Santiago de Okola

Lake Titicaca


For a genuine cultural experience, don’t miss an overnight stay at Santiago de Okola on the road to Apolobamba. With the support of external funding bodies, Okola has formed a community-based agro-tourism company to conserve its rich agricultural heritage and generate income for members. Visitors stay with families and participate in daily life.

Great beaches, walks and hikes abound, including a short climb to the crest of a magnificent rocky outcrop known as the Sleeping Dragon. Other activities included in the multi-day programs are weaving classes, a chance to learn about local medicinal plants and Andean cooking classes.

The cost of a bilingual guide from La Paz is B$300.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Titicaca attractions

1. Templo de las Vírgenes

13.21 MILES

The ruins of an Inca nunnery and temple dedicated to the Virgins of the Sun ­– also known as Ajlla Wasi or Iñak Uyu – occupy an amphitheater-like valley…

2. Cha’lla

15.52 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…

3. Mirador Palla Khasa

15.61 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…

4. Cha'llapampa Museum

15.63 MILES

The small Cha'llapampa Museum contains artifacts excavated in 1992 from Marka Pampa, referred to by locals as La Ciudad Submergida (Sunken City). Among…

5. Cha’llapampa

15.66 MILES

Most tours visiting the northern ruins land at Cha’llapampa, a small village straddling a slender isthmus.

6. Piedra Sagrada

15.73 MILES

From Cha’llapampa Village, the Chincana route runs parallel to the beach, climbing gently along an ancient route to the isthmus at Santiago Pampa (also…

7. Fuente del Inca

15.79 MILES

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…

8. Escalera del Inca

15.8 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,…