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Copacabana, Bolivia is a small town located on the southern shores of Lake Titicaca. It is known for its incredible views of the lake, its cultural heritage, and the impressive Isla del Sol. No trip to Bolivia is complete without visiting Copacabana! In this blog post, we will discuss the history of the town, things to see and do while you’re visiting, the cuisine, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
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Where is Copacabana?
Copacabana is a town located in Bolivia, built on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural surroundings and its role as a gateway to Isla del Sol, another popular destination on Lake Titicaca. Copacabana is located in the western part of Bolivia, near the border with Peru. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive from the city of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.
How to Get to Copacabana
The easiest way to get to Copacabana is from La Paz. La Paz is serviced by several international airlines, as well as international bus companies. From La Paz, you can take a bus to Copacabana. About 30 minutes from Copacabana, the bus will load onto a long wooden ferry to cross the Strait of Tiquini. Most buses take 4-5 hours and cost about $5 USD.
What to Do in Copacabana
While there is plenty to see and do in Copacabana, here are our recommended top 5!
Visit La Isla del Sol
La Isla del Sol is one of the best islands that I have visited in South America. This small island has had a big impact on history. Today, it contains the ruins of ancient civilizations, as well as small villages that make their living through fishing and farming. Click here to read our guide of La Isla del Sol.
Stop by La Isla de la Luna
Located east of La Isla del Sol, the Island of the Moon is much smaller with fewer ruins. However, there is a famous archeological ruin called Inakuyu, or Temple of the Moon. This 35-room housing complex was used for ceremonies and training women to weave and cook. This site alone makes it worth a visit!
Hike up the Cerro Calvario
Cerro Calvario is a large hill overlooking Copacabana and Lake Titicaca. Hikers are welcome to ascend the hill and take in the scenery. Although the trek is difficult and steep, the views of the surrounding area are well worth the effort. There is a Catholic shrine at the top, along with vendors selling refreshments. Enjoy the peaceful views of the lake without the crowds and noise of the town below.
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
This magnificent cathedral is one of Copacabana’s most recognizable sights. Located on the main plaza of the town, this large church is dedicated to the Virgin of Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint. Visitors can take in the stunning architecture and discover the town’s lengthy religious heritage.
Take a boat tour of the islands
Lake Titicaca is one of the largest, highest, and deepest lakes in the world. There are also about 40 natural islands and 120 floating reed islands! With all that there is to see, we highly recommend booking a boat tour around the lake. To get an idea of what’s available, you can check out boat tours here.
Cuisine of Copacabana
Trucha
You can’t visit Copacabana without eating trucha. This is a type of trout that is common in Lake Titicaca. The most common way of serving it is as a grilled fillet with a side of rice, french fries, a small salad, and a lime. You will find restaurants selling trucha from 20-25 Bolivianos (about $2.89-$3.60 USD)!
Pasankallas
Pasankallas are a traditional food made from puffed corn kernels and coated with sugar. You can find this cheap snack being sold by vendors all over town. I highly recommend buying a bag of pasankallas if you plan to hike up the Cerro Calvario or walk around La Isla del Sol. This will give you the energy you need to complete these hikes!
Pique a lo macho
Pique a lo macho is another traditional Bolivian dish that is made of beef, sausage, and other meats. They are mixed together in a spicy sauce and often served with rice and potatoes. You can find restaurants serving pique a lo macho everywhere in Copacabana.
Best Time to Visit Copacabana
The best time to visit Copacabana is during the dry season from May to October. Durin this time, the sky is clear and makes for a better time to hike and explore the area. The only downside to visiting during this time is that it may dip into freezing temperatures at night. However, during the day, the temperatures will be about the same year-round.
Where to Stay in Copacabana
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Copacabana. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low Budget
If you are on a budget, I recommend staying at Suma Uta. This hotel is located near the center of town, and you can get a double room with a private bathroom for about $10 USD! That’s the same price (or cheaper!) as most hostels in the area, so you might as well get your own room!
Medium Budget
If you want a hotel on the beach in Copacabana, check out Hotel Onkel Inn Torres de Copacabana. This hotel offers panoramic beach views, luxury rooms, and a buffet breakfast. Rooms here go for about $50 USD.
High Budget
If you want a truly luxurious experience in Copacabana, I recommend staying at the Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca. This beachfront hotel is one of the highest-rated hotels in Copacabana. It has a restaurant where you can try trucha, a traditional dish consisting of trout from Lake Titicaca.
Tips for Visiting Copacabana
Before your trip to Copacabana, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Bring warm clothes
Even if you are coming from neighboring areas where the weather is hot, it will likely be cold in Copacabana. The high altitude can also make the temperatures drop below freezing at night.
2. Bring food and water with you on La Isla del Sol
Despite the cool weather, walking around at such a high elevation will wear you out. On La Isla del Sol, you can walk for hours without seeing anybody.
3. Learn Spanish or download a translation app
This is an easy way to save money. I did not encounter any English speakers on my trip to Copacabana. However, I did find some restaurants with a menu translated into English. Those restaurants charged twice as much for the same items as the restaurants on the same street without a menu in English. Save money by avoiding these tourist traps.
4. Learn a couple of phrases in Aymara
If you can say “thank you” in Aymara, you will leave a good impression on the people. Try saying Yuspagara (Yu-spa-GAR-ah) or Yuspagaratam (yu-spa-GAR-ah-tam) depending on the dialect.
5. Bring good walking shoes
The hike up the Cerro Calvario and around La Isla del Sol is tough, partly due to the rocky trails. Make sure your shoes have the proper support before embarking on these hikes. Injuring yourself in the middle of these hikes could be dangerous.
