The magnificent Isla del Sol is on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. While most tourists choose to spend time on the Peruvian side of the lake (in Puno), Isla del Sol offers a peaceful escape from the crowds and a fantastic insight into local life on the lake.
Isla del Sol, or the Island of the Sun, is also an important part of Inca mythology. It’s believed to be the birthplace of Inti, the Inca Sun God, making it a sacred and spiritual place for those of Inca descent. Many also believe Inti summoned his children, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, from the lake. On the island, there is the opportunity to explore several Inca ruin sites, including the Temple of the Sun, to learn more about the fascinating history of the island.
Even for those not interested in Inca mythology, Isla del Sol is well worth adding to your Bolivia itinerary. It was one of my favourite places in all of Bolivia, and is a great place to slow down and relax. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Titicaca and with mountains in the distance, it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot to spend a couple of days.
In this guide, I’ve shared all you need to know about how to visit Isla del Sol, the best things to do on the island and where to stay. Enjoy!
How long to spend on Isla del Sol
Most people visit Isla del Sol as a day trip from the nearby Copacabana or even from La Paz. However, I personally don’t think spending a few hours there is nearly enough time to see all the island has to offer. If you can, I recommend spending at least one night on the island, if not two.
Two nights will give you enough time to complete the full-day hike on the island and experience one of the famous sunrises and sunsets. If you’re not bothered about seeing the entire island, spending one night there will at least allow you to explore both the north and south of the island without worrying about catching the boat back.
If you don’t want to spend a night on Isla del Sol, the second best option is to spend a night or two in Copacabana. This is where the boats to Isla del Sol depart from, and as there are only a few boats a day, spending a night in Copacabana will give you more flexibility. The first departure from Copacabana is usually around 08:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m., giving you a good chunk of the day to explore the island (the boat takes 1.5/2 hours each way).
If you’re travelling from La Paz, the best option is to book a day tour. This highly rated tour includes all your transport. Just be aware that you’ll only have an hour or so on Isla del Sol. This is time to see some of the highlights of the Yumani area, but it won’t be enough time to see everything.
Personally, I don’t think a day trip from La Paz is worthwhile. It’s a lot of travel (3 or 4 hours) to spend an hour on the island and then return to La Paz. If you don’t want to spend a night on Isla del Sol, I’d suggest at least staying in Copacabana to give you more time to explore the island.
I think the best amount of time to spend on Isla del Sol is two nights, which is exactly what I did.
Why Isla del Sol is worth more than a day trip
I recommend spending two nights on Isla del Sol, especially if you’ve come from La Paz. This will give you one full day to explore the island and hike the entire way around, as well as time to make the most of the Yumani area without worrying about the boats back to Copacabana.
One of the best things I did in Bolivia was hike around almost all of Isla del Sol. I’ve spoken more about this in the section below, but the hike takes you from Yumani to the Chincana Inca ruins and then back to the island’s south. You won’t have time to do this entire hike in just a few hours.
Spending a night or two on the island also allows you to witness one of the famous sunrises or sunsets, try the local food and relax.
How to get to Isla del Sol
Isla del Sol is found in the beautiful blue waters of Lake Titicaca, and the only way to reach it is by boat from the nearby town of Copacabana.
You can get to Copacabana by bus from La Paz. As the town is close to the Peruvian border, it’s also possible to come from Puno or even take an overnight bus from Cusco or Arequipa.
Once you’ve arrived in Copacabana, you can plan your journey to Isla del Sol. Although Isla del Sol is the main reason people visit Copacabana, there are few boats between the two. There is a little bit of mixed information about the boat times online. I would suggest going straight to buy your tickets once you arrive in Copacabana. That way, you can get the latest timetable.
During my visit, the first boat of the day to the island’s north side (Challapampa) was at 08:30 a.m. The first boat to the island’s south (Yumani) was at 09:30 a.m. There was also a boat late morning and early afternoon (around 1:30 p.m.). However, this does change depending on the season and on the demand, so it’s important to verify this once you arrive in the town. The last boat back from Isla del Sol was at 3:30 p.m.
The distance between Copacabana and Isla del Sol isn’t much, but the boats go so slowly. It took me almost 90 minutes to get to Yumani, and it can take up to two hours to reach Challapampa.
As you can see from the infrequent boats and rigid timings, it’s a sensible idea to plan your Isla del Sol trip fully. If you’re only doing a day trip, make sure to arrive in Copacabana with plenty of time to get to the island, explore, and catch the last ferry back.
If you don’t want to be rushed or pressed for time, consider staying at least one night on Isla del Sol. As I said above, I think two nights is the perfect amount of time.
It’s possible to haggle the cost of the boats with some ticket agencies. I know some people who paid around 60 Bs ($8.60) for their return boat ride and others who paid up to 100 Bs ($14.40). There are endless agencies and tour operators selling you tickets on the streets of Copacabana.
Another option to visit Isla del Sol is with Bolivia Hop, either as a day trip from La Paz or as part of your journey between Bolivia and Peru. Their buses between La Paz and Puno all spend a few hours in Copacabana, and there’s the option to do a quick trip to Isla del Sol.
Best things to do on Isla del Sol
Here are some of the best things I did during my stay on Isla del Sol:
Visit the Chincana Inca Ruins
The Chincana Inca Ruins are arguably the most popular attraction on Isla del Sol. These spectacular ruins are located in the north of the island and boast beautiful views of the lake.
Fair enough, the ruins aren’t quite the scale of Machu Pichu, but they’re interesting nonetheless (and a lot less touristy). There’s also a hike up a steep hill for epic panoramic views of the island. As of 2024, the entry fee to Chincana is 10 Bs (in addition to your 10 Bs entry fee to the island).
Chincana is on the north tip of the island. There are no roads on Isla del Sol, so visiting the Inca site will require an uphill walk. If you’re coming from Copacabana, you’ll need to take a boat to Cha’llapampa (the boat takes around two hours). From there, it’s about an hour to walk to the ruins (mostly uphill).
Those based in Yumani can walk to Chincana (see more below), or get the boat from Yumani to Cha’llapampa and walk from there.
After finishing in Chincana, you can get the boat back to Copacabana or walk to Yumani (about three hours) and get the boat from there. Whichever you decide, make sure you have the return boat time confirmed. The drivers won’t wait for anyone, and there is a lot of mixed information about the boat times online.
Hike around the island
If you have a full day on Isla del Sol, I highly recommend hiking the full path around the island. This circular route takes you through forests, past Inca ruins, and small villages and boasts some incredible views of the lake and the Cordillera Real.
Assuming you’re staying in Yumani, the first part of your hike takes you along the island to the Chincana ruins. From here, you can walk down to Cha’llapampa for lunch before returning to Yumani through local villages and along white-sand beaches (plus up some neverending steps).
The hike is about 11 miles (18 km) and takes approximately five to seven hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the ruins.
I’d suggest downloading the map offline through AllTrails to avoid getting lost. Most of the path is easy enough to follow, but it can be easy to get lost along the beaches and in the villages. If you are coming from Yumani, I suggest sticking to the left along the top of the hill to get to Chincana. This means you’ll do the route clockwise, offering the best views.
It’s also possible to get a boat between Challapampa and Yumani and then return by foot. I suggest walking back along the upper path if you only do part of the hike.
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Isla del Sol is famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, especially with the stunning snow-capped mountains in the background.
The best place to view the sunset is from the village of Yumani. The main road right at the top of the town has several restaurants and bars where you can watch the sun go down with a beer. I suggest trying Inti Jalanta or Waliki restaurant for the best views.
In terms of sunrise, you’ll need views of the east side. Yumani is built into a hillside, so most accommodations have some view (I watched the sunrise from my bed). You can check this when booking.
The incredible sunrises and sunsets on Isla del Sol are another reason why the island is worth way more than a day trip.
Visit Challapampa and Yumani
The two major towns on Isla del Sol are Challapampa in the north and Yumani in the south. Yumani is the larger of the two and has better views, more restaurants, and more guesthouses. This is where most overnight visitors choose to stay on the island. However, both towns are well worth visiting if you have the time.
Yumani is also home to the famous Inca steps, a steep staircase leading up the mountainside. A short hike takes you past Templo del Sol and ends with the Inca Steps, boasting magnificent views.
If you base yourself in Yumani, a trip to Challapampa is still worthwhile. This small, local town offers a great insight into local life. The full island hike I’ve spoken about above takes you through here and the Chincana ruins. You can also get a boat between the two.
Visit Templo del Sol
For those who don’t have time to visit the north of the island and Chincana, there is a short hike in the Yumani area which is perfect for daytrippers.
Ask your boat driver to drop you off at the pier near Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun). After exploring the ruins, walk up the steps and along towards Yumani. The path meanders through the town along a beautiful ridge overlooking the lake.
Once you reach the Inca Steps, you can walk down to the main boat pier and return to Copacabana. The hike takes about an hour.
Best accommodation on Isla del Sol
If you choose to stay the night on Isla del Sol (and you really should), there’s a range of hotels and guest houses. There are two main areas of the island where you can stay: Challapampa in the north and Yumani in the south.
I visited both and personally preferred Yumani. It’s a little bit bigger (but still very quiet), there are more restaurants to choose from, and the views are stunning (you don’t get the same views in Challampampa). It’s also much more connected with Copacabana, with more frequent boats between the two.
The only benefit of Challapampa is its proximity to the Chincana Inca ruins, arguably the highlight of visiting Isla del Sol. However, you can walk here from Yumani or get a boat.
Here are a few accommodation options for Isla del Sol.
Budget
There aren’t many hostels to choose from on Isla del Sol. Most of the cheapest options offer small rooms with shared bathrooms rather than your typical hostel dorm.
One of the most popular budget-friendly options on the island is Hostal Palacio del Inca, which offers single and double rooms. If you’d prefer to stay in the Cha’llapampa area, you could consider Titi Qala Hostel.
Mid-range
Isla del Sol has a great range of affordable yet high-quality accommodations (at least by Bolivia’s standards). I stayed at Ecolodge Descanso and loved it. The room was fantastic, and the view of the sunrise was amazing. It’s a little bit away from the main town but still within walking distance (not that you have much choice on the island).
My friend stayed in Casa de La Luna and raved about the accommodation. It’s a little more expensive, but well worth it for the quality of service and views. Another popular option is Hostal Phaxsi, which also has great views.
Luxury
One of the best places to stay on Isla del Sol is Wiñay Inti Lodge. This highly-rated accommodation has a roof terrace to enjoy the incredible views. Inti Illimani is another excellent option.
Where to eat and drink
The Yumani area of Isla del Sol has a range of restaurants to choose from. One thing to note is that most of the menus are quite similar, and you may have to wait a while for your food (most meals are cooked from scratch).
The most common item on the menu is trout, which is freshly fished from Lake Titicaca. You can order it grilled, fried, in stews, or even on pizza. Most restaurants will serve trout, so you won’t need to search far for it.
Some of the best restaurants I ate at include:
- Waliki Lodge (great for dinner with sunset views)
- Pachamama for traditional Bolivian food
- Pizzeria Suma Uru Casera for your pizza fix (and it’s good pizza)
Other tips
- Pack lightly: If you plan to stay on the island overnight, it’s sensible to pack as lightly as possible. Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are at the top of a very steep staircase. Throw in 3,800 metres of altitude, and carrying anything heavy is going to hurt a lot! I had my full 18 kg backpack and had to walk for over thirty minutes to reach my accommodation. It was not fun.
- Be prepared to walk: Isla del Sol does not have roads or motorised vehicles, so you’ll need to walk anywhere and everywhere. It’s sometimes possible to hire a donkey, but there are a few ethical questions around this.
- Be mindful of the high altitude: Isla del Sol is around 3,800 metres (12400 feet) above sea level, so be prepared to feel the effects. I’d recommend spending a couple of days in La Paz before attempting to do any hikes on Isla del Sol. If you’re coming from Peru, you’ll hopefully be acclimatised by this point (if you’ve spent time in the Cusco or Puno areas).
- There is a lack of internet: While most hotels and guest houses offer Wi-Fi, it’s not always the quickest. Be prepared to go offline for your time on the island.
- Take cash: You’ll need cash to pay for most things on Isla del Sol. To my memory, there are no working ATMs on the island. Make sure to bring enough cash with you from Copacabana.
- Tension amongst locals: Only a few years ago, it was impossible to cross between the north and side of the island due to tensions amongst the local indigenous families. Some articles online still say this is the case. However, it has now been resolved and you can cross between the two.
- There’s an entry fee: You must pay 10 Bs (2024) when entering the island from your boat. It’s an additional 10 Bs to visit the Chincana Inca ruins. This money goes back to locals to help them preserve the island.
Summary: Is Isla del Sol worth visiting?
Yes, yes and yes again! Isla del Sol was one of the highlights of my trip to Bolivia. It’s absolutely magnificent and doesn’t suffer anywhere near the amount of tourists as the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. The island has such a spiritual and peaceful feel to it.
For those struggling to decide between Puno (in Peru) or Isla del Sol, I preferred Isla del Sol. The Peruvian side of the lake, including Puno and Uros, has become a bit of a tourist trap. There’s a lot of pollution, crowds of people and it no longer shows the authentic side of life on this beautiful lake.
Isla del Sol felt completely different from anywhere else I visited in Bolivia and Peru. It was so quiet and peaceful, and I loved experiencing the local life.
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