Copacabana

Travel Guide
Copacabana featuring general coastal views, boating and a sunset
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 La Cúpula
Hotel La Cúpula
2 out of 5
calle final Michel Perez, Copacabana, Copacabana
The price is $41 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$41
$63 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this hotel in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Museo del Poncho and Copacabana Beach are located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Beautiful views and very comfortable rooms
"Absolutely perfect hotel, wonderful breakfast, wonderful caring staff. Worth every penny, and it is very reasonably priced. The room was so large and comfortable, I really hated leaving. The bathroom was large and we had hot water on demand. There was a kitchen sink, a little stove and pots/pans ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Hotel La Cúpula
Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca
Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca
3.5 out of 5
Av. Costanera esq. C/ Rigoberto Paredes, Copacabana, La Paz
The price is $90 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$90
$90 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Museo Taypi and Copacabana Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (152 reviews)
"This is probably the best hotel in the town, great staff, a beautiful room, well designed to Western standards and a great view of the lake from the third floor. A glass wall in the bathroom afforded a view of the lake from the shower. They also provided us with an oxygen tank to the room for 180 ..."

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2024

Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca
Skylake
Skylake
3 out of 5
C. Jáuregui, Copacabana, Puno
The price is $23 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
$23
$23 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 3-star hostal in Copacabana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sucre Square and Museo del Poncho are located ...
5/10 (2 reviews)
"Just an average accommodation"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2023

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.
Vrbo Property
Vrbo Property
Copacabana
Stay at this vacation home in Copacabana. Enjoy WiFi and 3 bedrooms. Popular attractions Sucre Square and Museo del Poncho are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
Vrbo Property
IMA SUMAJ
IMA SUMAJ
2.5 out of 5
C. Jáuregui, Copacabana, Puno
Stay at this vacation home in Copacabana. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Museo del Poncho and Sucre Square ...
IMA SUMAJ
departamento, céntrico para 17 personas
departamento, céntrico para 17 personas
Copacabana
Stay at this apartment in Copacabana. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and 6 bathrooms. Popular attractions Museo del Poncho and Copacabana Beach are located nearby. ...
departamento, céntrico para 17 personas
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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Reviews of Copacabana

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 60%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 7, 2019

Great small town and boat trip

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2019

Copacabana is pleasant enough but I felt beleaguered walking down main street where every few feet you are approached by someone trying to convince you to eat at their cafe or buy their souvenirs. Also, scruffy stray dogs by the dozens, very sad.

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