Copacabana: On the shores of Lake Titicaca

The village of Copacabana is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca, around 3 hours away from La Paz and Puno. For Bolivians who don’t have access to the sea, Copacabana acts as a seaside resort, and a relaxation haven at an altitude of 3800 meters!

There are several hotels by the lake, but very few of a 3* and over category.

Copacabana is also known for being an important place of pilgrimage, in the honor of the Black Virgin. Many bus and truck drivers make the trip to Copacabana to have their vehicle blessed.

What to do in Copacabana?

Although Copacabana is home to only a few thousand people, it boasts a large basilica, rather surprisingly large for such a small town.

You can also make up your way up the Calvario hill, which overlooks the village. The walk is not very steep, but due to the altitude you may still be out of breath when you reach the top! From there, you will have some stunning views over Lake Titicaca, and over the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Moon.

Copacabana is also the starting point of an excursion to the Island of the Sun, the biggest on the Lake, which is an hour and a half away by boat. According to the legend, it is from that island that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca Empire, emerged. Crossing the island from North to South can be done on foot over a half-day (around 6 miles) and offers splendid views over the Lake and of the snowy peaks of the mountains in Bolivia. Another option is also a 2-day excursion with a night on the island.