The Sacred Lake Titicaca

The Islands of the Sun and of the Moon

	Lake Titicaca: At 3810 meters above sea level, this is the highest navigable lake in the world and the biggest fresh water lake in Latin America. It covers 8710 square kilometers, of which 5,260 square kilometers belong to Peru and 3,450 square kilometers belong to Bolivia. It extends from northwest to southeast with a length of 190 kilometers. At its broadest point it is 80 kilometers wide. A narrow canal separates the lake into to two bodies of water, the Minor Lake or “Huiñay Marca” and the Major Lake or “Chuchito”. This lake offers a variety of fauna, principally ducks and fish, such as the suche, the capache, the pejerrey and the trucha, among others. Its flora is represented by 12 varieties of aquatic plants, among which may be mentioned the cattail, the yana llacho and the water lentil. The lake has 36 islands, among the most important of which are Taquile and Amantani in Peru and the Islands of the the Sun and the Moon in Bolivian waters. The water temperature fluctuates between 10 and 12 degrees centigrade.
The Island of the Sun . During the pre-Hispanic period, this was an important religious settlement. In area it is 9.6 kilometers long and 4.6 kilometers wide. The places of major interest within the island are: PILCOCAINA, a center located in the south of the island and characterized by it gates and rooms of stone. The FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. Tens of steps from the period of the sons of the Sun, leading to the Fountain of the Incas, where water worship rites took place. Accounts from the past state that the place was the Fountain of Youth. CHINCANA. Passages and semi-subterranean tunnels of an Inca palace give the impression of forming a labyrinth in the northern part of the island. The FOOTPRINTS OF THE SUN. Legend recounts that after a great deluge the Sun was under the earth. When it arose towards the heavens, it left the mark of its footsteps. In reality, the footprints of the heavenly body are geological formations found on the surface of the island. The SACRED ROCK. A legend says that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo took refuge in this rock, on which appear two human figures. .
	Island of the Moon. Koatí, known more commonly as the Island of the Moon, is 7 kilometers from the Island of the Sun. On its northern part are ht ruins of Iñac Uyu, a temple for the worship of the Moon. It is also known as “Ajllawasi” or House of the Virgins of the Son.

Time: 7:30 am, pick-up at the hotels. Tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana. Arrival approximately 12:00 pm, lunch.
The Visit:

After lunch, at 13:30Hrs. we begin our tour to the Island of the Sun (shared boat).
We visit the archeological site of PILCOCAINA, where is found the Temple of the Sun. Afterwards, if desired, we walk to the Fountain of Youth, where we enjoy the beauty of this lovely Inca garden. At 4:15 pm return to the town of Copacabana, arriving there at 18:00Hrs.To take the Copacabana-La Paz bus (local bus)

Included:

- Bus from La Paz to Copacabana (Tourist bus)
- Bus from Copacabana to La Paz (Local bus)
- Bilingual guide
- Tour of the Island of the Sun (Shared boat, entry)
- Lunch.

Tour: La Paz – Copacabana (Island of the Sun)
2 days, 1 night.

Day 01. LA PAZ - COPACABANA - SUN ISLAND

Time: 7:30 am. Tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana, arrival and lunch.

Visit:

After lunch at 1:30 pm we begin our tour to the Island of the Sun (shared boat).
We visit the archeological site of "Pilkokaina - Palce of the Inka", after which we walk from Pilcocaina to the Fountain of Youth where we enjoy the beauty of this lovely Inca garden. At 4:15 pm return to the town of Copacabana and accommodation in the hotel.
Accommodation, 2 options:

- Hostel on the Island of the Sun.
- Hotel in Copacabana.

Day 02. COPACABANA - LA PAZ/PUNO

Time: 8:30 am. Breakfast and then we begin the City Tour, on which we visit the Basilica of Copacabana and then the Calvary.
12:00 pm. We have our lunch
13:30 Hrs Take the bus to Puno or returning to the city of La Paz .

Included:

- Tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana and return to La Paz, or the option to Puno.
- Tour to the Island of the Sun. (Shared boat, entry)
- Guide.
- City tour in Copacabana. (Basilica of Copacabana, Calvary, typical market)
- 2 lunches.
- 1 night of accommodation on the Island of the Sun or in Copacabana.

Tour: La Paz – Copacabana (Island of the Sun – of the Moon)
3 days / 2 nights.

Day 01. LA PAZ - COPACABANA.

Time: 7:30 am. Tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana, arrival and lunch.
Visit: Afternoon, City Tour, on which we visit the Basilica of Copacabana and afterwards the Calvary and local market.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Copacabana .

Day 02. TOUR TO THE ISLAND OF THE SUN. (Whole Day)
Time: 8:00 am. After breakfast we make our way to the pier and take the boat for the Islands. First we visit the southern part of Island of the Sun, Pilcocaina, then the Ceremonial Fountain or the Fountain of Youth. After this we continue in the same boat towards the northern part of the island to visit the “Chincana - Sacred Rock”. There we have lunch at a family home. In the afternoon we returt to Coacabana.
Hotel in Copacabana.

Day 03.
Free in the Morning.

12:00 pm. We have our lunch
13:30 Hrs Take the bus to Puno or returning to the city of La Paz..

Included:

- Tourist bus from La Paz to Copacabana. Return to La Paz or go on to Puno (shared bus).
- Tour of the Island of the Sun. (Shared boat and entries)
- Guide
- City tours in Copacabana
- 3 lunches
- 2 nights in hotel in Copacabana.