Client looking out across the seascape in Copacabana, Bolivia

In Search of the Sun God

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Puno - Copacabana - Isla del Sol - La Paz (or vice versa)
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 148.- per person (excluding flights)

Hot sunny days, traditional communities, ancient ruins and incredible views; welcome to the birthplace of the Sun God. During this trip you’ll travel from Puno in Peru to the city of La Paz in Bolivia. Along the way you can enjoy the lively town of Copacabana and take a day trip to the alluring Isla del Sol.

Day 1 – Puno – Copacabana – Isla del Sol

Today you’ll take a taxi to the bus station, where you’ll board the bus to the Bolivian border. You’ll cross the border on foot then board the bus waiting to take you to Copacabana, on arrival you can make your way to your hotel overlooking the lake. You’ll have time to check in before you are collected and transferred to the small harbour where you’ll board the boat for a 2-hour crossing to Isla del Sol.

On a guided walk across the island, your guide will tell you all about the local way of life for the islanders and the significant role of Inca religion. The Incas that once lived on this island believe it was the birthplace of the sun, which is why most of the temples here were dedicated to the Sun God. Later that afternoon, it’s time to get back on the boat and sail to the mainland.

Day 2 – Copacabana – La Paz

Copacabana is often called the Lourdes of Bolivia. People come here from far and wide to have their possessions blessed. Today you can visit the Moorish cathedral with its eclectic mix of European and local religious art, or climb the path behind the church up to the viewpoint. You’ll pass about fourteen crosses and, once you reach the top, be rewarded with fantastic views across the village and the lake.

Later this afternoon it’s time to leave Copacabana and take the bus to La Paz. After about an hour you’ll come to a river with no bridge, so you’ll climb out the bus and change onto a separate ferry. It costs a couple of Bolivianos, but you’ll get to the other side a lot quicker than the bus. This means there’s time to buy a couple of snacks before climbing back onto the bus for the next 3 hour leg, along the lake to La Paz.