Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol Review

The largest of Lake Titicaca's islands, Isla del Sol is the best place to visit and stay on the lake. The views of the Cordillera Real mountains are amazing, especially at dawn and dusk, and the island has beautiful white sandy beaches and an extraordinary terraced landscape. There are ruins, including the Inca palace of Pilkokaina and a strange rock formation said to be the birthplace of the sun and moon, and an excellent Inca trail across the island. Some travelers take a boat to the northern community of Challa Pampa and then hike 3-4 hours to the southern community of Yumani where most accommodations (and the main "village") can be found. Although rewarding, the island trail is void of shade with only three spots to buy water along the way. If your goal is to just laze around and soak up the cosmic energy, then be sure to disembark at the southern boat port of Yumani, unless you are staying at one of the few hotels on the north side. One of the best beaches on Isla del Sol is located on the north end, directly behind the museum. Regardless of your destination, plan on hiking at least 30 minutes uphill from the boat port. Nearly every property is staggered high on the slope, which means that both altitude and fitness should be taken into consideration.