From Puno: Excursion to Copacabana and Sun Island

The excursion from Puno to Copacabana and Sun Island is a popular day trip for those seeking to explore the wonders of Lake Titicaca. Travelers can expect a scenic bus ride across the Peru-Bolivia border, a walking tour of Copacabana’s famous Basilica, and a boat trip to the sacred Isla del Sol. While the experience promises breathtaking vistas and insights into Inca history, customer feedback suggests some areas for improvement. With a few caveats to consider, this excursion may still be a worthwhile addition to one’s Andean adventure.

Key Points

• The excursion from Puno to Copacabana and Sun Island is a full-day adventure lasting 13.5 hours, with a starting price of CLP2,139 per person.
• The itinerary includes a walking tour of Copacabana, a meal stop, and a boat ride to Isla del Sol for a guided tour of Inca sanctuaries and the fountain of eternal youth.
• The tour includes transportation via bus and boat, with a Spanish-speaking guide accompanying the group throughout the excursion, and a meal provided.
• While the overall experience is reported to be low, with issues such as a cold bus without heating and lack of tour guide during transit, the border crossing process is facilitated by the tour guide.
• Travelers may consider the option of purchasing just the bus ticket to Copacabana for independent exploration, as it may be more cost-effective and flexible compared to the reported issues with the tour package.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Excursion Overview

This excursion from Puno to Copacabana and Sun Island offers a full-day adventure, priced from CLP2,139 per person and lasting 13.5 hours.

Travelers are picked up from an established location in Puno at 6:50 am and take a bus to Copacabana, crossing the Peru-Bolivia border and arriving around 11:00 am.

The itinerary includes a walking tour of Copacabana, a visit to the Basilica of the Virgin of Candelaria, and a meal stop with a choice of chicken or trout.

Participants then take a boat ride to Isla del Sol for a guided tour of approximately two hours, highlighting the views of Lake Titicaca and ancient Inca sanctuaries.

Transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and access fees are all included in the price.

Itinerary Details

The excursion begins with pickup from an established location in Puno at 6:50 am, setting out on a bus that travels to Copacabana, crossing the Peru-Bolivia border and arriving around 11:00 am.

Once in Copacabana, the itinerary includes:

1. A walking tour of the charming town, exploring its highlights like the Basilica of the Virgin of Candelaria.

2. A meal stop where you can savor a delicious chicken or trout dish.

3. A boat ride across the stunning Lake Titicaca to reach Isla del Sol.

4. A guided tour of Isla del Sol, showcasing ancient Inca sanctuaries and the legendary fountain of eternal youth.

Isla Del Sol Experience

Exploring the island’s ancient Inca sanctuaries and the legendary fountain of eternal youth takes up approximately two hours during the guided tour on Isla del Sol.

Visitors will be able to admire the breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca and learn about the island’s rich history and cultural significance.

The guide will provide insights into the various Inca ruins and sacred sites scattered across the island, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization.

Whether it’s the awe-inspiring landscapes or the engaging historical narratives, the excursion to Isla del Sol promises an immersive and enriching experience for all who embark on this journey.

Transportation and Inclusions

Transportation for the excursion is provided via bus and boat, with all transfers included in the tour price.

A Spanish-speaking guide will accompany participants throughout the journey.

The tour package also covers the access fee to Isla del Sol and provides a meal, typically featuring a chicken or trout dish.

The key inclusions in this excursion are:

1. Bus and boat transportation

2. Spanish-speaking guide

3. Access fee to Isla del Sol

4. Meal with a choice of chicken or trout

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers exploring the stunning Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca from Puno.

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Customer Feedback

While the transportation and inclusions covered in the tour seem comprehensive, customer feedback suggests some areas for improvement.

According to a single review, the experience received a low overall rating of 1 out of 5. Reported issues include a cold bus without heating, a lack of a tour guide during transit, non-functioning seat belts, a last-minute pickup time change, and a lack of breakfast options.

In light of these concerns, some travelers may consider purchasing a bus ticket directly for $6 instead of paying $100 for the tour, which appears to provide a more economical and potentially more reliable option.

Border Crossing

Crossing the Peru-Bolivia border marks an important transition point during the Copacabana and Sun Island excursion, with travelers encountering the required immigration procedures. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Passport control: Participants must present their valid passports to immigration officials on both the Peruvian and Bolivian sides of the border.

2. Border formalities: Travelers may need to complete entry/exit forms and pay any applicable border fees.

3. Transit time: Crossing the border can take up to an hour, depending on the volume of traffic.

4. Guide assistance: The tour guide will provide support and guidance throughout the border crossing process to ensure a smooth transition.

This border crossing is a necessary part of the journey, allowing travelers to explore the wonders of Copacabana and Sun Island.

Suggested Alternative

Instead of booking the full excursion package, travelers could consider purchasing just the bus ticket to Copacabana and exploring the town independently, which may be a more cost-effective option.

According to customer feedback, the tour package has some issues, including a cold bus without proper heating, a lack of a tour guide during transit, and non-functioning seat belts. Plus, the last-minute pickup time change and the absence of breakfast options were reported problems.

Recap

The Puno to Copacabana and Sun Island excursion offers a comprehensive day tour, but customer feedback suggests transportation and guide availability issues.

While the trip promises stunning views and Inca history, some travelers may prefer the flexibility and independence of arranging transport and activities themselves.

Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences and priorities for the overall experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: