Isla del Sol

Kuoda can also arrange for you to tour the charming and scenic Isla del Sol, located about 40 minutes by motorboat from Copacabana. This island is said to be the legendary birthplace of Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler, and it’s where it all started for the Incas. Exploring its 80 plus ruins is a history lesson like no other. Not only will you see the labyrinth of Inca stone walls and doorways at Chincana (where you can duck inside to see a sacred water fountain), but you’ll also find some vestiges that date back to the pre-Inca Tiahuanaco period.

One of the more interesting historical discoveries on the island was a relatively recent unearthing of obsidian rock artifacts. These were proven to not have come from the island, but to have originated from elsewhere in Peru – experts speculate they could have come from as far away as the Arequipa district. This would imply that from as early as 2200 B.C., trade and travel was taken place in parts of what is now Peru.

Most tourists devote their time to the south side of the island, but the north has its own quiet charms and is welcomingly free from crowds. The island is, of course, still populated too with around 800 families currently living across several villages, including Yumani on the south side and Ch’allapampa on the north. Stay overnight here during your Bolivia family trip and you’ll get to experience the island after the day trippers have left, as well as witness the spectacular yet evanescent beauty of its glorious sunsets and sunrises.