June 21, annual (sunrise ceremony)
Copacabana, Bolivia
A magical town on the shores of the sacred lake. Sights, flavors, and quiet you won't forget.
Featured places along the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Ciudad
Town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, gateway to Isla del Sol and a Catholic pilgrimage center thanks to the Virgin of Copacabana. 145 km from La Paz, crossing the Strait of Tiquina.
Pueblo
Sacred island on Lake Titicaca, 12 km north of Copacabana. In Andean tradition, the birthplace of the Inca empire. Reached by boat from Copacabana. Foot-only — no motor vehicles on the island.
Pueblo
Small island south of Isla del Sol. Home to Iñak Uyu, the temple of the Sun Virgins during the Inca empire. Half-day visit.
Pueblo
Coastal village north of Copacabana. Quiet beach, viewpoint and lakeside walks. Traditional starting point for crossing to Isla del Sol by boat.
Pueblo
Small locality 3 km northeast of Copacabana. Houses an archaeological museum in a colonial estate and the legendary Baño del Inca — thermal water pools in stone structures.
Pueblo
Stone village south of Copacabana. Fully traditional stone-cut architecture, century-old houses and panoramic lake viewpoints.
Must-see spots curated by the community.
monument
Hill north of Copacabana with panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. Roughly 45-minute ascent on a cobblestone path with 14 Stations of the Cross. Local tradition of buying miniatures (houses, cars, money) at the summit as an offering for them to materialize.
church
Moorish-style basilica that houses the image of the Virgin of Copacabana, patron saint of Bolivia. Built in the 16th century. Daily masses and annual devotee pilgrimage.
monument
Pre-Inca astronomical observatory carved in stone. Marks the solstice of the Aymara New Year (June 21). Short hike from Copacabana, lake views.
monument
Ruins of an Inca temple on the south side of Isla del Sol, dedicated to the Sun god. Cut-stone construction with walls still standing. Entry with a local guide is recommended.
monument
Inca staircase with roughly 200 stone steps rising from the Yumani dock to the village. Historic access to the south side of the island. Moderate climb.
church
Chapel adjacent to the Sanctuary where colored candles are lit by wish: red for love, green for prosperity, white for health. Devotees write their requests on each candle.
Coming dates and celebrations.
June 21, annual (sunrise ceremony)
November 1-2, annual
Saturdays and Sundays, year-round (busiest weekends)
Practical logistics for reaching Copacabana from La Paz.
How to get there
Copacabana is 145 km from La Paz, crossing the Strait of Tiquina. You can get there by public bus from the El Alto Interprovincial Terminal, from the General Cemetery in La Paz, or by private vehicle in roughly 3.5 hours. Here are the most common logistics options.