Emerging from blue sapphire waters and surrounded by the Royal Range of the Andes, the "Sacred Lake of the Incas" has been always one of the most important life sources of the Andes, impelling the development of many ancestral cultures. A most fantastic experience is to meet authentic cultures living as they did thousand of years ago, close to Mother Nature, without challenging or hurting her; to walk in the solitude of the islands; to enjoy the hospitality of our natives and to learn from their traditional life. The Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is a promise to the future and a joy for everybody who explores its sacred waters and its hidden treasures.
On the most panoramic shore of Lake Titicaca is located the "Inca Utama Hotel & SPA", a different hotelier concept. In the hotels installations, visitors enjoy the visit to the "Andean Roots Eco-Village", introducing a factory of "Chicha", a local corn drink; the artisan's village where they make ceramics, masks, native sandals and the bowler Indian hats; the Urus-Chipayas mud igloos; native woman spinning and weaving; elegant llamas, alpacas and vicuñas; the "Puya Raymondis", which blooms every hundred and twenty years; the native children's park with traditional Andean games. The Limachi Brothers, builders of the RA II, Tigris & Abora II, The "Mystic World of the Kallawayas"; the "Alajpacha Native Observatory" and the "Altiplano Museum".
According to the Andes cultures mythology, the Sun God Viracocha sent his son and daughter to earth, Manco Kapac and Mama Ojllo, to found the Inca Empire. Feel the magic of the island, by tasting the water of the Sacred Fountain, which it is believed to grant eternal youth and happiness. To enjoy the serenity of the Island by night, as well as the pastoral panoramas, we have restored the old Colonial Hacienda into the "Posada del Inca Eco-Lodge", on the top of Sun Island. Also the UMA KOLLO Restaurant, offers a breathtaking view of the Lake and the Royal Range on the Andes. The Chinkana Ruins on Sun Island are a striking set of semi-subterranean labyrinth where it is very easy to get lost. It is believed that these buildings were used for teaching and initiation of priests guarding the sacred site. To walk by the Chinkana is a most fabulous experience, since it is the most impressive archaeological monument of the island.
On this mystical Island are the ruins of the Iñak Uyu, Sun Virgins' Temple. At this place, the most beautiful maiden of the Incas where chosen to become the wives of the Inca nobles. The Virgins of the Sun were responsible of maintaining an eternal fire in devotion to their Inca God, "Viracocha".
Enjoy the visit to the Cathedral and the "Dark Virgin" of Copacabana and to the local artisans market. Copacabana is a picturesque village on the Lake and the most important religious shrine in Bolivia.
The Urus Iruitos, a pre Aymara Nation, (5.000 BC), were submitted to the Aymaras and the Incas, at the present they are about to disappear. There are only 32 surviving families on the shores of Desaguadero River, connecting with Lake Titicaca. In order to improve their quality of life, as well as preserve their identity, three of these families moved to Quewaya to live on their "Floating Islands" as they did thousands of years ago. We have included them in our social projects, creating the "Quewaya Sustainable Tourism Project", what includes Green Houses which produce fresh vegetables for our hotels.
This stone village is the largest necropolis on Lake Titicaca, with mortuary towers of two and three floors. Experience an Aptapi, a shared native picnic with indigenous of the community.
Scientists have confirmed that the Aymara Empire, which governed the Andes for over a thousand years (850 BC-1050 AD), have chosen these islands for important and transcendental meetings. This is proven because of the high artistic quality of over 100 ceramics found on Pariti Island…..a history to discover.