Marka Pampa

Isla del Sol


At low tide an innocuous-looking column of rock peeps just a few centimeters above Lake Titicaca’s surface, north of Isla del Sol. Most locals dismiss it as a natural stone column, similar to many others along the shoreline. In 1992 stone boxes containing artifacts (including several made of pure gold) were discovered at the underwater site known as Marka Pampa. In 2000 and 2004 further excavations near the site revealed a massive stone temple, winding pathways and a surrounding wall, all about 8m underwater. Although it remains unclear who was responsible for the structures, it has been postulated that they could be as much as 6000 years old. Some even say they are the lost traces of Atlantis. Investigations – and conspiracy theories – are ongoing.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla del Sol attractions

1. Chincana Ruins

1.9 MILES

Isla del Sol's most spectacular ruins lie near the island’s northern tip. Its main feature is the Palacio del Inca, a maze of stone walls and tiny…

2. Mesa Ceremónica

1.99 MILES

About 150m southeast of the Chincana ruins is the Mesa Ceremónica. It’s thought to have been the site of human and animal sacrifices and makes for a…

3. Piedra Sagrada

2.4 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…

4. Templo del Inca

2.46 MILES

Over the track, and in a field just southwest, from the Piedra Sagrada, are the ancient walls of the complex known as the Templo del Inca. Although little…

5. Cha'llapampa Museum

2.95 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…

6. Cha’llapampa

3 MILES

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

7. Ruins

4.3 MILES

Some obsidian remnants among the ruins indicate contact with people as far away as Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru.

8. Cha’lla

5.03 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…

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