Island of the Sun Overview
Situated just off the northern tip of the Copacabana Peninsula, the Isla del Sol has been attracting travelers for hundreds of years. Even more important than Machu Picchu, the Isla del Sol was one of the most revered religious sites in the Andean region. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Sun and where the Inca dynasty was created. Among the many shrines and temples lies a bright blue Lake Titicaca that is surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real, a place spectacular enough for the Gods.
Part of the island's religious importance is related to the fertility of the land because of its insulation by the waters of the lake. The higher temperatures produce better maize than anywhere else in the world and during Inca times the grains were distributed by the traveling pilgrims back to the mainland where it was used for food and to make chicha (maize beer).
The island is the largest in Lake Titicaca, measuring 21km long and 8km wide. Much like the inhabitants of the neighboring islands, the population consists of Aymara campesinos who still live the traditional lifestyle of their ancestors. They continue to sustain themselves off the cultivation of Inca terraces, domesticated llama herds, and fishing in the lake.
The three main settlements are Yumani, Challi, and Challapampa and can be found clustered on the east coast. The scattered ruins, beautiful scenery, and the traditional communities make the island a great place to spend a few days hiking and exploring.
Challapampa and the Santuario is a fascinating place and even today is shrouded in mystery. The Incas used the settlement as a base for the nearby temples. The village has a small museum that houses ancient artifacts found on the island and offshore. Recently archeologists have discovered large sites off the coast of the island that conjure up theories of lost underground cities.
A twenty-minute hike from Challapampa will bring you to the ruins of Kasapata, which was most likely a base where pilgrims stayed. Amid the rubble is a path leading up to a large building that still has five trapezoidal doorways intact. Another twenty minutes on the path is the Santuario, an Inca complex built around a sacred rock where the god Viracocha is believed to have created the sun and moon. During the Inca heyday thousands of people would converge here for ceremonies and elaborate rituals.
At the other end of the island lies Yumani, the largest settlement and where most accommodations can be found. Close by is the amphitheatre of Escalera del Inca, which has some of the finest agricultural terracing on the island. The terraces are irrigated by stone canals that are fed by a three-spouted natural spring that also supplies the water for the village. Called the Fuente del Inca, this spring is believed to have magic powers. In fact, according to the natives, if you drink from all three spouts you'll gain instant knowledge of Spanish, Quechua and Aymara languages.
Accommodations are very basic here but dinner is usually included and the local hospitality is endearing. In Challapampa there is the Hostal Winaycusi and Restaurant Chincaca, both of which will prepare meals if you order in advance. In Yumani there are several family run alojamientos, with Posada de las Nustas and Inti Wayra as the best. Both are situated high on a ridge above the village and have excellent views of the area.
Go here for a map of the area: http://www.ladatco.com/TITI-map.htm
Map of Lake Titicaca
Get the most from your Peru Vacation.
Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements.
AR Tourism Peru - Peru Vacation Travel Agency
Visit Peru
Enjoy the best hotels, tours and activities when you visit Peru on a vacation organized by AR Tourism Peru.
> More
