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TOUR TO SUN ISLAND BOLIVIA FROM COPACABANA
Copacabana, Bolivia

TOUR TO SUN ISLAND BOLIVIA FROM COPACABANA

Cultural tourism Homestay tourism

One-Day Tour to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna from Copacabana

1-Day Tour from Copacabana to Isla del Sol

ID: ES082
  • Description

    Full-Day Isla del Sol and Luna Tour from Copacabana

    Embark on a full-day journey across the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 m.a.s.l., and discover the mythical birthplace of the Inca Empire. Departing from Copacabana by boat, you'll sail to Isla de la Luna (Moon Island), where you'll visit the enigmatic Iñak Uyu Temple — the sanctuary where the Virgins of the Sun (Acllas) were prepared to serve the Inca. The journey continues to Isla del Sol (Sun Island), southern sector, to explore the legendary Inca Stairway, and the Fountains of Youth, whose sacred waters are said by tradition to grant eternal vitality. The day concludes with a unique experience: lunch at a floating restaurant in Yampupata, where you'll taste fresh trout from the lake, followed by free time at Playas Blancas (White Beaches), a hidden gem of the Bolivian Titicaca. A day that brings together archaeology, Andean mythology, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local cuisine.

  • Itinerary

    Itinerary — Full Day: Moon Island, Sun Island South & Yampupata

    08:45 AM — Hotel pickup in Copacabana (Plaza area). Walking transfer to the port and boarding of the group boat. Brief introduction by the guide about Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 m.a.s.l.

    09:00 – 10:40 AM (1h 40min) — Navigation from Copacabana to Moon Island. Along the way, panoramic views of the Bolivian Royal Cordillera with its perpetual snow-capped peaks and the Yampupata peninsula.

    10:40 – 11:40 AM (1h)Moon Island (Isla de la Luna). Guided visit to the Iñak Uyu Temple, also known as the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun (Acllas), a pre-Inca and Inca sanctuary dedicated to the training of the chosen maidens who would serve the Inca. From the island you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Bolivian snow peaks and Sun Island ahead. Short uphill walk from the dock to the archaeological site.

    11:40 AM – 12:40 PM (1h) — Navigation from Moon Island to Sun Island (southern sector — Yumani).

    12:40 – 1:40 PM (1h)Sun Island (Isla del Sol) — Southern Tour:

    • Inca Stairway
    • Fountains of the Inca (Fountain of Youth)

    1:40 – 2:30 PM (~50min) — Navigation from Sun Island to Yampupata. Short crossing toward the Yampupata peninsula.

    2:30 – 3:30 PM (1h)Lunch at a floating restaurant in Yampupata + White Beaches. Lunch at one of the lake's floating restaurants. Menu: quinoa or peanut soup as a starter, main course of your choice between chicken or fresh lake trout with Andean side dishes. After lunch, free time at Playas Blancas (White Beaches) of Yampupata, one of the hidden gems of the Bolivian Titicaca: clear sand, calm waters, and open views toward Sun Island.

    3:30 – 4:45 PM (~1h 15min) — Return navigation from Yampupata to Copacabana. The final stretch by water, with views of the peninsula and the Royal Cordillera from a different angle than in the morning. A visual and narrative closing to the day.

    4:45 PM — Arrival in Copacabana. End of service.

  • Include

    Includes

    • Walking pickup from hotel to the port
    • Bilingual guide (Spanish & English)
    • Lunch
    • Entrance tickets
    • Group boat (shared boat, up to 38 passengers)

    Does Not Include

    • Personal expenses
    • Port–hotel transfers
  • Information

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the best time to visit Isla del Sol? The dry season, from May to September, is considered ideal for visiting Isla del Sol, offering sunny days perfect for hiking. The rainy season, from December to March, presents lower prices but also a higher chance of rain. The months of April-May and September-November usually offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists.

    What should I bring for the tour? It is essential to wear comfortable walking shoes, layered warm clothing due to temperature changes, sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen, a light waterproof jacket, water, and some snacks. Don't forget to bring enough cash in Bolivians, as there are no ATMs on the island, as well as your passport or identification and any personal medication you may need, especially if you are prone to altitude sickness.

    Is the walk on Isla del Sol difficult? The altitude of approximately 4000 meters above sea level can make physical activity more demanding. The Inca stairs in Yumani can be steep, although the walk to the Pilkokaina Temple is generally considered of moderate difficulty. It is recommended to acclimatize to the altitude before the excursion.

    Are there restrooms available during the tour? The availability of restrooms may be limited and varies according to the location. Travelers are advised to use the facilities available in Copacabana before departure and during scheduled stops.

    Can you buy food on Isla del Sol? Yes, the tour includes a traditional lunch. Additionally, you may find small kiosks selling snacks and drinks at some points on the island.

    How far is Isla del Sol from Copacabana? The boat trip from Copacabana to Isla del Sol takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.

    What is the significance of the Pilkokaina Temple? The Pilkokaina Temple is significant for being one of the first Inca temples built, possibly by the Inca Tupac Yupanqui. It is considered an important site in the history of the Inca Empire.

    What is an Apthapi lunch? An Apthapi lunch is a traditional Andean communal meal where participants share local foods.

  • Map
  • Recomendations

    Recommendations for the Isla del Sol Tour

    • We recommend bringing bottled water for the trip (due to long walks); these bottles, as well as other products, can be purchased at the port on the same day of the trip. It's important to have good physical condition.

    • We recommend bringing a medium-sized backpack with the necessary items (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, jacket, etc.).

    • We recommend wearing sneakers for long walks/trekking. On the island, there is an uphill walk of approximately 1 hour along the Pacha Thakhi Path until reaching Chincana, a complex of pre-Columbian ruins.

    • During the months of November to March, it often rains at night, and temperatures range from -4°C to 5°C; during the day, it ranges from 14°C to 17°C. Bring plastic ponchos and light clothing for the day.

  • FAQs

    What part of the island will we visit? We will visit only the northern part of Isla del Sol, where you can see the main attractions of this place.

    • La Chincana

    • The Sacred Rock

    • The Footprints of the Sun.

Sun and moon island tour 2d1n from Copacabana to Lake Titicaca

ID: ES083
  • Description

    We leave Copacabana in shared boat to the moon island (About 2 hours of travel) where we will be welcomed by members of the community. Then, visit the archaeological site "Iñac Uyu" or Temple of the Virgins by a local guide; this place was a cult site for women sacrificies in honor to the god Sun.

    After visiting this interesting site, we enjoy a traditional Andean lunch (Also known as Apthapi). We will walk along the ritual path of Aymara women "Warmi thakhi" that leads us to the community of Coati. Then we will take a boat to Sun Island, where the community will give us the welcome and will have the afternoon free to enjoy the community and its inhabitants, and we will be able to see the beautiful scenery and how the energy is emanated by the Sacred Lake.

    Finally, we enjoy a delicious typical dinner followed lodging at a local inn.

    We start the day with an energizing Andean breakfast and then, we will walk the Andean path "Pacha thakhi" to reaching the inca ruins known as "Chinkana", a complex of pre-Columbian ruins where we can appreciate the mystical genesis of this ancient culture with a local guide. Finally, we will recover energies with a singular typical snack, surrounded by the spectacular view of the lake before returning to Copacabana and finish this wonderful experience.

  • Itinerary

    Fist day

    • 8.00 hrs Pick up from hotels located in the center of Copacabana
    • 8: 30 hrs Departure by shared boat to the Moon island (about 2 hours of travel.).
    • 10:30 hrs Reception and welcome by the Community of Coati.
    • 11:00 hrs Guided walk from the “WARMI thakhi” path to the archaeological site "Acallawasi or Iñac Uyu" or temple of the virgins.
    • 13:00 hrs Lunch - Apthapi (typical andean food)
    • 15:30 hrs Transfer in private boat to Sun Island community of Challapampa.
    • 16:30 hrs Reception and welcome by the Community of Challapampa – north side of Sun island Free afternoon
    • 19:00 hrs Dinner in community restaurant
    • 20:30 hrs Overnight on Sun Island


    Second Day

    • 7.30 hrs Breakfast
    • 8:30 hrs Guided walk through the Sun island. Until we reach the Inca archeological site known as “La Chinkana”.
    • 12:30 hrs Lunch at a local restaurant
    • 13:30 hrs Return to Copacabana.
    • 16:30 hrs Arrival to Copacabana and end of the tour.
  • Include

    INCLUDED

    • Pick up at hotel in Copacabana
    • Shared and private boat Copacabana – Moon Island – Sun Island - Copacabana.
    • English/Spanish Speaking guide
    • Meals (2 lunchs, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)
    • Basic lodging on Sun Island
    • Entrances fees to Sun and Moon Island.

    DON'T INCLUDED

    • Extra charges like drinks, handicrafts and Other expenses not mandatories
  • Information

    Additional information 

    Important

    In this program you sleep by default on Sun Island; but it is also possible to sleep on Moon Island; the difference is that, on the Sun Island, the facilities are better, you will have a comfortable room with hot water and comfortable beds and solar panel electricity; however, on Moon Island, the conditions are very basic: no shower, no hot water, no electricity (only candles on rooms)

    If you want to sleep on Moon Island, it should be expressly order before booking or paying the tour.

    Otherwise, you’ll sleep on Sun Island

    It is noteworthy that both islands have the same view of Lake Titicaca and the Andes Mountains.

  • Map
  • Recomendations

    Recommendations

    Take Mineral Water with you, cause long walks. You can buy it on the main dock; as well on the islands (but the price increase on the islands). After drink them, please keep the plastic bottles on the boat that will bring again to Copacabana, don’t leave them on the islands.

    Take flashlights, in Sun Island most of the streets don’t have streetlights.

    We recommend carry:

    • A light 2days pack to carry your necessary things (cleaning supplies, camera, external batteries chargers, etc)
    • Money for snacks and souvenirs in Soles. (preferable 20–soles bills, avoid to bring 100-soles bills)
    • In general: trekking shoes, hat, sunscreen, trekking poles (optional), binoculars, pen/notebook, medical personal medicines, electronic entertaining devices (cellphone, kindle)
    • Extra energy bars, because you will need extra calories for trekking parts

    Optional: if you desire, you can take some fruits to the families for sharing (you can buy them in the same port)

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