Isla del sol: An epic 1-day adventure in Copacabana, Bolivia

Introduction

Isla del Sol is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave, exactly like the Uyuni Salt Flat. Located on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, this island is considered the birthplace of the Inca civilization: the legendary place where the Sun God sent the first Incas to earth. And honestly, as soon as you step onto the island, with its terraced hills, stone paths, and endless blue water, it just feels mythical.

We visited Isla del Sol while staying in Copacabana back in July 2019, and at that time, things were a bit complicated. The northern part of the island was closed due to a conflict between two local communities over tourism revenue and land rights. Boats only went to the south, and trekking across the whole island was strictly forbidden. Like many travellers, we explored only the accessible southern section — and still had an unforgettable day.

For several years, this dispute continued, and travellers were limited to half the island. But the good news is that since 2022, the entire island has reopened. Boats now travel to both the north (Challapampa) and south (Yumani), and visitors can once again walk the classic ridge-top trail connecting the two ends of Isla del Sol — one of the most beautiful hikes on Lake Titicaca.

If you’re planning a trip in 2025 or 2026, you can now explore the island freely, enjoy the archaeological sites in the north (like the Sacred Rock and Chincana ruins), and still soak in the peaceful village vibes of the south.

Whether you hike from north to south, explore the small communities, or just sit on a terrace with a quinoa soup overlooking the lake, Isla del Sol feels completely different from mainland Bolivia. There are no cars, no noise — just donkeys, stone staircases, friendly locals, and lake views that stretch forever.

It’s easily one of the best day trips from Copacabana (along with Yampupata), and if you have time, staying one night on the island makes the experience even more magical.

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How to get to Isla Del Sol

Getting to Isla del Sol is very simple once you know how the boats work. There isn’t just one ferry company — there are actually three (but things can change quickly, so expect more or fewer companies), and each one has its own pier along the Copacabana waterfront. When you arrive in the morning, you’ll see local sellers standing in front of each pier offering boat tickets. That’s where you buy them. The small kiosk nearby is only for information; it doesn’t sell tickets. And if you bought your ticket through your hostel, make sure you ask which company they booked with; otherwise, you might end up waiting at the wrong pier.

We went with Transporte Fluvial Titicaca, one of the most common companies, and paid 30 bolivianos per person for a round trip. You don’t need to book days in advance — just show up the same morning and buy your ticket, but it helps to arrive around 8:10 AM so you have time to sort everything out before departure.

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Boats leave Copacabana at 8:30 AM and again at 1:30 PM, but the early departure is really the only one that gives you enough time to explore the island properly in a single day. Even though Isla del Sol is only 19 km from Copacabana, the boats are quite slow and the ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It feels almost like a relaxed cruise across Lake Titicaca — calm waves, deep blue water, and a lot of time to enjoy the scenery.

Once on the boat, you can choose whether to get off at Yumani (the southern part of Isla del Sol) or stay on board until Isla de la Luna. Most travelers, including us, prefer getting off at Yumani because it gives you the full day to explore without rushing. If you go all the way to Isla de la Luna first, you’ll still be able to visit Isla del Sol afterward, but with much less time. Since we like taking our time, we got off at Yumani directly.

As soon as you arrive at the small port in Yumani, someone will collect a 10-bolivianos entrance fee, so make sure you bring some small cash. There are no ATMs on the island, and cards aren’t accepted.

There are two ferries per day from Yumani back to Copacabana — one at 10:00 am and another at 3:00 pm. Make sure you’re at the pier 10 to 15 minutes early, as the boats tend to leave right on time and the boarding can feel a bit chaotic when everyone arrives at once.

We took the 3:00 pm return boat, and after the usual slow but scenic ride across Lake Titicaca, we arrived back in Copacabana at around 4:35 pm.

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Moving Around Isla Del Sol

Once you arrive on Isla del Sol, everything is done on foot. There are no cars, scooters, buses, or bicycles — the entire island is pedestrian-only, which makes the experience incredibly peaceful but also means you’ll be climbing… a lot.

The first thing you’ll see after stepping off the boat in Yumani is the famous Escalera del Inca, a long stone staircase that takes you from the port to the top of the village. It’s beautiful and historic, but it’s also a workout, especially at altitude. Take your time, stop when you need to, and enjoy the views. Lake Titicaca is breathtaking from up there.

Once you reach the top, the island becomes much easier to walk on. Paths stretch across the ridge, linking the viewpoints, archaeological sites, and small communities. The trails are well-marked and generally easy to follow, and you’ll pass locals tending to their animals or selling small handicrafts along the way.

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If you want to visit the north side of Isla del Sol, just know that it requires a bit of fitness. The hikes are not technical, but the island sits at over 4,000 meters, so every uphill feels twice as long. From the Yumani pier, it takes around 50 minutes (2 km) to reach the northern viewpoint Mirador Palla Khasa, and about 40 minutes (1.5 km) in the opposite direction to reach the Sun Temple in the south.

We did both on the same day – and honestly, that already fills up most of your time. Since the return boats usually leave around 3:00 pm, that doesn’t give you much margin to keep hiking further north. Technically, yes, the island is now fully open again and you can walk all the way to the northern communities, but doing it as a day trip is very rushed.

If your goal is to really explore the north, enjoy the viewpoints, and take your time, the best option is to stay overnight on the island. The experience is much more relaxed, and watching the sunset (or sunrise!) over Lake Titicaca is unforgettable.

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Best time to visit Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol can be visited year-round, but the experience really changes depending on the season. Because you’ll be hiking most of the day and spending time outdoors, it’s good to know what to expect before you go:

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the best time to visit. The days are sunny, the skies are crystal clear, and the visibility over Lake Titicaca is incredible. Temperatures stay mild during the day but drop significantly at night, especially in June and July. If you want the most stable weather for hiking, this is the ideal season.
• Shoulder Season (April and November): These months are a sweet spot — fewer people than during peak months, still relatively dry, and the landscape begins to turn green. You might get the occasional shower, but the weather is generally pleasant. It’s a great time to avoid crowds and still enjoy good conditions.
• Rainy Season (December to March): Rain is frequent, trails can be muddy, and clouds often hide the views. That said, the island looks beautifully green, and temperatures are warmer. If you don’t mind unpredictable weather and want to experience the island without many tourists around, it’s still doable. Just be prepared with proper gear.

Best Time of the Day: Regardless of the season, the island is most enjoyable earlier in the day. If you’re on a day trip, taking the 8:30 am ferry is essential — it gives you enough time to explore without rushing. Afternoons can be windy, and clouds tend to roll in later in the day.

How Long to Stay: While a day trip is manageable, especially if you only explore the south, staying one night on the island gives you the chance to experience the sunrise, enjoy the peaceful evenings, and explore the northern trails without watching the clock.

Where to stay on Isla Del Sol

Even though we recommend visiting Isla del Sol as a day trip from Copacabana — mainly to avoid carrying all your luggage and having to move accommodation — you absolutely can stay on the island. And honestly, spending a night here is a pretty special experience. The island becomes peaceful once the day-trippers leave, and waking up to sunrise over Lake Titicaca is something you won’t forget.

Accommodations on Isla del Sol are simple, affordable, and often very unique. Here are a few great options if you decide to stay overnight:

(€) Sol y Luna – Isla del Sol: A cozy and charming guesthouse known for its warm welcome and lake views. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the location is ideal for exploring the southern part of the island.

(€€) Inti Illimani Lodge: A more rustic lodge-style stay with panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s great if you want to disconnect, enjoy nature, and experience the island’s slower rhythm.

(€€€) Ecolodge K’arasirca: An eco-friendly option with comfortable rooms, local design touches, and an amazing setting overlooking the lake. If you want something quiet and scenic, this is a lovely choice.

If you decide to stay on Isla del Sol, just keep in mind that everything — walking, eating, moving around — is slower and more spread out. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

Here are all your accommodation options on Isla del Sol

What to eat on Isla Del Sol

Food on Isla del Sol is simple, local, and exactly what you’d expect from a tiny island in the middle of Lake Titicaca. Don’t come here for fine dining — come for home-cooked meals, trout straight from the lake, and cozy little restaurants run by local families.

The most typical dish on the island is grilled trout, served with rice, quinoa, or fries. If you eat fish, this is the freshest you’ll find — most restaurants have their own nets in the lake. Even if you don’t eat fish, it’s fun to see how it’s prepared.

Vegetarian options exist, but they’re pretty basic: soups, rice, quinoa, omelets, or pasta. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

You’ll find several small restaurants near Yumani, close to the main viewpoints and along the path. Most are simple places with incredible views, which definitely adds to the experience.

If you’re visiting as a day trip like we did, bringing your own snacks or a small lunch from Copacabana is a good idea — especially if you plan a long hike. Buy fruit, bread, or snacks at the central market in Copacabana and enjoy them with a lake view somewhere peaceful on the island.

Food here isn’t fancy, but it’s part of the charm: slow, local, fresh, and always with a view.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

How to Visit Isla del Sol from Copacabana in 1 day

The Hike to the Viewpoint of Isla del Sol

Our hike on Isla del Sol turned into more of an unexpected adventure than a regular, well-marked trail. We somehow ended up following a Norwegian hiker… who was following a dog… which is how we found ourselves off-trail, crossing agricultural terraces like locals rather than tourists. Honestly? It made the experience unforgettable.

When you get off the boat, the hike normally starts with a long set of stone stairs flanked by two statues — that’s the official beginning of the trail. If you need a toilet break, do it now. The next “bathroom” will be a bush with a view.

Most people visit two main places on the island:

• The Mirador Palla Khasa, offering a full 360° panorama
• Ruinas de Pilkokaina (Temple of the Sun)

To reach the viewpoint, climb the stairs, turn right, and walk through the village. You’ll see a sign for “Mirador Pallakasa.” Follow it — or simply ask any local. Everyone knows the way.

This was… not what we did.

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We walked straight past the village, ended up in a second settlement past the viewpoint, and had to ask locals for directions. Their advice: “Just go up.” No path, no signs — just a Bolivian-style shortcut straight up through terraces and fields. And honestly? It was the most authentic part of the day.

In the end, we reached the viewpoint from behind, completely out of breath but happy. On Isla del Sol, paths are optional — you can almost always just climb up until the lake appears in every direction.

Here are all your accommodation options on Isla del Sol

Lunch at the viewpoint

There’s no better lunch spot on Isla del Sol than the viewpoint itself. We brought a packed lunch from Copacabana (La Cúpula makes excellent lunch boxes), but you can also buy fresh bread, fruit, and snacks in town before leaving.

Sitting there, overlooking the lake, surrounded by silence and sun, was perfect.

We even ran into the same Norwegian hiker again — the one who unintentionally led us off the trail earlier. We ended up chatting for ages. Fun twist: she was from a small town in Norway where we once visited friends. Small world.

If you have time, take a break, soak it all in, and enjoy how peaceful the island feels away from the tourist path.

The ruins

From the viewpoint, follow the marked trail downhill toward the Ruinas de Pilkokaina. Or at least… try.

We were talking too much on the descent and missed the turn entirely, ending up all the way back near the pier at 1:00 PM. Our Norwegian friend decided to circle around the island, and we turned back to give the ruins a try.

True to the theme of our day, we ended up creating our own “trail” again — straight across terraces and fields. After a while, we noticed someone following us… and yes, it was our Norwegian friend again, who had changed her mind and thought we were locals who knew the way. Spoiler: we didn’t.

Eventually, we found the correct trail and reached the ruins. The walk itself was beautiful — rolling hills, stone terraces, and calm lake views. The ruins, however, didn’t impress us as much as the viewpoints. Still worth the stop, but the hike itself is the real highlight.

After visiting Pilkokaina, we walked back toward Yumani and reached the pier around 2:40 PM, just in time for the 3:00 PM ferry back to Copacabana.

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