Description

Sitting in the middle of the huge, barren expanse of Lake Titicaca is the Island of the Sun - home to a small population, countless Inca ruins and no roads or motor vehicles.

Although the lake is rightly popular with tourists, the Island of the Sun remains relatively quiet.

The islanders make most of their money through tourism but they can't be making a fortune because the island is wonderfully peaceful. This hike is merely a suggestion for a route but as you will be able to tell when you look at the line here, there are countless options to shorten, lengthen or subtly alter the trip.

The island feels quite harsh and is rocky throughout, with eucalyptus trees being about the only greenery.

As such the hiking is quite straightforward and you will cover ground quite quickly provided you are somewhat acclimatised to the altitude.

The hike begins and ends in the small harbour of Yumani, which is reached by boat from the nearby town of Copacabana.

From Yumani the island is your oyster and you are free to explore ruins (some which are said to date back to the third millenium B.C.) and soak in the staggering views across the lake and to the distant Andes.

This suggested route takes in 3 peaks but there are several others to explore and some fascinating sites such as the Roca Sagrada (said to be the birthplace of the first Incas) and the ruined palace at Pilko Kaina. This route as shown as a one day hike but there are some lovely little villages on the island, each home to some comfortable but simple accommodation, so by all means split this adventure into 2 days and enjoy a night on the island.