Urban tour, visit to archaeological sites, local gastronomy
About
➔ Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is one of the great symbols of the Andean world, a cradle of legends and millenary cultures. In its Smaller Lake lies Pariti Island, known for its valuable pre‑Hispanic ceramics. In the Larger Lake are the mystical Island of the Sun, linked to the origin of the Inca Empire, and the serene Island of the Moon, associated with ancient rituals. Copacabana is the main visitor centre, with living traditions and deep Andean spirituality.
➔ Tiwanaku
Tiwanaku, located on the Bolivian Altiplano on the shores of Lake Titicaca, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious pre‑Columbian archaeological sites in South America. Founded around 500 AD, this ancient ceremonial centre was the heart of an advanced civilization that left impressive stone structures such as the Kalasasaya Temple, the Gate of the Sun, and the iconic Ponce Monoliths.
The Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex formed the civic‑ceremonial core of this metropolis and is the most important archaeological site in Bolivia. At its peak it covered roughly 600 hectares. Today it is divided into two sectors. The first groups the civic‑ceremonial centre around the Pumapunku pyramid, located about 1 km southwest of the complex. The central site occupies about 16 hectares, equivalent to 2 % of Tiwanaku’s total area. The architecture of its pre‑Inca temples corresponds to the classic and most splendid period of the Tiwanaku culture, spanning the III‑VIII centuries. In 2000 UNESCO declared the complex a World Heritage Site because of its great Andean cultural wealth.
Itinerary
Day 1
La Paz ➔ Pariti Island ➔ Copacabana
- At 08:00, we depart by private transport from La Paz to visit Pariti Island, which is located in the Small Lake of Titicaca.
- After a boat ride, we will arrive at Pariti Island to visit its local museum, where one of the most famous and beautiful Tiwanacota sculptures is displayed: The Lord of the Ducks.
- We will return by boat to the town of Huatajata, where we will enjoy a delicious plate of fresh trout.
- We will continue our journey to Copacabana to spend the night in the town.
Day 2
Copacabana ➔ Island of the Moon ➔ Island of the Sun
- We will start the day at 08:00 with a trip across Lake Titicaca. Along the way you will learn about Inca archaeological sites and the influence of Tiwanaku on this empire.
- We will make our first stop to explore Isla del Sol.
- Afterwards, our next stop will be Isla de la Luna.
- Overnight stay on Isla del Sol.
Day 3
Island of the Sun ➔ Copacabana ➔ Tiwanaku ➔ La Paz
- In the morning, we will return by boat to Copacabana.
- Then, we will head to the town of Tiwanaku, where the country’s most important archaeological complex is located. To begin our encounter with this impressive culture, we will visit the local museum for an introduction to the Tiwanakota heritage.
- Afterwards, we start our 3,500‑year journey back in time, visiting the archaeological site whose main attraction is the Gate of the Sun, one of the continent’s most important archaeological pieces—a door carved from a single rock slab.
- In addition, we will explore several ruins of great architectural and iconographic richness from this enigmatic pre‑Inca culture: the Kalasasaya Temple, believed to be a ritual platform built with massive red sandstone blocks; the semi‑underground temple; and the Akapana Pyramid, which together make this place one of Bolivia’s top attractions.
- Before ending the day, we will return to the city of La Paz.
Important notes
Availability:
✅ Tours are available every day of the week.
Requirements:
🪪 When crossing from the Tiquina Strait to Copacabana, you may be asked to present identification, such as your passport.
Important data:
⛰️ Isla del Sol is located at an approximate altitude of 3,810 meters above sea level (masl).
Health information:
⚠️ Make sure you are in good health and have sufficient stamina to participate without difficulty.
💡 Our recommendation:
Optional Visits
We recommend taking at least 2 days to fully enjoy your visit to one of the most beautiful and mystical natural landscapes. You can book your accommodation in Copacabana or on Isla del Sol; both offer a variety of hotels, hostels, and lodging options.
In Tiwanaku
➔ Visit to Guaqui: In the mid‑19th century, the port of Guaqui became Bolivia’s most important port and also had a railway connection to the Bolivian Altiplano and various cities in Peru.
➔ Visit to Taraco: The town of Taraco is considered the birthplace of the “Morenada,” because according to local stories and some preserved documents, this famous national folk dance originated in this region.
➔ Land Connection to Puno (Peru): Transfer from Tiwanaku to Desaguadero (40 minutes), where the Bolivia‑Peru border is located. Our guide will assist you with the migration formalities and then arrange Peruvian transport onward to the city of Puno (Peru); the journey to Puno takes about 3 hours.
Optional Activities
➔ Ancestral ceremony: An offering rite to “Pachamama” or Mother Earth, led by a Yatiri (Aymara wise person).
➔ Guaqui Festival: Every year for three days (July 23–25), the town of Guaqui receives thousands of visitors and believers who pay tribute to the miracle “Tata Santiago,” named by devotees arriving from various parts of the country and abroad. They express their religious joy with celebrations, music, and dancing.
Includes
Not Included
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Tiwanaku and La Paz City
3 days
