Day 1 begins with ground transportation to the town on Copacabana, a small town right next to the lake. (Copacabana is in Bolivia, so people on the tour need to have their passports and Bolivian visas.) While you’re here you’ll visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaría, which is a lovely colonial basilica. From there you’ll board the Catamaran Cruise Ship and set sail for Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca sun god, Inti. On the way you’ll get to have a buffet lunch on board the ship.
After you arrive at Sun Island, the first stop is at Challapampa Village. This is one of the most authentic Titicaca villages. You’ll take a tour that includes stops at the local museum, chapel, school, and a typical house.
From Sun Island you’ll take a traditional sailing vessel to visit an Inca holy temple. You’ll get to observe an Andean religious ritual, and walk along trails blazed by the Inca. Day 1 concludes with a romantic candlelight dinner on board the catamaran. Guests will stay overnight in private cabins.
On Day 2 you’ll start your day with breakfast on board the Catamaran. Then you’ll disembark for another day of exploring the Island of the Sun.
First you’ll visit the Pilkokaina Inca Palace, where you’ll have incredible views of the lake. During the course of the day you’ll also get to see agricultural terraces that the Inca built, as well as Inca gardens and fountains. At some point the group will stop at the Ekako Underground Musueum, a small underground museum where you can see Inca artifacts.
The tour continues to the island’s Wata Cultural Complex, where locals will introduce you to some of the art forms that were passed down through the generations. This includes a demonstration about traditional medicines. You’ll also get to visit with Titicaca shipbuilders and learn how they make boats from the island’s abundant reeds. Your visit to the Wata Complex comes with a ride on one of these traditional vessels.
After exploring the island you’ll return to the ship for lunch on the Catamaran. Then you’ll head back to Copacabana, and from there you’ll return to Puno via ground transportation.
