Escalera del Inca

Isla del Sol


Just uphill from the ferry dock at Yumani, along the beautifully reconstructed Escalera del Inca (Inca stairway), you’ll pass plenty of terraced gardens, small shops and hotels. It’s a lung-buster that gains almost 200m in elevation over less than 1km, so take your time – or hire donkeys (B$30) to carry your pack.

Pay your admission fee at the dock for access to the stairway and village.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla del Sol attractions

1. Fuente del Inca

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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…

2. Yumani

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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

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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

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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

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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

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7. Cha’lla

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8. Yampupata

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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…