Isla Del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Isla Del Sol (Island of the Sun) is located in the southern part of lake Titicaca, a short boat ride from Copacabana, Bolivia. It was believed by the Incas to be the birthplace of the sun, and has 80 Incan ruins dating back to the Inca period of 15th century AD.

Many boats depart daily from the main beach in Copacabana and the boat ride there is beautiful.

Even though the island is overrun with tourists, the people living there have held on to their traditions and culture well.

You can walk the entire length of the island easily in one day, and the common thing to do is to take the boat back the same day.

There are number of cheap hostels to stay in and good places to eat.

We brought our tent and camped on the northern end of the island near the shore below the ruins.

A man with a donkey arrived that night and we were sure he was going to tell us that camping was prohibited so close the ruins, but instead he offered to sell us wine, cookies, and other Bolivian snacks from a local store. It was great!

If you are traveling between Bolivia and Peru by land, la Isla Del Sol on Lake Titicaca is a must see, and staying for a night or two is highly recommended.