A small town on Lake Titicaca's shore with white Moorish-style basilica and hillside Inca ruins. Local boats sail to Sun Island, home to pre-Hispanic archaeological sites.
Copacabana, perched at 3,841 meters above sea level on Lake Titicaca's shore, is a small Bolivian town where you can watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch, climb to mountain viewpoints, or take a boat to explore ancient Inca ruins. The white-walled Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana anchors the town center, while narrow streets lead to the lakefront where women in bowler hats cook fresh fish at open-air stalls.
Getting to Copacabana
You can reach Copacabana by bus from La Paz, with the journey taking about 4 hours through winding mountain roads along Lake Titicaca. From Peru, direct buses run from Cusco (15 hours) and Puno (3 hours). The bus terminal in Copacabana is located near Plaza Sucre, within walking distance of most accommodations.
Weather and When to Visit
The high-altitude climate keeps temperatures cold throughout the year. During the dry season (May to October), daytime temperatures reach 15-20°C (59-68°F), while nights can drop below freezing, especially in June and July. Rain falls frequently between November and March, with January being the wettest month.
Exploring the Basilica
The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, with its white walls and moorish domes, stands in Plaza 2 de Febrero. Inside, you'll find the wooden statue of the Virgin of Copacabana, carved in 1576 and decorated with gold leaf. During celebrations on February 2 and August 6, dancers in devil masks and colorful costumes perform in the plaza while vendors sell candles and religious items along the church walls.
Hiking Cerro Calvario
The steep path up Cerro Calvario takes about 30 minutes to climb. Stone crosses mark the trail, and local people stop at small shrines to burn incense and leave offerings. At the summit (3,966 meters), you can see the red-tiled roofs of Copacabana below and the blue expanse of Lake Titicaca stretching to the horizon. Bring water and walk slowly - the altitude makes even this short hike demanding.
Visiting Isla del Sol
Boats leave the harbor at 8:30 AM daily for Isla del Sol, returning at 5:30 PM. On the island, stone walls and terraces from the Inca period line the hillsides. Local farmers still cultivate quinoa and potatoes on these ancient terraces. Walking paths connect the villages of Yumani and Challapampa, where you'll pass fields of grazing sheep and small farms.
Local Food Scene
At the waterfront food stalls, women grill lake trout with garlic and herbs, serving it with potato chips and llajwa (spicy tomato sauce). Around Plaza Sucre, small restaurants serve quinoa soup, grilled lamb, and api morado - a hot purple corn drink popular at breakfast.
Practical Information
The altitude affects most visitors initially. You might experience headaches and shortness of breath, so spend your first day walking slowly around town. The streets are steep but walkable. Pack warm layers - temperatures often drop to near freezing after sunset, even in summer months.
