
It’s pretty easy to manage a day trip to Isla del Sol from Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
🛥️ Hop on a day tour to Isla del Sol from Puno, which will take you by bus around the lake to Copacabana then by ferry the rest of the way to Isla del Sol.
From La Paz:
It’s possible to do a day tour from La Paz to Isla del Sol. However, be warned that this will be a huge day departing at 7AM and returning to La Paz after 10PM, as it’s a good few hours drive each way from the city to the lake.
🛏️ If you’d like to take it slower, I’d suggest a 2-day/overnight trip from La Paz where you can add on the experience of staying overnight on Isla del Sol, which allows for extra time to explore the area.
Isla del Sol map guide:
N – North Ferry Port (Challapampa)
S – South Ferry Port (Yumani)
C – Inca Ruins (Chincana Labyrinth)
E – Inca Steps (Escalada del Inca)
P – Inca Ruins (Templo del Sol/Pilcocaina)
Which side of the island should you visit?
Isla del Sol has two main areas, and each has its own vibe. The ferry will stop at both, so you’ll have your pick of which to visit:
- North (Challapampa): This area is quiet, remote, and steeped in history. This is where you’ll find the incredible Chincana ruins. If you love archaeology and long walks with few people around, this is a great spot.
- South (Yumani): This area is more developed, with guesthouses, restaurants, and the famous Inca Steps leading up from the dock. It’s where most travellers stay if they are doing an overnight trip.
Hiking the Island Trail from north to south
If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike along the island from north to south (or vice versa) in about 3-4 hours. This is what we did on our day trip from Copacabana. We took the ferry to the north (Challapampa) then hiked the Island Trail, first to Chincana then to the south (Yumani), finishing at the Inca Steps.
I highly recommend doing this hike (or at the very least, some sort of shorter version of the hike) as you will get to explore remote parts of the island that can only be seen by foot, such as the ancient Inca ruins. It’s honestly one of the most scenic routes for hiking in Bolivia.
I was totally amazed at how stunning the scenery was from the Island Trail on Isla del Sol. We had a perfectly clear day, with the sun creating a sparkling reflection on the lake’s surface. Absolutely magical.
Top things to do on Isla del Sol
- Hike the Island Trail – This ridge-top trail between the north and south offers a complete Isla del Sol itinerary with panoramic views that have to be seen to be believed.
- Explore Inca ruins – Isla del Sol is a living museum. Wander through the Chincana labyrinth on the north side or visit Templo del Sol in the south.
- Watch the sunset – If you’re staying overnight, you can watch the sky turn shades of gold, pink, and purple, with the lake reflecting it all like a mirror.
- Unplug and relax – There’s almost no Wi-Fi on the island, so embrace the digital detox, read a book, do some journalling, or just soak up the serenity.
Where to stay on Isla del Sol
🏨 Most travelers set up camp in Yumani, on the southern end of the island, where guesthouses and lodges such as Sol Y Luna Lodge offer unreal lake views.
If you’re after a more off-the-grid experience while visiting Isla del Sol in Bolivia, you can also stay in the north—there are some simple lodgings where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to total peace.
Tips for visiting Isla del Sol:
Pack light – You’ll be walking everywhere, and there are no taxis or cars. Keep the items in your daypack to a minimum (but don’t forget a water bottle!).
Bring cash – There are no ATMs on the island, and credit cards are pretty much useless.
Be sun safe – The high altitude and reflective surface of the lake can result in the UV being very strong, so take a hat and sunscreen for your day out.
Respect local customs – Ask before taking photos of locals, and be mindful of their traditions.
Be ready for the altitude – Lake Titicaca sits at an altitude of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. If you haven’t acclimatised yet, take it easy and sip on some coca tea.
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