Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3,812 metres on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It covers 8,372 square kilometres, reaches depths over 280 metres, and is sacred to the Andean peoples who have lived on its shores for at least 4,000 years. From the Bolivian side, the gateway is Copacabana, and the cultural heart of the lake is Isla del Sol, the island from which the Inca believed their ancestors first emerged.
A sacred lake
For the Inca and the earlier Tiwanaku civilisation, Titicaca was the origin point of the world. Isla del Sol, the Island of the Sun, is traditionally the birthplace of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the first Inca. Ancient ruins still stand on the island's extreme southern end, including the Pilkokaina temple and an idyllic garden with an Inca spring. The lake's deep blue colour and thin high-altitude light give it a clarity found in few other inland waters.
Copacabana and the Bolivian shore
Copacabana is a small Bolivian lakeside town of 6,000 people, best known for its white Moorish basilica and the vehicle-blessing ceremony held outside it most weekends, where locals drive their cars to be sprinkled with holy water for safe travel. The town is also the main embarkation point for boats to Isla del Sol. Most travellers stay one night in Copacabana before crossing to the island.
Isla del Sol
The largest island on the lake, covered with terraced footpaths, stone villages and pre-Inca ruins. There are no cars and no roads. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks across the southern side of the island, reaching the highest point (4070 m / 13350 ft) for panoramic views. Highlights include the Pilkokaina temple, the Inca spring (fountain of youth), and walking up in the late afternoon to watch a colourful sunset over the lake.
Visiting with Undiscovered Destinations
Lake Titicaca is Days 13 and 14 of our 15-day Bolivia tour. From La Paz we transfer to Copacabana, cross by boat to Isla del Sol, and walk a section of the island with a local guide. Groups are capped at 12 travellers and every departure is guaranteed from two people. Our longer South America itineraries also finish on the Bolivian side of the lake: our 27-day Panama and Bolivia tour spends Days 25 to 26 here, and our 28-day Argentina, Chile and Bolivia Explorer visits around Copacabana toward the end of the trip. For travellers who want a longer lake stay, we build tailor-made 3 to 4 night Copacabana and Isla del Sol extensions. See our Bolivia destination page for all trip options.
