Full Day Tour to Sun Island in Copacabana From Puno

Exploring the enchanting Sun Island in Copacabana from Puno is a must-do experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. This full-day tour offers a seamless opportunity to discover the sacred archaeological site of Pilkokayna, dedicated to the Sun God Inti, and the picturesque village of Yumani, renowned for its captivating ‘fountain of youth’ and stunning terraced gardens. With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious lunch included, this tour promises to captivate and inspire.

Contents show

About Your Stay

Comprehensive full-day tour from Puno, Peru to explore Sun Island, including transportation, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.
Visit the archaeological site of Pilkokayna, a worship place for the Sun God Inti, to learn about Inca astronomy and reverence for the sun.
Discover the village of Yumani, known for its ‘fountain of youth’ in Inca mythology, and explore its pre-Columbian architecture and hydraulic engineering.
Tour operates from February 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, with a minimum of 2 people required and a valid passport needed.
Tour not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour to Sun Island from Puno, Peru, allows visitors to explore the archaeological site of Pilkokayna, where the Incas worshipped the Sun God Inti.

Travelers will then visit Yumani, home to the ‘fountain of youth’ in Inca mythology, and see the pre-Columbian terraces and gardens.

Visitors explore the ‘fountain of youth’ and pre-Columbian terraces and gardens in the town of Yumani on Sun Island.

The tour includes all transportation, entrance fees, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and lunch.

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Puno hotels and shared motorboat transportation are provided.

Gratuities and drinks aren’t included.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Puno

Included in the Tour

This full-day tour includes all the necessary elements for a seamless experience. Transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable tour guide are all provided.

Travelers will be picked up from their downtown Puno hotel and transported via shared motorboat to explore the archaeological site and quaint village. A delicious lunch is also included during the day’s activities.

While gratuities and drinks aren’t covered, the tour package offers great value by bundling the key components. Guests simply need to bring their valid passport and be ready for an insightful journey to Sun Island.

Meeting and Pickup Information

A designated hotel in downtown Puno serves as the pickup location for this full-day tour to Sun Island.

The tour operates from February 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a minimum of 2 people is required.

Travelers must have a valid passport on the travel day. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Traveler Restrictions and Recommendations

Although the tour is suitable for most travelers, it isn’t recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Pregnant individuals and those with serious medical issues or back problems should avoid this tour.

Travelers must have a valid passport on the day of travel. While most people can participate, it’s important to check visa requirements before booking.

Visitors are also advised to obtain a bus ticket from Puno to Copacabana and provide proof of a yellow fever vaccine if traveling to countries in group III.

Exploring Pilkokayna

As visitors embark on the full-day tour to Sun Island, a primary highlight is the exploration of the archaeological site Pilkokayna. This ancient Inca site holds immense cultural significance, as it was a place of worship for the Sun God Inti. Visitors can wander through the ruins, taking in the impressive architecture and imagining the rituals that once took place here. The site features several key structures, as outlined in the table below:

| Structure | Description | Significance |

| — | — | — |

| Main Temple | Dedicated to the Sun God | Held important ceremonies |

| Astronomical Observatory | Aligned with solar events | Tracked celestial movements |

| Ceremonial Plazas | Gathering spaces | Hosted large-scale festivals |

The Pilkokayna site offers a glimpse into the Inca’s deep reverence for the sun and their sophisticated understanding of astronomy.

There's plenty more to explore in Puno

Discovering Yumani

After exploring the sacred Pilkokayna site, visitors venture to the village of Yumani, considered the ‘fountain of youth’ in Inca mythology.

Here, they’ll discover terraced gardens and homes that follow the pre-Columbian architectural style. The tour includes a visit to the remarkable hydraulic engineering system that supplied water to the community.

Terraced gardens and homes in the pre-Columbian architectural style, with a tour of the remarkable hydraulic engineering system.

Travelers can also wander through the picturesque gardens and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region.

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Yumani offers an immersive glimpse into the Inca’s reverence for the sun and the land.

Transportation and Guide

The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off from downtown Puno hotels, as well as shared motorboat transportation to Sun Island.

Knowledgeable guides, fluent in both English and Spanish, lead the exploration of the island’s archaeological wonders. They provide insightful commentary on the Inca mythology and history associated with the sites.

Key inclusions are:

All transportation and entrance fees.
Shared motorboat to Sun Island.
Professional, multi-lingual tour guide.

The tour is designed to be accessible and informative, ensuring visitors make the most of their day on this iconic Andean island.

Feedback and Recommendations

Reviews for the full-day tour to Sun Island are mixed, with some travelers finding the experience disappointing.

Several participants have expressed concerns about the overall organization and quality of the tour. There are reports of issues with the bus transportation, limited guide availability, and questionable value for money.

However, some travelers recommend organizing the trip independently to better control the experience and potentially save costs.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour requires a minimum of 2 people, so solo travelers can join a shared group.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

There is no option to upgrade to a private tour. The tour is only available as a shared group experience, with a minimum of 2 people required to operate. Private tours are not offered for this Sun Island excursion from Puno.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour. There are no refunds for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary, but it’s best to check with them directly. Additional activities or changes may incur extra fees. It’s advisable to discuss any desired modifications when booking the tour.

How Reliable Is the Motorboat Transportation During the Tour?

The motorboat transportation during the tour is generally reliable, though some past travellers have reported minor issues. It’s a shared boat, so on-time departures can’t be guaranteed. The motorboat service seems adequate for the tour’s needs.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Full Day Tour to Sun Island in Copacabana from Puno offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of this Inca paradise. With seamless transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious lunch, travelers can explore the sacred archaeological site of Pilkokayna, the picturesque village of Yumani, and its stunning terraced gardens, creating an unforgettable experience.