Best Things to Do in Copacabana, Bolivia (Travel Guide)

Last Updated: October 2026

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and stretches across the border between Peru and Bolivia. After spending five weeks exploring Peru, we finished our journey in Puno before crossing into Bolivia, with Copacabana as our first stop.

We travelled with Bolivia Hop, which made the border crossing incredibly easy (read about our experience here). Just four hours after leaving Puno, we arrived in Copacabana.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana is a small, laid-back town with beautiful lake views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. We actually preferred the Bolivian side of the lake to the Peruvian side. It felt less touristy, and once the day-trippers had left, the evenings were incredibly peaceful.

Sadly, we’d only planned to spend one night here, although we could easily have stayed longer just enjoying the scenery. While there aren’t endless things to do in Copacabana, Bolivia, there’s enough to keep you busy for a day or two, especially if you include a trip to Isla del Sol.

Things to do in Copacabana

Hike El Cerro El Calvario

This steep hike starts just off Calle Jauregui and takes about thirty minutes. It starts with a very steep hill, followed by many steps up. It’s a pilgrimage route for the locals and the top also offers the best views of the beach, Lake Titicaca and the town below. Although it’s short, because it’s located at over 3800 metres altitude, the hike is certainly not easy. But the views will be worth your breathless clambering.

Try to do it just before sunset, to enjoy seeing the sun setting over the lake. 

Take a walk along the waterfront

Enjoy the extensive views of the lake by taking a long walk along the waterfront. There are many benches along the way to take a rest on if the altitude gets to you, or if you simply want to take a minute to enjoy the views.

You will probably make some friends during your walk. That will be the local street dogs. We started our walk alone and finished it with five street dogs who’d decided to join us for a stroll. So cute! 

Take a Boat Trip to Isla del Sol

One of the best things to do in Copacabana is to take a boat trip to Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), a beautiful island on Lake Titicaca. According to Inca mythology, this sacred island was the birthplace of the sun and the first Incas.

Boats depart from Copacabana’s waterfront, where you can book a tour or arrange transport independently. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your destination and the boat.

Once on the island, you can explore traditional villages, discover ancient Inca ruins and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Titicaca towards the distant mountains. Access to some areas, particularly in the north, can vary, so check locally before planning your visit.

If you have more time, consider staying overnight in one of the island’s small guesthouses. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere once the day-trippers have left.

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana

One of Copacabana’s main attractions is the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a striking whitewashed church with Moorish-inspired architecture and colourful tiled domes. Built in the 17th century, it houses the revered Virgin of Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint, and is an important pilgrimage site. It’s worth stepping inside to admire the interior and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might also witness the unusual local tradition of blessing decorated vehicles outside the basilica!

Relax! 

Copacabana is a great place to just relax in! If you want to recuperate from your travels, this is the perfect place to do it. There are many hotels and hostels in town and no shortage of small cafes and restaurants to chill out in. 

Eat fresh trout! 

The waterfront is packed with stalls selling fresh trout, a speciality of Lake Titicaca. So you can’t spend time in Copacabana and not try the local trout. If you get sick easily and prefer to avoid the stalls, every restaurant in town has trout on their menu too. 

How to Get to Copacabana?

Most travellers reach Copacabana from either Puno in Peru or La Paz in Bolivia. Both routes are easily travelled by bus.

From Puno: The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours, including the border crossing. You can book tickets through local travel agencies or bus operators.

From La Paz: Buses generally take around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the crossing of the Strait of Tiquina, where passengers and vehicles are ferried separately.

For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, consider travelling with Bolivia Hop. We used them to travel from Peru into Bolivia and found their service excellent, particularly the assistance provided at the border. It’s more expensive than a regular bus, but worth considering if you prefer an easier journey.

Crossing the border from Peru to Bolivia? Read our guide to crossing the Peru–Bolivia border for our experience and useful tips to make the journey easier.

Best Time to Visit Copacabana

The best time to visit Copacabana is during the dry season, from May to October, when you can expect sunnier days, clearer skies and beautiful views across Lake Titicaca. The rainy season runs from November to March, bringing more frequent showers and cloud cover.

Because Copacabana sits at high altitude, temperatures remain cool throughout the year, especially at night. Pack warm layers, even if you’re visiting during the dry season.

How Long to Spend in Copacabana

We recommend spending one to two nights in Copacabana. One night is enough to explore the small town, enjoy the lake views and watch the sunset.

However, if you want to take a boat trip to Isla del Sol without rushing, two nights would be ideal. It also gives you more time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Visiting Copacabana

• Altitude: Copacabana sits approximately 3,840 metres above sea level. Take it easy when you arrive, especially if you haven’t already acclimatised to the altitude.
• Money: Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (BOB). Carry some cash for small restaurants, local shops and boat trips.
• Weather: Days can be sunny but nights are often freezing. Bring warm clothing and a windproof jacket.
• Sun protection: The sun is particularly strong at this altitude, so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential.
• Getting around: Copacabana is small and easily explored on foot, although some streets are steep.

Where to Stay in Copacabana, Bolivia?

Copacabana has accommodation options to suit all budgets, from simple guesthouses to charming boutique hotels. If possible, we recommend choosing somewhere with views over Lake Titicaca, especially at sunset.

Here are three great options for different budgets:

• Budget – Jardin Andino Hostal: A charming, affordable guesthouse set on the hillside above Copacabana. It offers comfortable rooms, a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views over Lake Titicaca, particularly at sunset. A great choice for budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to sacrifice the scenery.
• Mid-range – Hotel La Cúpula: A charming hillside hotel with colourful architecture, beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. Some rooms even have fireplaces, perfect for Copacabana’s chilly evenings.
• Higher-end – Hostal Las Olas: A unique property featuring individually designed accommodation, peaceful gardens and spectacular lake views. An excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere special with plenty of character.

Whichever option you choose, it’s worth paying a little extra for a room with a lake view. Watching the sun set over Lake Titicaca is a wonderful way to end the day.If none of those are available or take your fancy, try using the search box below:

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