The mythical origin of the Inca dynasty, Island of the Sun is the largest and most intriguing of the many islands in 12,500' Lake Titicaca. We recommend a 2-night stay here to enjoy what the island has to offer.
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The mythical origin of the Inca dynasty, Island of the Sun is the largest and most intriguing of the many islands in 12,500' Lake Titicaca. We recommend a 2-night stay here to enjoy what the island has to offer.
We stay at the Posada del Inca, a 23-guest former hacienda, adjacent to an Aymara community. From the hotel you enjoy splendid views over the lake towards the 20,000-foot peaks of Bolivia's Royal Range.
Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.
Moderate
These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.
Active
These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.
Strenuous
While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Extreme
Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).
The program is available year-round
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The program is available year-round
Day One Arrive by boat to Island of the Sun We pick you up at your hotel in either La Paz or Puno, and transfer by bus to the port on Lake Titicaca. If you're arriving from Puno, we first clear immigration and customs at Yunguyo before continuing to Copacabana. If you're arriving from La Paz, we board a hydrofoil at Huatajata, and motor north through the Tiquina Strait to the Island.
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Day One Arrive by boat to Island of the Sun
We pick you up at your hotel in either La Paz or Puno, and transfer by bus to the port on Lake Titicaca. If you're arriving from Puno, we first clear immigration and customs at Yunguyo before continuing to Copacabana. If you're arriving from La Paz, we board a hydrofoil at Huatajata, and motor north through the Tiquina Strait to the Island.
22-bed Posada del Inca is a former hacienda occupying a bluff overlooking the lake. Guests hike from the small port up to the Posada, with luggage transported by llamas. You're next to an Aymara village, hence those wishing to explore will have cultural encounters as well as enjoying the unforgettable views.
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U.S. Passport holders must obtain a tourist visa prior to their entry into Bolivia. Contact your nearest Bolivian consulate for current details.
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U.S. Passport holders must obtain a tourist visa prior to their entry into Bolivia. Contact your nearest Bolivian consulate for current details.
