Tiwanaku and Sun Island
Andean, Pre-Columbian Culture
3-day, 2-night program, with one night in Copacabana and another in an Ecolodge on the Island of the Sun. Live a learning and adventure experience in the Bolivian altiplano, discover important archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian and Inca culture such as Tiwanaku and Pilcocaina (on the Island of the Sun), as well as the experience of spending the night in a cabin on the Island of the Sun, living in harmony with the local environment. Staying one night on the Island of the Sun allows you to explore it, walk along ancient Inca paths, observe the daily life of the local inhabitants and enjoy stunning views of the mystical Lake Titicaca and the Andes Mountain Range.
Itinerary
Day 1
La Paz ➔ Tiwanaku ➔ Copacabana
- Departure from your hotel in La Paz heading to the Tiwanaku archaeological complex (approx. 2 hours). During the guided tour, the main attractions are visited, such as the Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple and Puma Punku, highlighting its impressive pre-Inca architecture. The local museum is also visited to better understand the enigmatic Tiwanaku culture.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- In the afternoon, continuation of the journey to Copacabana, a charming village on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2
Copacabana ➔ Island of the Sun
- After breakfast, transfer to the port to board towards the Island of the Sun, considered the cradle of Inca civilization.
- Upon arrival, visit to the community of Yumani, walking through its agricultural terraces we will visit the archaeological sites of Pilcocaina and the Fountain of the Inca, both laden with historical symbolism. This is a moderate-difficulty hike climbing up the hills of the southern sector of the Island of the Sun, enjoying stunning views of the Royal Mountain Range. Traditional Andean lunch.
- Afterwards, uphill hike towards the ecolodge (between 1 and 2 hours of hiking) and time to rest.
- Overnight on the island.
Day 3
Island of the Sun ➔ Copacabana ➔ La Paz
- Breakfast at the Ecolodge on the Island of the Sun and return hike to the port, enjoying the lake landscapes once more.
- Boarding the boat to return to Copacabana.
- Upon arrival, visit to the town, including its Church, recognized for its religious and cultural importance.
- Free time to explore the town, purchase handicrafts or simply relax by the lake.
- Departure by road back to La Paz.
- Arrival and transfer to your hotel, ending the services.
Important notes
Availability:
✓ Tours are available every day of the week.
Requirements:
✓ When crossing the Strait of Tiquina, on the way to Copacabana, you may be asked to present identification, such as your passport.
Important Information:
✓ The Islands of the Sun and the Moon are located at slightly above 3600 meters of altitude and it is required to walk along steep slopes. The hike on the Island of the Sun to the palace of Pilcocaina, the Fountain of the Inca and the settlement of Yumani takes approximately two hours, while the hike on the Island of the Moon involves climbing staircases for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Health Information:
✓ Make sure you are in good health and have sufficient endurance to participate without difficulty in these moderate-difficulty hikes through the hills of the islands.
Our recommendation:
Optional Visits
We recommend taking at least 2 days to be able to enjoy your visit to one of the most beautiful and mystical natural landscapes, you can book your accommodation in Copacabana or on the Island of the Sun, both have various alternatives of hotels, hostels and lodgings.
On the Island of the Sun
➔ Hike from north to south across the Island of the Sun, a route through communities and pre-Columbian paths (the routes are part of the multinational project Qhapaq Ñan - Inca Roads)
➔ Boat visit to the northern part of the Island of the Sun, where the community of Challapama and the archaeological complex of the Chincana (Labyrinth) and the Sacred Rock are located, where legend has it that Manco Kapac and Mama Ocllo have their origin, later founders of the city of Cusco.
➔ Visit to the Island of the Moon, it was a sacred Inca site, where the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun is located, it is believed that noble women were prepared to serve the Inca who stayed in his palace Pilcocaina, on the Island of the Sun.
From Copacabana
➔ Visit to the village of Sampaya, characteristic for its small constructions with rock walls and thatched roofs, unique in the area, a memory of the pre-Columbian peoples.
Types of Hikes
➔ On the Islands of the Sun and the Moon a moderate-difficulty hike is required, climbing the hills of the islands.
➔ On the Island of the Sun, the hike from the Palace of Pilcocaina to the community of Yumani takes around 2 hours.
➔ On the Island of the Moon, the climb to the Temple of the Chosen Ones is done via a staircase, taking around 15 minutes.
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Journey to Lake Titicaca from La Paz
3 days and 2 nights
