Copacabana and Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Country: Bolivia
Attraction: Lake Titicaca

Copacabana 1 day/1 night
Accommodation: Hotel La Cupla

Isla del Sol – 1 day/1 night
Accommodation: Imperio del Sol

Lake Titicaca is nestled between Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest lake in South America in terms of body of water and its sits at 3,800m above sea level. Copacabana is the main Bolivian town on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca and it is the gateway to visit some of the islands on Lake Titicaca such as Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna.

Johnny and I arrived in Copacabana after a bus and a boat ride. Once we found accommodation for the night we wondered around the town. We strolled through the usual Bolivian markets and bought some more touristy souvenirs! We entered the Cathedral and said a prayer before walking up to Cerro Calvario, a viewpoint up a hill at the north end of the beach. There was a fabulous view of the town and Lake Titicaca from up there and we stayed to watch the sun set.

Back at our accommodation, we told the owner that we would like to use the hot tub, so he warmed it up for us and we had the most surreal night lazing around in the hot tub and looking up at the stars and out over the lake and town.
The next morning we headed down to the beach to get our boat to Isla del Sol. (Island of the Sun) Our boat dropped us off at the eastern side of the island at Challapampa. There were no cars on Isla del Sol or paved roads, so the only way to get around was by foot. We made our way to the north of the island, past beaches, a small museum housing Inca relics, a local school and incredible scenery. The view of the lake was outstanding.

We then started our trek down the centre of the island to Yumani where we would spend the night. It took a few hours in total and it was such a beautiful walk.

When we reached the main village at the Southern end of the island, we saw the local farmers, some tending to their sheep and others with their donkeys.

There was a party with all the locals down at the church. I heard it was an anniversary of an older couple in the community. They were traditionally dressed and were enjoying some dancing and drinking. It was great to watch. 

In such a small community, I felt guilty for being there and I felt sorry for the local people with all these tourists on their island every day, who were trying to live a way of life that seemed unchanged for generations. But I suppose some had come to depend on tourism to make a living (the taxes we pay to walk the roads, the restaurants and accommodations)

We walked around the village (up and down so many steps, still hard to do with the altitude) and later in the evening I walked around the southern tip of the island. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I could see the Andes across the lake.

We went to a local restaurant for dinner that night and we witnessed the best sunset we had ever seen.

That night Johnny and I both realised how burnt we had gotten that day. My legs and back were scalded and Johnny’s were the same. It was the most uncomfortable night’s sleep ever.

We stayed in a room that night that was about 2 euro for the both of us! It was also the most basic but what a view from the room…..!

I woke up before sunrise and grabbed the camera and headed outside. I watched the sun come up and I felt like I was the only person on the island! (Johnny chose to stay in bed!)

We made our way down to the port and waited to be collected. It was such a magical little trip!