Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to Isla de la Luna. You can climb to the ridge for a view down to the deep sapphire-
colored
Bahía Kona
on the western shore (about a half-hour hike along a well-worn trail).
From the crest you'll also find routes leading downhill to the tiny pretty village of
Japapi
and north along the ridge to the Chincana ruins and Cha'llapampa.
With extra time you can make your way over the isthmus and up onto the prominent
Kakayo-Queña Ridge
, the island's southwestern extremity. The serene walk along the
ridge to the
lighthouse
at the southern tip takes at least half a day (return) from Yumani.
RUINS
Pilko Kaina
Offline map
(admission B$5)
This prominent ruins complex near the southern tip of the island, about
30 minutes (2km) south by foot from Yumani, sits well camouflaged against a steep ter-
raced slope. The best-known site is the two-level
Palacio del Inca
, thought to have been
constructed by the Incan Emperor Tupac-Yupanq. The rectangular windows and doors
taper upward from their sill and thresholds to narrower lintels that cover them on top. The
arched roof vault was once covered with flagstone shingle and then reinforced with a lay-
er of mud and straw.
Cha'lla
(admission B$5)
This agreeable little village stretches along a magnificent sandy beach
that could be straight out of a holiday brochure for the Greek islands. The village is spread
out - it extends over the hill to the south. There's a small kiosk and a guesthouse, Hostal
Qhumphuri (
Click here
)
. You have to pay an admission fee to pass along the trail into
town.
In the pastoral flatlands over the low pass between Cha'lla and Yumani is the
Museo
Étnico
(admission free with Cha'lla trail fee)
, with some dusty exhibits including Inca
pots. It's an hour's walk (4km) north of Yumani along the lower path (or on the western
route if coming from the north). It's worth it for the stunning bay and valley views; the
museum itself is disappointing and you will have to ask around to be let in.
VILLAGE
NORTHERN ISLA DEL SOL
Cha'llapampa
(museum admission B$10 - includes Chicana Ruins entrance)
Most boat tours visiting the
northern ruins land at Cha'llapampa, a small village straddling a slender isthmus. The
VILLAGE
