If you’re in Bolivia, there are many things to do and places to see. One famous (and unmissable) attraction in Bolivia is Lake Titicaca.
This lake is shared between Peru and Bolivia. 44% of it is on the Bolivian side and is smaller in comparison with the Peruvian side, but the backdrop of the snow-capped Cordillera Real of the Bolivian side gives us a magnificent view.
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The lake was once home to the ancient Tiwanaku culture, which left traces of their civilization behind in the architecture and complex agricultural systems. After the mysterious disappearance of the Tiwanaku, other groups of people like the Quechua and Aymara have since lived in that land and have maintained their rich, centuries-old folk traditions.
In the Andes plateau, this lake serves as a source of drinking water and food for the population around and is vital for their existence too. The environment that this place creates is a beneficial microclimate that makes possible the cultivation of potatoes and grains such as quinoa, barley, and corn. Also animal husbandry.
So this lake has to be to visit on your trip to Bolivia and has to be on your Bolivia to-do list, because of the beautiful views, stories, quietness and the history.
Lake Titicaca Facts
Where is Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca is located just 72 kilometres (45 miles) from the city of La Paz, so it’s possible to be there in approximately 3 to 4 hours.
How large is Lake Titicaca?
Covering 8,300 square km, it’s the second-largest lake in South America. Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the largest.
How deep is Lake Titicaca?
Lake Titicaca lies approximately 3,812 m above sea level and is the highest, commercially navigable lake not only in South America but in the world. The deepest point (283 m) is located in the northeastern section of the lake.
What’s Lake Titicaca elevation?
Important to know that Isla del Sol is located at a height of 3,925 meters (12,900 ft) above sea level. For this reason, fast movements, running or making great efforts should be avoided so as not to feel altitude sickness (you can take sorojchi or soroche to combat this!).
How To Get To Lake Titicaca From La Paz, Bolivia
To reach our destination, we begin our journey in the city of La Paz, at the “Terminal Cementerio” (Location), the same one that is in front of the General Cemetery.
The Cementerio terminal is in itself just a street where there’re several buses and/or minibuses that go to Copacabana, a town on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca.
Depending on where you’re staying in Titicaca, you can get to the terminal by minibus (the word “cemetery” must be written on the sign), taxi (indicate that you are going to the “general cemetery”) or cable car (red line, stay at the cemetery station) and always consider the help of our friend Google maps to be sure.
There, you’ll sometimes find many buses or minibuses (vans) that go to Copacabana. The duration of the journey could be from 3 to 4 hours depending on what transport you take.
Take note that on the way there’s a stop in a town and strait called Tiquina, where it’ll be necessary to get off the transport to take a boat and cross that strait since it’s not possible to cross by another means. The bus or van will cross in another boat specifically for cars. Once on the other side, you can then board the bus again to continue the rest of your journey.
A recommendation, write down the license plate number of the vehicle so that way you don’t get confused or lose your transport. In the case you rent a car or go in a private vehicle, you can cross together with your vehicle.
Things To Do In Lake Titicaca, Bolivia – Copacabana
We’ve broken down the things you can do around Lake Titicaca by the things you can do on the mainland, Copacabana, and the things you can do on the island of Isla del Sol (Sun Island), which is usually the island people would go to when visiting Lake Titicaca.
Copacabana is a nice town between hills on the shore of Lake Titicaca. There are many things to see from this point. This is also the point where you disembark to the islands (Sun Island, Moon Island and floating islands) on boats via tours.
Copacabana is known to be an enigmatic place because it was a site of Inca religious pilgrimages. Later when it was adopted by the Catholics, Copacabana became home to important festivities, such as the pilgrimage during the holy week or the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Despite not being a very big town, different activities can still be done. On the coast, there are small canoes that the locals rent so you can explore the lake on pedal boats and giant water wheels. In addition to that, you can also go hiking, enjoy nature, the views and monuments.
There are several restaurants where the dish of the day is Trout, since there are many hatcheries in the lake, but you can also find other types of food.
Here is a list of the main places to see in Copacabana.
1. Cerro El Calvario
This hill has a height of approximately 120 m (394 ft), lined with monuments representing the 14 stations of the cross, the series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion.
This place is visited by many pilgrims for penance and tourists climb it because the top offers unsurpassed views of both the city, its beaches as well as the lake itself. If you’re lucky, you can even see a part of the Andes mountain range.
The sunsets here are wonderful. It’s a climb that’s not considered difficult but some people may find it difficult due to the elevation and the number of steps. However, it can be done successfully by taking breaks to rest. The round trip trail is 1.3 km (0.8 mi) and is good for all skill levels.
2. La Horca Del Inca (Inca Gallows)
Also called Pachataca, this place is 500 m (1640 ft) to the south of Copacabana, in the Kesanani hill. It’s a monument made of rock, a set carved, comprising 2 independent vertical blocks, the largest measuring 6 m (20 ft), and a single stone as a crossbar.
Wrongly named the Horca del Inca by the Spanish people because they didn’t understand the meaning of the monument, the closest meaning of this is Pachataca (a place where time is measured) because it’s an astronomical observatory, with all the elements that allowed us to verify the solstices and equinoxes. According to archaeological verifications, it’d have antiquity that dates from the year 1,764 AC.
And of course, it’s also an excellent viewpoint.
3. La Boca Del Sapo (The Frog’s Mouth)
In this place, you can find a rock with the shape of a giant frog. The legend says that there was a time when a giant frog would emerge from Lake Titicaca every night until before sunrise. One cloudy day, he didn’t realize that it had already dawned and the rays of the Tata Inti (God Sun) began to come out. The sunlight were a punishment for his daring act and transformed him into stone, looking carefully towards the Sacred Lake.
Since that time, it’s said that Copacabana has had good luck.
The frog is a symbol of good luck. If it appears in times of rain, it’s because it’ll bring good omens, wealth and prosperity. To receive all this luck, as a good custom, tribute is paid to the frog with incense and ch’alla (a reciprocity ceremony with the Pachamama) accompanied by good wine, champagne or beer.
You can get there by boat (takes 10 to 15 minutes) or a 30-minute walk there from the Cerro El Calvario.
4. Basílica De Nuestra Señora De Copacabana
It’s a Moorish-style building originally in the Renaissance style, which was built in 1550 and rebuilt between 1610 and 1651, with part of the structures still preserved today.
This place has among its most striking elements an imposing Calvary that gives access to the Basilica, as well as an Open Chapel, or Capilla de Indios, so-called because it was used by the natives who used to celebrate their ceremonies outdoors.
You’ll also see the famous sculpture of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which is one of the oldest invocations of the Virgin in the American continent. There’s a legend about the virgin that indicates that being jealous makes non-married couples who visit Copacabana end their love affair after visiting the place.
In front of this Basilica, an interesting ceremony called “Blessing of Mobility” takes place twice a day in which a priest blesses all kinds of vehicles by sprinkling them with holy water, for which their owners make different offerings and decorate their cars, vans and buses with garlands and flowers that can be bought in the many stalls that surround the Basilica.
It’s a colourful sight when we passed by this ceremony, and strange to watch to boot!
5. Isla De La Luna (Moon Island)
Called also Koati island, it’s a small island. At the time of the Inca Empire, it had a temple called Iñakuyu, or the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, where the so-called Virgins of the Sun lived.
The site was an Acllahuasi, or House Of The Chosen Ones, in which women learned various trades. They could become the secondary wives of the Inca. It’s also said that they could be used for sacrifice. Only the Inca emperor, the highest authority of the empire, could enter the island.
It’s currently populated by a few indigenous families of Quechua and Aymara origin dedicated to agriculture, herding and the sale of handicrafts to visitors. The languages spoken are Quechua, Aymara and also Spanish.
To get here, you have to take a boat from Copacabana on a tour that shows you the sun island too and sometimes the floating islands, almost two hours from there.
Things To Do In Lake Titicaca, Bolivia – Isla Del Sol (Sun Island)
This island within Lake Titicaca is a destination of great beauty with terraces of crops and the lake in the background. It’s also a very special site since it’s considered the place where the Inca empire began. The Legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo is one of the Inca myths that tells how the god Inti sent spouses (and at the same time brothers) to earth to civilize men, venerate the Sun God and found a great empire. From this island they set out to find Cuzco.
This island is an hour and a half from Copacabana. The launches and boats depart from the beach in the centre of town and arrive at the island’s pier. The price of the trip can be negotiated and depends in part on the number of people travelling to the island. Usually, it’s around 30 or 35 bs/ USD 5. Most of the boats leave from Copacabana early in the morning, although there are also selected services at noon.
If your intention is to visit Isla del Sol on the same day, you must travel in the boats in the morning and return in the afternoon. Although the tour can be done in one day visiting other islands too, for all those who want to discover the different places and attractions of the island, it’s recommended to stay at least one night, which was what we did!
The island has 2 piers – the southern port and the northern port. Most of the people who visit the island in the day get off at the north port (Challapampa) and walk south (Yumani) to take the boat back to Copacabana. In actual fact, the north side of the island is not open for tourism since 2019.
This island is special for hiking, getting to know the different archaeological sites and getting in touch with the inhabitants. The main sites to visit are the ruins of the Pilcocaina temple, the Inca Stairs, the lookout of Palla Khasa and the peak of Cerro Queñuani.
1. Palla Khasa lookout
This viewpoint has a 360º view where you can enjoy the beauty of the place, be able to observe the lake from a vantage point, the snow-capped mountains and its surrounding coasts. Highly recommend to be here at sunset time!
Location
2. Templo del Sol
It’s one of the most important constructions on the Island of the Sun, made following the beliefs of the Andean worldview. All the windows and doors of the construction face east (where it dawns) and perhaps this is why many archaeologists and historians believe that this place was built as a Temple Of Worship to the sun.
3. Inca Stairs
From the upper area of Yumani, the path descends steeply towards the port and the final section is made by this staircase that seems infinite. As you walk the stairs, try and imagine these very same stairs being walked by the Incas!
4. Fuente De Las Tres Aguas (Fountain of the Three Waters)
This sacred source is located halfway up the Inca Stairs and is a clear example of the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the pre-Hispanic people. Some chroniclers believe that this spring has been in existence for years and that the waters are sacred because they have a connection with Cusco. It’s also believed that the water has healing powers.
5. The peak behind the town
Another viewpoint is at this point is not as high as the Palla Khasa but also offers a beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings. If you struggle with altitude sickness, we recommend this place for admiring the view as it’s not as high as Palla Khasa.
Where To Stay In Titicaca, Bolivia
Copacabana
In this town, you can find several options to spend the night. The most recommended are those that are in front of the lake beach; that way you can enjoy the view.
Some recommended hotels are:
Take into account that several hotels, hostels and accommodations cannot be found on all travel sites. You can find more options by directly searching on Google and so you’ll have to call to reserve. Keep in mind that many others do not have an online presence at all, and they can only be found when you arrive in Copacabana you can see all the options.
Isla Del Sol
On Isla del Sol, there are different accommodations such as small hotels and hostels that offer decent rooms with basic amenities. Most of the lodgings are in the Yumani, the south side of the island. Keep in mind that the north side is closed to tourism.
Similar to Copacabana, not all the accommodation options can be found online as most of them aren’t even listed online. You’ll see the full options when you’re on the island.
The best places to stay on Isla del Sol are those that are at the top since that way you can enjoy a better view.
Some recommended hotels are:
- Campo Santo Ecological Cabins (in which I was staying, highly recommended for the view, comfort, cleanliness and highly value for money!)
- Utasawa
- Ecolodge La Estancia
- Inti Illimani Lodge
It’s advisable to stay at least one night on this island, one to see the aforementioned places and explore, two to enjoy the tranquillity of the place since there are no vehicles or roads on the island, three for the view of the lake, the islands in the surroundings, snow-capped mountains in the background and the magnificent stars at night.
An important point to note: since the island still rely very much on traditional means of living, you’ll find that electricity here is limited. There are no lights on the streets, which made navigating back to our hotel highly challenging, even with the torches on our phones. As the terraces are very similar, we got a little lost on the way back from catching the sunset on the other end of the island.
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In short, Lake Titicaca is a place that you must visit if you’re in La Paz Bolivia for all it has to offer and the variety of things to see and do.
I hope the information provided will be useful if you’re passing through this one and only beautiful lago in Bolivia!
