This area was highly valued by the Incan civilization long before the Spanish discovered its allure. The Isla Del Sol, which is an island near Copacabana in Lake Titicaca, was a very important holy site for the Incan people. They believed that the god Viracocha, who created the universe, came from the waters of Lake Titicaca and created the sun at this island.
When the Spanish came to the area in the 16th century, they built the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a Moorish styled church with holds the statue of La Virgen de la Candelaria, which is said to have healing powers.