Lake Titicaca (Bolivia)

There is something ethereal about your first sight of Lake Titicaca, whose waters glisten in the sun like a rare jewel. This is a place of legends and mystery, said to be the birthplace of the Incan civilisation. Indeed it is here, according to Incan tradition, that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, founders of the Inca empire, were created by Inti, the Incan Sun God.

Sun Island has no vehicles and so the only way to explore is on foot, typically escorted by llamas. There are many ruins to see, the most famous being the 200 Inca steps to the Fountain of Eternal Youth, and huge Inca terraces that run along the hillsides.

Just 45 minutes from Sun Island is the smaller Moon Island. During the time of the Incas, Isla de la Luna had a great temple, Inak Uyu, or ‘House of the Virgins of the Sun’, which is believed to have been a burial site for woman of nobility. It’s semi-intact remains can still be explored.

We recommend a stay on Sun Island to fully appreciate the sites and the setting. Sunsets on the island, with the Cordillera Real mountain range in the background, are simply stunning.

In and around Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Copacabana is the main town for visits to the lake. The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana is its central landmark – a stark white cathedral that dominates the townscape. Built in a Moorish style with pretty blue-tiled domes, it houses the black Virgen de la Candelari, said to have granted many miracles over the years.