Before you go

Your trip to Copacabana.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Copacabana – La Paz about 155 km from La Paz

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional El Alto (LPB) El Alto · 145 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. The nearest airport is El Alto, about 145 km away. From La Paz, buses and vans depart from the general cemetery area and take about 3h30, with a crossing of the Tiquina strait. From Puno, Peru, it's about 3 hours.

How many days

Two days: the basilica and the Cerro Calvario on the first day, the Isla del Sol on the second. With three days, you can stay overnight on the Isla del Sol and visit the Isla de la Luna at a relaxed pace.

When to go

The dry season usually runs from May to October, with clear skies and nights below zero. From December to March it tends to rain in the afternoons and the lake becomes rougher. The festivities of the Virgem, on February 2 and on August 5 and 6, and Holy Week fill the village with pilgrims.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village is explored on foot, and boats to the islands sail from the port at the bay. To get there and to leave, buses and vans from La Paz and Puno are the most commonly used means.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Copacabana

Morning
Basílica
Arrive early from La Paz, leave your bags and visit the basilica and the candle chapel next door.
Afternoon
Village and waterfront
Have lake trout for lunch on the waterfront and walk along avenida 6 de Agosto and the port.
Late afternoon
Cerro Calvario
Climb the Cerro Calvario slowly along the stations of the via crucis and wait for sunset over the lake.
Evening
Dinner
Dine near the square and go to bed early for the morning boat.

2 days in Copacabana

Day 1

Morning
Basílica
Basilica, the courtyard and the candle chapel.
Afternoon
Waterfront
Trout lunch on the waterfront and a stroll around the port.
Late afternoon
Cerro Calvario
Ascent to the Cerro Calvario for sunset.
Evening
Dinner
Dinner in the village.

Day 2

Morning
Boat to the Isla del Sol
Take the morning boat to the Isla del Sol and disembark at Yumani, in the south.
Afternoon
Stairway and Pilko Kaina
Climb Yumani's Inca stairway and walk to the ruins of Pilko Kaina, with views of the lake.
Late afternoon
Return or overnight on the island
Take the afternoon boat back to Copacabana or stay on the island for sunset.
Evening
Copacabana or Yumani
Dinner in the village or at a guesthouse in Yumani.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the car blessing in Copacabana?

It's a village tradition: on weekends and holidays owners decorate their cars with flowers and ribbons and priests bless them in front of the basilica with holy water and sparkling wine.

Do boats to the Isla del Sol depart every day?

Generally yes, in the morning and afternoon from the port of Copacabana. Schedules and access to each part of the island depend on the communities: check at the port before buying.

What to eat in Copacabana?

Lake trout, grilled, fried or with garlic, served at the waterfront kiosks, and pejerrey. Quinoa soup helps on cold nights.

Is Copacabana near the border with Peru?

Yes, about 8 km from the Kasani border, on the way to Puno.

Back to Copacabana