Copacabana, Bolivia is a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. With just 6,000 inhabitants, it is a peaceful destination that is perfect for a relaxing retreat.
As a border town between Peru and Bolivia, Copacabana is often the first or last stop for travelers on a road trip through South America’s west coast. Despite its small size, there is plenty to see and do. Visitors can relax on the tranquil lake, take in the stunning sunsets, or explore nearby Isla del Sol and Island de La Luna. Additionally, the town boasts a vibrant local culture with colorful markets, traditional festivals, and delicious cuisine to enjoy.
Our guide has all the information you need to make the most of your trip to Copacabana, including the best way to get there, where to stay, and the top activities and attractions to add to your itinerary. So, get ready to experience the natural beauty and enchanting culture of Copacabana and Lake Titicaca for yourself!
How to Get to Copacabana, Bolivia
The most convenient way to reach Copacabana, Bolivia is through ground transportation, usually by bus since there is no international airport in the town. International travelers typically fly into El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, which is the closest international airport to Copacabana. The journey from La Paz to Copacabana takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Alternatively, travelers can choose to visit Peru first and then take a bus from Puno, which is the closest city in Peru located on Lake Titicaca, a lake shared with Copacabana.
Public buses are available for budget-conscious travelers to take to and from Copacabana. Although generally safe, public buses in Bolivia are not the most organized and schedules may change without prior communication. Thus, flexibility is essential when taking a public bus to Copacabana.
For the best experience, consider using Bolivia Hop (or Peru Hop if departing from Peru) to travel to Copacabana from both La Paz, Bolivia, and Puno, Peru. This service provider can transport guests to and from most major tourist destinations in both countries. Although slightly more expensive than public transportation, Bolivia Hop is highly recommended for its reliable service, easy-to-locate pick-up locations, comfortable seats, and accommodation and activity suggestions in each city.
Where is Copacabana, Bolivia?
Copacabana is a town located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, South America. It is situated approximately 155 km (96 miles) from the city of La Paz.
Accommodation in Copacabana, Bolivia
If you’re looking for the best accommodation in Copacabana, Bolivia, look no further than Hotel la Culpa. This hotel offers charming rooms with stunning views of Lake Titicaca, an excellent on-site restaurant, a shared kitchen, and, most importantly, three adorable alpacas that guests can play with. Our stay at Hotel la Culpa made our trip unforgettable, as we spent a lot of time relaxing on the hotel grounds. Despite all it has to offer, the hotel’s prices are super affordable. Check out their website for current rates.
Some other accommodations that are popular among travelers in Copacabana include:
- Hostal Las Olas: Charming rooms with stunning views of Lake Titicaca.
- Hotel Utama :An excellent option for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
- Hostal Florencia: One of the best hostels in Copacabana
Regardless of where you choose to stay in Copacabana, remember to keep these things in mind:
- Wi-Fi signal is weak throughout the city, and it’s unlikely to be optimal in your accommodation.
- Hot water is a rarity in Copacabana, so your shower will likely be cold.
- Be prepared for some bugs to make their way into your hotel room, as they can be quite common in Copacabana.
- Beds in Copacabana are typically quite firm and not the most comfortable.
The Best Way to Get Around Copacabana
You can walk everywhere in Copacabana because it’s such a small city. There are a lot of hills Keep in mind that Copacabana is located at a high altitude (3,841 m), so walking uphill can be challenging and leave you short of breath. If you plan to visit the nearby Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, you’ll need to take a boat. The White Anchor, located near Lake Titicaca, is an essential landmark for navigating around Copacabana. It’s where buses drop off and pick up passengers, and where boats to the islands depart from. Here’s a map of the city center for reference:
The Weather in Copacabana, Bolivia
The optimal time to visit Copacabana is during the dry season, which runs from May to August. December through February is also a great time to visit, but there’s a higher chance of precipitation during these months. The temperature in Copacabana usually hovers around 15°C – 17°C (or 60°F – 70°F).
Things to Do in Copacabana, Bolivia
Copacabana is a great city for travelers who are looking to relax but there’s also stuff to do for the more adventurous traveler. Here are some of the best things to do in Copacabana, Bolivia:
- Enjoy the views of Lake Titicaca: The lake is the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest in South America, spanning over 8,000 square kilometers. Its breathtaking beauty and vastness are a must-see for any visitor to Copacabana. Several accommodations in the town offer stunning views of the lake. Visitors can also simply sit on a bench by the lakeside and take in the natural splendor around them. If you’re wondering what to do in Copacabana, Bolivia, this should be #1 on your list.
- Watch the Sunset: Sunset is the best way to end the perfect day in Copacabana. While I watched the sunset here, the sky was painted with beautiful hues of purple, pink, blue, and yellow, creating a breathtaking view. You can enjoy this view from either Lake Titicaca or by hiking to the top of Cerro Calvario, a hill in the city.
- Visit Isla Del Sol and Isla de La Luna: Both Isla Del Sol and Isla de La Luna are just a short boat ride away from Copacabana’s city center. The boats depart from the White Anchor, a central point of reference for navigating around Copacabana. Visitors can choose to take a day trip to each island or spend the night. While on the islands, guests can hike around and take in breathtaking views from above. Taking a day trip to each island is recommended as you can cover all of the activities and see much of each island in one day.
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana: The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana dates back to the 16th century and was restored during the Spanish colonial period. Its exterior features a beautiful colonial-style architecture with white walls. Once inside the shrine, visitors can admire a statue of the Virgen de Copacabana.
- Shop at the Street Markets: Copacabana has a variety of charming local markets selling goods such as alpaca products, crystals, and handcrafted wooden items.
Thinking of Visiting a City Near Copacabana?
Traveling from Copacabana to La Paz is easy, with various transportation options available. Here are the best methods of transportation from Copacabana to La Paz:
- Buses: This is the most popular method of transportation from Copacabana to La Paz. There are several buses scheduled through each city during the day. The buses depart from Copacabana’s central bus station and arrive at La Paz’s Terminal de Buses, taking around 3-4 hours.
- Shared taxi: Another option is a shared taxi, which is pricier but quicker and more comfortable. They depart from the main plaza in Copacabana and drop off passengers at different locations in La Paz.
How to Get from Puno to Copacabana (and vice versa):
Traveling between Puno and Copacabana is easy and affordable. Here are the most common ways to get from Puno to Copacabana (and vice versa):
- Bus: The most common mode of transportation is by bus, with several companies offering daily services between the two cities. The journey takes around 4 hours and passes through beautiful Andean landscapes and scenic Lake Titicaca views. In Copacabana, the main bus station is located in the town center, close to the main plaza. From here, you can catch a bus to La Paz, Puno, and other nearby destinations. In Puno, the main bus station is located about 10-15 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic. It’s called Terminal Terrestre de Puno and has several bus companies operating from there, serving destinations within Peru and Bolivia.
- Shared Taxi: Another option is to take a shared taxi, which can be faster and more comfortable but pricier than the bus. Shared taxis depart from Puno’s central market and drop off passengers at Copacabana’s main plaza.
Overall, both options provide an enjoyable and memorable travel experience.
Before You Go...
Copacabana, Bolivia is one of the most adorable towns in South America. It’s a great city to go to for a quick retreat during your travels throughout South America’s west coast. Before you go on your trip, check out these additional resources for inspiration:
Disclosure: Please note that some of the above are affiliate links, and I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend companies that I’ve personally used and like, and the income supports this site.
A great post about a destination that isn’t normally on my travel radar. Plus, it just has a cool name!