Fuente del Inca

Isla del Sol


Early Spaniards believed Yumani’s spring was a fountain of youth and for the Incas the three streams represented their national motto: Ama sua, Ama llulla, Ama khella (Don’t steal, don’t lie and don’t be lazy). Up until 2015, the fountain was a crucial source of water for locals, who came daily to fetch and carry it up the steep trail. Now, most residents have running water.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla del Sol attractions

1. Escalera del Inca

0.03 MILES

Just uphill from the ferry dock at Yumani, along the beautifully reconstructed Escalera del Inca (Inca stairway), you’ll pass plenty of terraced gardens,…

2. Yumani

0.3 MILES

Yumani is the main village at the south end of the island. Most boats drop you at the village’s dock, about 200m downhill from the town proper. The small…

3. Pilko Kaina

0.71 MILES

This prominent ruins complex near the southern tip of the island is about 30 minutes (2km) south by foot from Yumani. It sits well camouflaged against a…

4. Mirador Palla Khasa

0.73 MILES

Follow the well-signposted path from Yumani's ridgeline up to this small stone lookout atop Cerro Palla Khasa (4065m) for sweeping sunset views over the…

5. Ruins

0.75 MILES

Of the more than 80 Inca ruins on the island, most date to the 15th century AD. You could spend a week looking at them all.

6. Lighthouse

1.65 MILES

This lighthouse on the tip of Kakayo-Queña Ridge is technically in an area tourists are allowed to visit, though access by land has been cut off by the…

7. Cha’lla

1.79 MILES

This agreeable little village stretches along a magnificent sandy beach that could be straight out of a holiday brochure for the Greek islands. The…

8. Yampupata

2.09 MILES

This is a collection of lakefront adobe houses. If you ask around, you’ll find rooms for rent for about B$30. Asociación Transport Yampu Tour Lacustre…