Copacabana, Bolivia: travel guide
A pilgrimage town on Lake Titicaca and the way to Isla del Sol
Pilgrimage town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, home to the Virgin of Copacabana basilica and the launch point for boats to Isla del Sol, the Inca sun island.
About Copacabana
Copacabana is a small town on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, known for its white basilica and for being the jumping-off point for the Isla del Sol. The setting is open, with blue water, high sky and fishing boats along the beach.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana is a pilgrimage site, and the Cerro Calvario gives views at sunset over the lake. Boats to the Isla del Sol take around one to two hours, to the island that Inca tradition holds as the birthplace of the sun, where footpaths link villages and ruins. The Horca del Inca is a small stone viewpoint above town.
It suits relaxed travellers and walkers. The dry season, from May to October, brings clearer weather.
- Country
- Bolivia
- Currency
- BOB
- Time zone
- America/La_Paz
Last updated
Top places to visit in Copacabana
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana
church · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A gleaming white Moorish-style basilica (1805) housing the revered Virgin of Copacabana, patroness of Bolivia.
Isla del Sol
island · 4.5 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
The Inca "Island of the Sun" in Lake Titicaca, with Inca ruins, terraced trails and traditional Aymara villages. Reached by boat.
Horca del Inca
archaeology · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A pre-Inca astronomical observatory of standing stones on a hill above Copacabana, used to track solstices.
Cerro Calvario
pilgrimage · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A short steep pilgrimage hill above town with Stations of the Cross and superb sunset views over Lake Titicaca.
Things to do
- Isla del Sol Boat Day Trip Day Trip · 8 h · from BOB 120 per person
- Lake Titicaca Sunset Sail Cruise · 2.5 h · from BOB 150 per person
Day trips and tours
- Isla del Sol Lake Titicaca Day Trip 8 h · from BOB 180
Where to stay in Copacabana
- Centro / Lakefront about BOB 350 per night
The small grid between the basilica and the lake, steps from boats to Isla del Sol and sunset hill walks.
Hotels
- Hostal Sonia 2-star · BOB 160 to BOB 240 per night
- Hotel Rosario del Lago 3.5-star · BOB 520 to BOB 680 per night
Where to eat
- La Orilla Bolivian, International · about BOB 70 per person
- Comedor del Lago (Trout Row) Bolivian, Street Food · about BOB 30 per person
Getting to Copacabana
Nearest airport: La Paz (LPB), about 103 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Boat
- Minibus
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Boat & tour touts overcharging
Beach and boat dock
Touts quote inflated prices for Isla del Sol boats and tours to tourists.
How to avoid it: Check the standard fare (~30–40 BOB return) at the ticket kiosk and agree the price before boarding.
More in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions about Copacabana
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Copacabana?
- The highest-rated places in our Copacabana guide are Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana, Cerro Calvario, Isla del Sol, Horca del Inca.
- Where should I stay in Copacabana?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Copacabana: Centro / Lakefront.
- How do I get around Copacabana?
- Ways to get around Copacabana covered in our guide: Boat, Minibus, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Copacabana?
- Scams reported to us for Copacabana include Boat & tour touts overcharging. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.