Bolivia: Copacabana Travel Guide

If you want visit Bolivia; the first city that we recommend you visit is without a doubt; the small city of Copacabana, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and surrounded by the hills of Kesani and Calvario.

Located just 155 kilometers from the city of La Paz and 145 kilometers from Puno; This town is considered a tourist attraction, due to the Andean ancestral cultures that are still practiced and are within the reach of its visitors, also for its beach where different water sports are practiced and finally; It will give you access to the beautiful and famous Sun Island.

But how to get to Copacabana-Bolivia?

Let’s see the ways in which you can get to the lake city of Copacabana in Bolivia. This will depend if you are in La Paz – Bolivia or if you are in Puno – Peru.

Travel by Bus from Puno – Peru:

The trip you will take from the city of Puno; It will last no more than 3 hours, until you reach the border (Kasani). Once you arrive you will have to go through migrations and present your identity document (if you belong to the Andean community). or your passport to be stamped; Once this process is done, there are only 15 minutes to go to Copacabana.

Travel by Bus from La Paz to Copacabana:

The trip you will take from La Paz will last no less than 3 and a half hours; also you have a stop one hour before reaching Copacabana; so you can get off the bus, and you can take a boat to cross through the Strait of Tiquina (it is part of Lake Titicaca). The bus will pass this strait through a special raft.

What to do and what to see in Copacabana?

 Next we will mention the activities that you can practice or places that you can visit in the city of Copacabana.

• Walk on 6 de Agosto Av.: It is the street, which is located in the center of the city; where you can find restaurants, bars, travel agencies and you will also find shops where they sell souvenirs, it is the main and most crowded street in the city.
• Copacabana Beach: Quiet and beautiful place where you can practice some water sports or take a walk on the shores of the lake.
• Pacha Uta Museum: Inside you will be able to appreciate the culture of this city; it has 5 rooms with all the riches of the municipality of Copacabana.
• Copacabana Basilica: This is the main Temple that houses the image of the virgin Candelaria; the patron saint of Bolivia and the place where devotees make pilgrimages each year; This temple has a mestizo Renaissance Baroque style, so it will be a very interesting place to visit.

Other places to visti:

• Pachataka Astronomical Observatory: This is the place where the inhabitants of this place celebrate the Andean Amazon New Year. According to historians; This place was important to see and understand the seasons of the year (Andean worldview). It is located on the hill Kesanani 45 minutes from the city, you can walk there.
• Intinkala: Inca ceremonial center, there you can find lithic pieces, where it is said that there was an idol called Copacawana; carved in bluish rock with a fish-shaped body; whose gaze was towards the Isla del Sol. you can find stone pieces.
• Calvary: Place where the Way of the Cross is practiced, it has 14 stations of the Passion of Christ; mixing the Catholic faith with the Aymara; also at the end of this place you will have an impressive panoramic view; It takes 45 minutes and you can go on foot.
• Markets:There are 3 markets in the city of Copacabana: Market “2 de Febrero” ;where you can find typical breakfasts; the market “Modelo” here you will find all kinds of fruits and vegetables and the Market “Santa Marta” where they sell meals all day, typical and new dishes that you can taste.
• Poncho Museum: In this museum you can find the ponchos of the Bolivian Andes, since they are preserved and exhibited here. 

Useful tips when you are in Copacabana

• You can find a tourist information office; They will help you with tourist information by providing you with: maps, brochures and travel guides; Throughout your trip through Bolivia, it is located in Plaza Sucre between 6 de Agosto av. and 16 de Julio st.
• We recommend you stay in Copacabana for 2 or 3 days; Because it is the ideal time to enjoy the city of Copacabana. You can see all the tours we offer in Copacabana, HERE.
• We can assure you that even though Copacabana is a very small city; It will be able to offer you all the services you expect such as: hotels, bars, restaurants, banks and of course ATMs, money exchange offices, post office, internet cafes, travel agencies and a market.