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ISLAND OF THE SUN, 3 Days
Code: TTISLSOL

Spectacular trek on the Island of the Sun - where according to traditions gods created all living beings - following an ancient pilgrimage route first on top of the crest and later an contouring the shores.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A
Difficulty: Moderated
Accommodation: 2 nights camping.

The original name for the Island of the Sun was ‘Titi Karka’ or ‘Titi Kachi’ meaning “The rock of the Puma”, later the Spanish distorted the name to Titicaca and adopted this name for the whole lake.

Since immemorial times the island of the Sun has drawn visitors, it used to be a mandatory destination for Tiwanaco and Inca religious pilgrimages. According to legends the Sun and the Moon detached themselves from this island after the ‘Great Flood’. Likewise the founders of the Inca Empire went out into the world from this island. We retrace the steps of the ancient pilgrims in this tour and visit the different gateways one must pass to reach the labyrinth.

Our trek will be divided in three main sections: one short trek portion from Sampaya village towards Yampupata harbor, the a second stretch on top of the island's crest with aerial views of the dark-blue lake and the snow-caped mountains as a background, then finally returning to the eastern side following an interesting route along of the shores.

Itinerary:

D1. Transp.to Sampaya. Trek to Yampupata. Boat to Pilcocaina. Camp.
D2. Trek to Chincana. Camp.
D3. Trek to Yumani. Boat to Yampupata. Transp.to La Paz

Highlights:

Extraordinary sightseeing of the highlands and Lake Titicaca shores on the way in and out to the Island of the Sun.
Short warming-up trek from Sampaya village; a charming settlement most built with stones, towards Yampupata harbor just across the island.
Several archaeological sites visited along of the trek, including: Pilcocaina temple and Chincana labyrinth.
Demanding 6-7 hrs trek back and for from Pilcocaina to Chincana.

Day 1. Transport to Copacabana pass. Trek to Yampupata. Transport to Pilcocaina. Camp.

Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Zampaya 3900m (12,792f)
Pilcocaina 3,830m (12,529f)
Timing
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
L,D

Early in the morning we leave La Paz heading towards Copacabana, we will start our hike at the highest point before the town where the antennas are located. A long route along of the top of the crest will lead us to Sampaya village to later drop down to Yampupata at the shores of the lake and the views of the lake and mountains beyond are tremendous. Once Yampupata we will meet our boatman who will take us across to the Island of the Sun, a short journey of about 30 minutes. It is difficult to believe that these cobalt-blue waters are 3,810m (12,500ft) above sea level. To the east the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real appear to rise out of the lake. Because of the clear sky and thin air they appear much closer than they actually are. In the evening the snow peaks glow with the sun's setting rays. We will land by the Inca ruins of Pilcocaina Palace, supposedly the “summer” Palace of the emperor. and set our campsite near the ruins.

Day 2. Trek to Chincana. Camp.

Elevations
Island crest 4,065m (13,333f)
Chincana 3,815m (12,513f)
Timing
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D

Today we will trek the length of the island admiring the Inca terraces, many of which are still used, passing through villages and walking along sandy beaches. Our objective is to reach the north-west end of the island where we can visit a sacred rock, which was worshipped as the birthplace of the first Incas: Manco Kapac and Mama Okllo, son and daughter of Viracocha. We will also have time to visit the ruins of Chincana (the labyrinth). The bravest may try a bath in the cold waters of the lake.

Day 3. Trek to Yumani. Transport to La Paz.

Elevations
Road Paz 4,200m (13,776f)
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
B,L

First thing in the morning we will retrace our steps to Chincana ruins, from that point we will head towards the southern end of the island again but this time following a different path along of the shores. Our route will pass by several villages and terraced slopes created in the days of the Tiwanaco culture; they say that the pilgrims used to bring handfuls of their villages’ richest earth to leave in the terraces. Our motorboat will take us back to Yampupata where our vehicle will be waiting to take us fist to Copacabana where we will stop for a short visit of the town, the church, and market. Later we will continue our journey back to La Paz.

ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Meals mentioned on the itinerary (three meals per day, snacks and boiled water).
Full land transportation on the trip.
Common camping equipment: 4 season tents (one per each two people), dinning tent, kitchen stuff, and tableware.
Professional bilingual guide(s) during the trip and transfers.
Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals on trekking & climbing trips (20 kg / 44 lb per person max weight).
Cook(s) when camping.
National Park entrance fees.

Not included

International flight ticket.
Local flight tickets.
International & local airport fees.
Meals & accommodation in la Paz and other main cities.
Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, foam pad, headlamps, and clothing.
Insurance of any kind.
Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).

MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

If you would like us to make additional hotel reservations besides the accommodation that is included in your trip, please get into our Reservations page