A Guide to Copacabana and Lake Titicaca in Bolivia
A backpacker’s guide on best things to do in Copacabana, Bolivia, a town situated on the bank of famous Lake Titicaca. Enjoy the sunset from Cerro Calvario, hike the countryside from Copacabana to Yampupata village, or visit Isla del Sol on a boat trip with our travel guide. This Copacabana travel guide includes tips on how to get, where to stay, and tips on visiting from Peru or La Paz.
Copacabana. This word probably evokes in your mind vivid images of the sun, ocean, sand, and people in a bikini. But there is also another Copacabana popular with tourists than the world's most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
This Copacabana we want to talk about lies high up in the Andes and could probably not be more different. Not only because the area is believed to be the birthplace of Incas - who later built Machu Picchu - but also because it's the birthplace of the sun itself.
Still, although it might seem unlikely, this little town Copacabana in Bolivia that sits on the borders with Peru has some similarities with its more popular Brazilian sister.
For starters, both places have no shortage of fun things to do and amazing scenery.
Copacabana in Bolivia doesn't suffer from lack of sun, it also has plenty of water around, and you won't have a problem finding here a beach to sit on (although it will be a pebble beach, not a sandy one).
The only thing you might struggle to see will be people in a bikini. Why not? Simply because it often gets freezing cold here.
Copacabana sits on the shore of a magnificent body of water, the biggest lake in South America, which is also the highest commercially navigable lake globally, Lake Titicaca.
We've already got used to the fact that everything in Bolivia lies in the high altitude, but Lake Titicaca, lying precisely 3810 meters above sea level, took our breath away anyway.
But this time, we were not left speechless only because of the altitude but also because of the otherworldly beauty of this blue and sparkling wonder.
In this travel guide, we want to share with you the best things to do in Copacabana, Bolivia. It is not that surprising that many activities are tightly connected with Lake Titicaca.
We've also put together practical information, tips on how to get, what to pack, or when to visit.
COPACABANA
Without Lake Titicaca, Copacabana wouldn't have much to offer to its visitors and most likely would have been skipped by people traveling to or from Peru as even now it is an unappealing town where we didn't feel somehow welcomed.
But being on the shore of one of the world's most beautiful lakes has its advantages.
And Copacabana quickly became an auto-include on every Bolivia itinerary and must-visit place on a well-trodden travelers' path through South America.
Apart from several epic viewpoints near the town, a pier from where you can take a boat to nearby islands, and leisurely strolls on the waterfront, there is not much to do in the town itself - still, these best things to do we just named will take at least two days of your time, so plan accordingly.
The tourist infrastructure includes stall with clothes, local market, an overpriced shopping mall (you can buy some food on the local market), restaurants (prices are higher closer to the waterfront), hotels, and banks.
The highest amount of money we were able to withdraw at once from the ATM was Bs 1400.
HOW TO GET TO COPACABANA
Copacabana is for many either the first or last stop in Bolivia, and thanks to this destination's popularity, it is pretty straightforward to get there.
There are basically only three alternatives: bus, tour, or private transport, and it does not matter whether you travel from other places in Bolivia or if you plan on crossing borders from or to Peru.
You will most likely arrive in Copacabana by bus from either La Paz in Bolivia or from Puno, Arequipa or Cusco in Peru.
Traveling by bus is for sure the most budget-friendly option, and it is also quite comfortable.
It is fairly easy to travel from La Paz to Copacabana, as Copacabana and Lake Titicaca is a popular day trip from Bolivia's largest city.
You can either book a ticket in one of many travel agencies in the city or go directly to the main bus terminal. Do not expect a great quality bus, but it is doable as the ride takes about 4 hours.
Buses leave from La Paz to Copacabana in the morning, between 7 AM and 8 AM, depending on the company, while the bus in the opposite direction leaves Copacabana at 1 PM daily.
The ticket between Copacabana and La Paz costs Bs 30, and you will have to pay another Bs 2 while you arrive at the Tiquina Strait because the road ends here and you must take a ten-minute ferry to the other side of the river.
In case you want to make sure you'll get to La Paz on time, it is possible to purchase the bus ticket online. The price is higher, but you'll avoid the hassle.
When arriving in Copacabana, Bolivia from Peru, you must take one of the international bus companies. We traveled from Cusco to Copacabana with Cruz del Sur, and the ride, including the border's crossing, was without a problem.
The ticket from Cusco to Copacabana cost S/85.
The most expensive option is to hire a driver, but you won't save that much time. In case you want to visit Copacabana and Lake Titicaca, but traveling by public transport is not your thing, we can recommend you check out tours.
We'll outline a few options below, but many travelers prefer traveling with tour companies focusing on backpackers, Peru Hop or Bolivia Hop.
WHERE TO STAY IN COPACABANA
Accommodation standards in Bolivia are a bit lower than in the rest of South America, but still, you should be able to find a room that suits your level of comfort and budget.
Copacabana is a small town, and almost every hotel is within walking distance from the center, which is an advantage. Hotels with views over Lake Titicaca are more expensive than those facing another side or located further from the shore.
Here are the three best hotels in Copacabana.
Budget | Hostal Puerto Alegre - One of the cheapest hostels in the town, but with decent wifi, clean rooms, and breakfast in the morning.
Mid-range | Hotel La Cupula - Are you looking for the best ratio of price and quality? You've just found it. This hotel offers spacious, light rooms with great views.
Luxury | Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca - If you came to enjoy splendid views of Lake Titicaca, you can't make a mistake with this hotel.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN COPACABANA
Copacabana is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. It is only up to you if you want to relax in the town and watch the glittering water surface from the shore if you decide on a boat tour or prefer hiking and watching the sunset from one of the viewpoints.
We don't know if it is even possible to get overwhelmed by the incredibly blue and vast Lake Titicaca, so all activities are fully recommended.
Of course, there are a few places to visit in Copacabana itself, so allow yourself to take your eyes off from Lake Titicaca for a while.
Here's our list of the best things to do in Copacabana, Bolivia.
LAKE TITICACA
In the whole of Bolivia, you probably won't find a more important natural site than Lake Titicaca.
In Andean belief, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the Sun, and one of many theories about the famous Inca Empire says that Inca's came from Bolivia and Lake Titicaca to be precise.
As the lake is also the biggest water surface in Bolivia, it has another significant meaning for this nation - it substitutes a sea Bolivia lost to Chile in the war in the 19th century.
The fact that Bolivia does not have access to the sea is actually a very sensitive topic, so do not bring it up unless you know exactly what you are talking about.
We even remember our captain on Galapagos Islands cruise making fun of this fact, as he simply could not comprehend why Bolivia even has a navy when they do not have a sea. But anyway.
Lake Titicaca is straddling between Peru and Bolivia, and it is a perfect opportunity for a country like Bolivia to have a tourist attraction of an international dimension within its borders.
The income from tourism can boost the economy in the otherwise impoverished country.
ISLA DEL SOL
Two hours boat ride from the mainland lies Isla del Sol, alias Island of the Sun, and for many, this is the top thing to do in Copacabana, although it technically is quite far from the town, however this trip starts there.
The island offers white beaches (although the water is freezing cold), crystal clear waters, several hiking trails, and last but not least, the laidback vibe of an island without motorized traffic, which we believe you will appreciate after having spent a couple of days in one of 'modern' South American cities.
Unfortunately, for the past year and a half, Isla del Sol struggles a bit because of a dispute between communities living in the North and the South.
Those communities are in a fight because of an income from tourism, and this misunderstanding has resulted in the closure of the northern part. Before your visit, do not forget to check what region you are allowed to visit, but as of 2021, the situation hasn't been solved yet.
Although it sucks and we cannot explore the whole island, the part we can see is mind-blowing.
The round boat trip costs Bs 30, and there are two ferries leaving from Copacabana at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. To get back, take a ferry either at 10 AM, 3 PM, or 4 PM.
There's no need to buy the ticket in advance if you are already in Copacabana - one day ahead, or even on the same day is completely fine. Right after your arrival to Isla del Sol, you must pay the Bs 10 entrance fee, contributing to the local community.
The highlights of our visit were definitely Inca stairs, a small ruin on the shore of the lake, and a viewpoint from where we were able to see Lake Titicaca and snow-capped mountainous range in the distance.
It is definitely worth it to spend here all day, hit hiking trails, take your time, and leave by the last ferry.
You can visit Isla del Sol only in one day, but those who are looking for a more in-depth experience can stay there overnight and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Isla del Sol is home to several homestays and restaurants.
Here, you can book a room in one of the hotels at Isla del Sol.
It should not be surprising that rates, especially for food, are inflated, but it is because there's no proper shopping possibility.
LAKE TITICACA AND ISLA DEL SOL TOURS
For many travelers, Copacabana is a jumping-off point for other adventures, as the main reason for visiting is admiring Lake Titicaca.
When in Copacabana, you can easily purchase the Lake Titicaca and Isla del Sol tour, which are the top attractions, in one of the local travel agencies.
If you are in La Paz and would like to book a guided tour online, consider this Lake Titicaca and Tiwanaku Day Tour.
If you are traveling from Peru to Bolivia, you can combine the ordinary with your enduring desire for adventure.
This From Puno to La Paz: Copacabana and Isla del Sol Boat Tour will help you cross the borders between these two countries; on top of that, you will see the best that Lake Titicaca has to offer.
EXPLORE COPACABANA
On one lazy morning, we decided it was time to stop looking in the direction of Lake Titicaca, although there's nothing bad about it, and focus more on the village that is often overshadowed by the glittering giant that steals all of your attention.
Unsurprisingly, the farther from the shore you go, the more normal Copacabana seems. What does it mean? When you are close to the lake, streets are full of touristy restaurants serving overpriced trout, travel agencies, bus companies, and souvenir shops.
But once you get to the heart of Copacabana, you'll find local restaurants for very reasonable prices, pretty square, and you certainly should not miss The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana on Plaza 2 de Febrero.
Yes, the sightseeing is a bit limited, but that's not what the visit is about. The truth is that Copacabana itself has much more to offer during various celebrations throughout the year.
The majority of inhabitants are descendants of indigenous people, and festivals are still taken here very seriously. By the way, one of the ceremonies that are not that hard to see is called a car blessing ceremony that takes place every day between 10 AM and 2 PM; the busiest day is Sunday.
It is customary that Bolivians who buy a new car make their way to Copacabana to get a blessing for safe journeys. Flowers usually decorate cars, and it is a big deal for the whole family.
Last but not least, you should not forget to visit the local market, but we found it hard to go shopping as prices were quite high and locals were not willing to bargain much.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT CERRO CALVARIO
Cerro Calvario, towering over Copacabana town, is the most popular spot to watch the sunset in the whole area, and we think the hike is one of the best things to do in Copacabana.
Because most of all days in Copacabana are sunny, a spectacular sunset is almost 100% guaranteed - and we haven't seen such beautiful sunsets (yes plural, we went every evening during our stay) in many months.
To get to Cerro Calvario, you must cross the small square where all buses wait for passengers, walk via Calle San Antonio and carry on uphill for about 30 minutes until you reach the top with many crosses.
Well, the Cerro Calvario hike is quite grueling. By the way, Cerro Calvario in translation means The Suffering/Torturing Hill, but don't be put away; this trip is really worth it.
Here, you only have to find your place and wait for the show to begin.
Surely, there are more viewpoints from where you can watch the sunset, but this one is the most visited place, and although it might be a good idea to find an abandoned spot without crowds, this time it might be wise to follow others because of the safety in the area after dark.
Although we haven't experienced any issues, there is no street lighting - bring a headlamp or fully charged phone for the way back - and several strayed dogs, so it feels better not to walk alone.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
YAMPUPATA TO COPACABAN HIKE
If you are looking for physical activity in 3800 meters above sea level combined with excellent views on an almost deserted road, you've just found it.
The 17 kilometers long dirt road from Copacabana to Yampupata village leads through several small communities but, more importantly, offers unforgettable views of Lake Titicaca at every step.
We did not meet any other hikers on this path, only a couple of minivans running between those two villages, which was great, taking into account how touristy the lake's surrounding is.
Simply put, if you are looking for an off-the-beaten activity suggestion, look in the Yampupata direction.
The hike is quite long, especially when you take into account that the sun is incredibly strong here and there is almost no shade along the way, but the trail profile is almost flat with two or three short uphill sections.
Do not forget to take sunscreen, sunglasses, some energy bars and plenty of water.
You can hike either from Copacabana to Yampupata or vice versa.
We decided to take public transport to Yampupata first and walk back to Copacabana to ensure we won't get stuck, but it seemed that vans go quite regularly from Yampupata to Copacabana, and you shouldn't have a problem getting back to the town from there.
The ride costs Bs 8 and takes 45 minutes. In Copacabana, you can catch a minivan on the street behind the central market; it leaves approximately every hour on an hour.
When taking public transport from Yampupata back to Copacabana, wait either by the pier or anywhere along the road.
ACCLIMATIZATION
Visiting Copacabana, Bolivia, is amazing, but there's one thing a traveler must realize beforehand, and it is the elevation. Copacabana sits 3841 meters above sea level, and if you're arriving from a low-altitude destination, you might have a problem.
On the other hand, if you're coming from La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, or from the Peruvian side and places such as Cusco or Arequipa, you might be already well-acclimatized which is a key for enjoying Copacabana.
Elevation close to 4000 meters can be uncomfortable for your body, and you should really arrive either from a place that sits above 3000 meters or take your first day or two in Copacabana slowly.
Usually, nights are the hardest, and no one can know how your body will react even if you have a previous experience with staying or hiking at altitude, so take it slowly.
The key is to drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol, eat lightly, do not start with serious physical activity, and sleep lower than was the maximum altitude you've reached that day.
Altitude sickness can easily jeopardize your safety in the area.
SAFETY
When it comes to safety, we felt Copacabana is equally safe as any other city or town in Bolivia. It is not recommended to walk around alone at night, wander to poorly lit alleyways, and flash your valuables around.
Bolivia is still a poor country, and opportunistic crimes can still happen, same as purposeful robberies, so do not make yourself an easy target.
If you plan on hiking to a viewpoint to watch the sunset, it is always better to travel as a group after dark.
Another threat could be strayed dogs. If you go hiking, bring a stick and stock up your pockets with a few rocks.
It might sound cruel, but it's for your protection, and we felt much safer equipped like this, not only in other Bolivian destinations such as Tupiza but overall in South America.
WHAT TO PACK
Even though we were in Copacabana in the allegedly warmer season, we still remember wearing fleece jackets all the time, even when it was sunny - the wind that picked up in the afternoon was quite cold.
Except for a rain jacket (it might not be that needed for Copacabana, but you might use it in other Bolivian destinations), always pack leggings or hiking trousers, same as hiking boots.
To explore the area, it is a good idea to have a comfortable daypack, where you can always keep extra layers, snacks, sun protection, and electronics.
We've already mentioned that the sun at this altitude can be harsh, and you should not underestimate its power.
Having a strong sunscreen with high SPF, hat, and lip balm is a must, do not forget to reapply regularly.
We were also glad we packed our trusty down jacket for sunset watching and headlamp for the way back.
Last but not least, it is important to stay hydrated. Tap water in Bolivia is not drinkable, so either bring your reusable water bottle and fill it up from large barrels in hotels, or another option to lower your plastic consumption entirely is to invest in SteriPen or water bottle with a filter, which kills bacteria almost instantly, and you can drink water from any water source.
BEST TIME TO VISIT COPACABANA
Lake Titicaca is most of the year a sunny place, but photos can be often misleading. As the lake and Copacabana sit at almost 4000 meters, it means only one thing - it can get cold here, especially at night.
Traditionally the best time to visit Copacabana, Bolivia, is between May and October, which is the dry season. It rarely rains, especially during the two most popular months, July and August, but temperatures are a bit lower.
The rainy season lasts between November and April, while you can expect the highest precipitation in January and February. Usually, there's a thunderstorm, and it does not rain for days, so we would not be worried to include Copacabana in your itinerary during this period.
Personally, we visited Copacabana in December and did not experience a single rainy day.
Temperatures are a bit higher, but you'll still appreciate warm layers. It is necessary to say that if you plan a Bolivia trip in the rainy season, some of the roads can be muddy and impassable, so take this information into account.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
