Isla del Sol
Copyright: Jim Ciotti, 2001
September 25, 2001
Click on Images for Enlargement
Cusco may have been the capitol of the Inca Empire but the Isla del Sol, a large island in Lake Titicaca, has a much more important role in Quechua and Aymara lore. It is the birthplace of the sun itself and the place where the sun subsequently brought the first Inca, gods in their own right, into being - it is the site of creation.
Something of the old Inca gods must remain protecting the place. Even though it has become a well-known tourist destination, it is a delightfully tranquil place without tasteless high rises, neon, autos, or roads (however, even the gods can't keep out Coca Cola.) There are about 5,000 people living permanently on the island. Although some have become involved in the tourist trade, a surprising number still make a living through traditional agricultural. Its three villages and scattered landholdings are connected by footpaths and the boats that bounce from cove to cove along its shore. There are some restaurants, hotels, and lodging places on the island, but most of the tourists who come here, come only for the day or to hike and camp. Thus, the tourist establishments are inconspicuous and few in number.
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Car ferries and other boats at the Straits of Taquina, It is necessary to cross the straits to get to the Isla del Sol. |
The harbor at Copacabana at sundown. Ferries to the Isla del Sol leave from here. |
Lake Trout are now farmed on Lake Titicaca. This farm is on the Isla del Sol. |
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It's difficult to realize that you are in the Andes at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The north end of the island is reminiscent of the Aegean. |
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Anne with Debbie and Miriam, friends from Miami, walking along the shore of Lake Titicaca at the island's north end. |
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| The Chincana ruins at its north end is the largest Inca site on the island. | |
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The principal trail runs north and south along the high ridge that forms the backbone of the island. The landscape is rolling hills with a vegetation like the Altiplano - except there is water all around. |
The terraces seen in the background are from Inca times. |
Anne and some children we met on the trail. |
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Near the south end of the Isla del Sol is a spring that runs down the hillside beside a long stairway. Both are said to be Incan. |
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Two place-mat sellers - Budding entrepreneurs waiting to pounce at La Fuente (the spring.) |
The small port at La Fuente. |
Ciao,
Jim (and Anne)
