Copacabana

Travel Guide

Copacabana which includes mountains, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Copacabana featuring general coastal views, boating and a sunset
Copacabana featuring general coastal views and a beach
Copacabana featuring shopping
Copacabana which includes religious aspects and a monument

This western Bolivian town with scenic views is a gateway to the picturesque landscape, ancient ruins and fascinating islands of Lake Titicaca.

The town of Copacabana lies on the southern shores of Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes. A boat trip over Titicaca’s deep blue waters to see its scenic islands and mythical Inca ruins is a must-do for visitors to Bolivia.

Copacabana is compact and you can get around on foot. Just take it slow, because the air is thin here at an elevation of 12,602 feet (3,841 meters). Immerse yourself in the Bolivian culture in this popular pilgrim destination by having breakfast at local markets. Order a “mate de coca” (tea from coca leaves), a cure for altitude sickness, and treat yourself to buñuelos (donuts).

On holy days in February, April and August the central Plaza 2 de Febrero fills up with Bolivian and Peruvian pilgrims. Attend the folkloric dances, processions and masses for the Virgin of Candelaria. See her image in the 17th-century Copacabana Cathedral.

Along Copacabana Beach, sample trout from the lake in one of the many restaurants. Join a boat tour to see the ruins and villages of Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), the birthplace of the Inca dynasty, and Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon).

Once you are acclimatized, walk to the Iglesia de Colquepata (Church of Colquepata), to find the trail to Cerro Calvario, a place of pilgrimage, offerings and fortunetelling. Another scenic trail leads to the mysterious throne-like rocks of the Asiento del Inca (Seat of the Inca). Ask locals the way to the Baño del Inca, which is a legendary thermal spring in the countryside. Experienced hikers can climb to Horca del Inca, an astronomical observatory made by the Chiripa people, who predate the Incas.

It takes 3 hours to get to Copacabana by bus from La Paz. Puno, in Peru, is just a 2.5-hour bus trip away, but involves a few transfers and a visit to a customs office. Crossing the border by boat is another option.

Hotel Wendy Mar

Hotel Wendy Mar

3 out of 5
Avenida 16 de Julio s/n, Esquina calle Potosi, Copacabana
$34 nightly
The price is $34 total per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$34 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Sucre Square are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
Great value!
"For the Price, I did not expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Room was fine, breakfast was good and service was good!"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Hotel Wendy Mar
Onkel Inn Torres Copacabana

Onkel Inn Torres Copacabana

3 out of 5
Av Costanera zona Chapampa, 257, Copacabana, Departamento de La Paz
$45 nightly
The price is $45 total per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$45 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Copacabana Beach are ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
Lake view
"Lovely modern apartment with a great view of the lake and sunsets. Very proactive and friendly staff. Breakfast was simple but freshly prepared and very tasty. Llamas were a great addition to the experience. Perfect value for money."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Onkel Inn Torres Copacabana
Skylake

Skylake

3.5 out of 5
C. Jáuregui, Copacabana, Puno
Stay at this 3.5-star hostal in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sucre Square and Museo del Poncho are located ...
4.6/10 (7 reviews)
"I was burned and electrocuted in the shower. It was the scariest thing I've ever had happen in my entire life."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Skylake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
suma samawi

suma samawi

2 out of 5
Av. Costanera, Copacabana, Departamento de La Paz
Stay at this cabin in Copacabana. Enjoy free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Copacabana Beach are located nearby.
suma samawi
ECOLODGE COPACABANA

ECOLODGE COPACABANA

2 out of 5
AV. COSTANERA, 99999, Copacabana, Departamento de La Paz
Stay at this cabin in Copacabana. Enjoy free parking, a beach shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Horca del Inca ...
ECOLODGE COPACABANA
Casa a Orillas de la Playa

Casa a Orillas de la Playa

Copacabana
Stay at this vacation home in Copacabana. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Copacabana Beach are located nearby.
Casa a Orillas de la Playa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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