I think we like to pretend that we are hikers.
Seriously. It is like I want to be that person who hikes the world and sees these amazing landscapes. And somehow I end up dragging Shaun to go with me.
Do we ever regret it? Well, maybe one time, if you count Volcan Santa Maria, but overall they have been really positive experiences, even if my legs are on fire and my knees get all wobbly. You should have seen our grimaces after our experience at Machu Picchu.
One of the first places to explore when coming into Bolivia is the Copacabana/ Isla del Sol area. While Copacabana really doesn’t have much to do there, it is considered the jumping off point for your hike in Isla del Sol. I wasn’t really sure what we were getting into. I just know that everyone says you have to do the hike.
Two hours later on our morning ferry (you should have seen how green Shaun’s face was getting) we arrived on the North shore of Isla del Sol – the Incan’s birthplace of the Sun. The hike is supposed to be a “moderately difficult” hike (according to Lonely Planet) from the North to the South.
I don’t know who rates these hikes but if this is a moderately difficult hike, I’m wondering what they consider half of what we’ve already been through.
Maybe I’m just used to altitude hiking now?
This hike was one of those moments that I was shining. Seriously, you could have seen my smile from freaking space.
I was here. In South America. I was living my dream. I’m freaking surrounded by the amazing Lake Titicaca (okay friends, go ahead, make your Beavis and Butthead joke). These views from the top of the island were things that dreams are made of and pictures I thought I would only see in my old issues of National Geographic.
Have I ever mentioned what a stunning world we live in? People should leave their houses. They are really missing out.
So we made the hike in an impressive 2 hours but unfortunately I cannot say without casualties.
Remember to put on sunscreen the moment you get off the ferry. While it is freaking COLD outside, the sun at that altitude is brutal. Shaun and I noticed our very red skin within 45 minutes of the hike.
Bring a hat. I guess I never mentioned to you guys that I suffered a pretty bad bout of sun stroke. You never notice it because it quite chilly up there. We arrived in La Paz and I had severely dilated eyes and was feeling like hell.
Bring more water than you think you will need. We ran out a bit early and I felt like I was about to see a mirage of an oasis.
Also, remember to bring a bit of money with you. I think they have started to get a hint from their neighbors in Peru and nickel and dime the hell out of you with every opportunity they get.
- 20 Bolivianos (Bs) for the ferry to Isla del Sol (one way).
- 10 Bs for the entrance fee to the North ruins.
- 15 Bs randomly as you are walking on the trail to continue past the half way point and see the southern ruins. Please note, I’m a haggler and I speak Spanish so I convinced them that we weren’t seeing the ruins. They won’t tell you but there is a fee of only 5 Bs if you only plan on walking the trail. There is a Jets vs. Sharks mentality in money collection in the North vs. South Isla del Sol trade.
- 10 Bs to enter the southernmost city. If you want to rest, eat, sh*t, or find a hotel, you have to pay to enter.
- 20 Bs for the ferry back to Copacabana.
Also, keep in mind that since you are stuck on an island and want to sleep before returning to Copacabana (or you missed the last ferry), the hotels are jacked up 100% than mainland.
At least now I know why the Incans thought it was where the sun was born. The island is stunning. The hike is completely worth every penny you give the island.
Totaly agree that “People should leave their houses. They are really missing out.” great post! We’ll be definately seeing the Isla del solwhen we get to Peru in November!
Thanks for writing about them funky fees, we had no idea!
buen viaje!
Oh my gosh, I love how the little llama looks more excited to be getting its photo taken then the two little kids. Seriously, it looks like it’s smiling!
Great photos — stunning. This reminds me of a similar hike we did on Lake Titicaca’s Isla Taquile in November. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking.
We got nickel and dimed, too, but we really didn’t mind because we figure we’re helping the residents of the island continue living their way of life on the island and if it wasn’t for tourism, I’m not sure how long that lifestyle would remain sustainable. We found that to be the case at the Uros Islands, as well. Didn’t seem like there was much financial incentive for the younger folks to stick around.
Glad you’re living your dream! Keep up the great hiking!
Amazing timing on this post… we are going to be there in 5 days! Cannot wait to check out the hike and am extra inspired after seeing all of the great pics. I’m finally getting adjusted to the altitude after a week in Bolivia and am hoping that the moderately difficult hike will be easily handled.
Seriously- beautiful!! I like how you say you wish you were hikers- you are! Great post!
I really want to go to Lake Titicaca but haven’t actually looked into what one does there beyond seeing the floating islands – I had no idea there was hiking! This is only fueling my desire to go.
It looks so beautiful!!
Looks like such a pure, clean place. My dream is to live in such a place and leave the urban jungle
You guys look awesomely happy in that shot 🙂 Looks like a great hike and wise advice for anyone setting out on something similar.
@MUGS: Hey stranger! You better get your ass there! MUST DO for sure!
@Ellen: When I hugged it, it burped the nastiest burp I’ve ever smelled in my life.
But you are right, it is worth it and it is nice to help out the community. I’m just not sure an island should depend so heavily on tourism. There are so many variables to have people come (like recessions and such).
@Tony: Glad I could help out! How did it go? Was it amazing for you guys as well?!?!
@Jade: We are hikers… of sorts. We don’t like hiking anything with an incline!
@Emily: I didn’t know what there was to do either so you can imagine my surprise when we were told about this.
@Zinedine: I didn’t mind for a day or two but apparently I’m hooked to social media and the internet lol.
Adding to my bucket list in April 🙂 Thanks or sharing the tip about trying to convince them bout just doing the trail instead of entering the ruins 🙂 Will use it too haha