Lake Titicaca, Islands of the Sun and Moon in Bolivia
Idea About: place
Country: Bolivia, Peru
The Inca ruins of Pilko Kaina, on Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. The island of Chelleca is in the background
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Idea DescriptionGeneral Information
Countries:
Bolivia (1) | Peru (5)
Description
The Islands of the Sun and the Moon are located in Bolivia in the southern part of Lake Titicaca at the altitude of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). Among 41 islands on the Titicaca 3,200 square-mile surface these two islands are the most sacred for Aymara people, native people of Bolivia. What Makes It Special
The Aymara ancient culture and beliefs. The Aymara are a native ethnic group who lives in Andes and Altiplano regions of South America for over 2,000 years. Most present day Aymara-speakers live in the Lake Titicaca basin and on the Islands of the Sun and The Moon and believe that their God was born on that island. There are more than one hundred and fifty ancient settlements on the island. When the Inca rule the region (around A.D. 1470 - 1532) The Sun and The Moon islands were the place of pilgrimages from all over the empire. But according to the recent archaeological evidence the sacred nature of these islands extends back into centuries to the Tiwanaku Empire (A.D. 600 - 1100). Useful Visitor Information and Tips
Allocate a day for a journey with staying for a night at one of the hotels. You may camp on the islands but not anywhere since most land is privately owned. With the permission of the owner for a small fee you'll be allowed to camp. Best time to go is July during the yatiris (priests of Aymara people who live on the island) are celebrating new year arrival. The most inexpensive way to get to the Islands of the Sun and the Moon is to contract a boat from Copacabana. Take warm clothes, sunblock and a hat, you'll be at 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) altitude. Places to visit: on The Island of The Sun - Chinkana (labyrinth), Fountain of Youth; on The Island of The Moon - Inak Uyu (the Court of Women). Additional InformationTags: Aymara; Aymara people; Bolivia; Chinkana; Copacabana; Court of Women; Fountain of Youth; Inak Uyu; Islands of the Sun and Moon; South America (2); Titicaca
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