Exploring Bolivia's Lake Titicaca: Activities And Adventures

Bolivia's Lake Titicaca is a must-see for its breathtaking views, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. Located near La Paz, it is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3800+ metres above sea level. The lake is shared between Peru and Bolivia, with the Bolivian side offering a magnificent backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Lake Titicaca is a great transition point for travellers moving between the two countries. The town of Copacabana, on the Bolivian shore, is a popular base for exploring the area. From there, you can hike, visit islands, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Hike to the Inca Observatory ruins

The Inca Observatory, or Horca del Inca, is a mysterious rock formation built by the pre-Incan Chiripa Indians in the 14th century. It is located on a hill just outside the town of Copacabana, Bolivia, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. The site was once used as an astronomical observatory, with seven flat slabs wedged between two stones allowing the Chiripa to measure and observe the stars. Today, only one slab remains, but the site still offers incredible views of the town and the lake.

Getting There

Copacabana is a popular destination and can be easily reached by bus from La Paz, Bolivia, or from Puno, Arequipa, or Cusco in Peru. From La Paz, buses leave in the morning between 7 and 8 am, and the journey takes approximately four hours. The bus ticket costs Bs 30, and there is an additional fee of Bs 2 to cross the Tiquina Strait by ferry.

The Hike

The hike to the Inca Observatory ruins is challenging but rewarding. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top of the hill, and along the way, you will pass the Stations of the Cross, where Bolivians often go to pray. The views from the top are well worth the effort, but remember to take it slow if you are not yet acclimated to the altitude. Copacabana is located at about 3800 meters above sea level, so be sure to take your time and drink plenty of water.

What to See

In addition to the Inca Observatory ruins, there are several other attractions in the area. The Inca Baths are located about an hour outside of town, and the Inca's Tribunal, a small field of large boulders carved into the shapes of seats, can be found closer to the city. The town of Copacabana also offers stunning views of the lake, and you can take a ferry to Isla del Sol to explore more Inca ruins and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options in Copacabana, ranging from budget to luxury. Hostal Puerto Alegre is a great budget option, offering decent wifi, clean rooms, and breakfast. For a mid-range option, Hotel La Cupula is a good choice, with spacious rooms and great views. If you're looking for a luxury experience, consider Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca, which offers splendid views of the lake.

Visit Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol, or the Island of the Sun, is a must-see when visiting Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Known as the birthplace of the sun and the Inca bloodline, it is considered one of the most sacred islands in South America. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting There

The island is just an hour's boat ride from the town of Copacabana, which is about 10 hours from Cusco by bus. Ferries depart from Copacabana 2-3 times a day, and the journey is a pleasant, breezy ride. The round boat trip costs Bs 30, and there are two ferries leaving at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. To return, ferries depart from the island at 10 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm.

What to Expect

Isla del Sol offers stunning views of Lake Titicaca, rolling hills with terraced fields, and local wildlife such as donkeys, llamas, and pigs. The island is also home to over 80 archaeological ruins from the Inca period and approximately 800 indigenous families who live in small villages across the island. There are no motorised vehicles, so the main sites can only be accessed on foot via a network of rocky trails.

Where to Stay

If you decide to stay overnight, there are several basic hotels and homestays on the island. Palla Khasa Eco-Lodge, located just outside the community of Yumani, offers rustic and sustainable accommodation with beautiful views. Hostal La Cupula in Copacabana is also recommended for its views of the lake and the town.

What to Do

Spend a day or two exploring the Inca ruins, learning about the rich history and mythology of the island. Hike the Inca road to the north part of the island, where you will find some of the largest ruins, including "the labyrinth," a complex of narrow passages and dark corners. Visit the Gold Museum in Cha'lapampa, on the northern side of the island. Enjoy the local specialty, trucha (fried trout), served fresh from the lake. Shop for hand-woven hats, sweaters, gloves, and jewellery from local women using traditional weaving techniques.

When to Go

The best time to visit Isla del Sol is during the dry season from May to September, with average temperatures ranging from 16 to 17°C.

Tips

• It is recommended to spend at least one night on the island to fully appreciate what it has to offer.
• The island is at a high altitude (3500-4000 meters above sea level), so be prepared for potential altitude sickness and take it slow if you are not acclimatised.
• Bring Bolivianos with you, as there are several small charges for entry to certain areas and for guides.
• The boat ride can be bumpy, so take motion sickness tablets if needed.
• The weather can be cold, so bring warm clothing.

Take a boat ride in Copacabana

Taking a boat ride in Copacabana is a great way to explore Lake Titicaca and its surroundings. The lake is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, so a boat ride is a must-do when visiting.

Copacabana is a small town on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca, and it is the perfect base for exploring the lake and its islands. The town is easily accessible by bus from La Paz, Bolivia, or from Puno, Arequipa, or Cusco in Peru.

From Copacabana, you can take a boat to Isla del Sol, which is about a two-hour boat ride away. Isla del Sol is known for its white beaches and crystal-clear waters, and it offers several hiking trails and a laid-back vibe with no motorized traffic. The island is home to Inca ruins and 360-degree views from the top. You can spend a day or two exploring the island, hiking its trails, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Another option for a boat ride from Copacabana is to visit Isla de la Luna, or Moon Island. This small island was once home to a temple called Iñakuyu, or the Palace of the Virgins of the Sun, where women dedicated to the Sun God lived and learned various trades. The island is currently populated by a few indigenous families dedicated to agriculture, herding, and handicrafts.

Copacabana itself also offers small canoes and pedal boats that you can rent to explore the lake. You can also find giant water wheels, hiking trails, and stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills.

Whether you choose to explore Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, or simply enjoy a boat ride on the lake, taking a boat ride in Copacabana is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Lake Titicaca.

Explore the local market

Exploring the Local Market in Copacabana, Bolivia

Copacabana, Bolivia, is a lakeside town nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The town offers stunning views of the lake and serves as a gateway to mystical destinations like Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. With a blend of cultures, traditions, and vibrant festivals, this historical city is an ideal spot for a cultural retreat. Here is a guide to exploring the local market in Copacabana, Bolivia:

Getting to Copacabana

Copacabana is easily accessible from most major cities in Bolivia and can also be reached by bus from nearby countries such as Peru. The town is a popular stop for travellers heading between Peru and Bolivia, and it is often the first or last stop in Bolivia. You can take a bus from La Paz, Bolivia, or from Puno, Arequipa, or Cusco in Peru. The bus ride from La Paz takes about four hours, and tickets cost around $7. If you are travelling from Cusco, Peru, you can take an international bus service such as Transzela, which offers a ride to Copacabana for $34.

Getting Around Copacabana

Copacabana is a small town, and the best way to get around is by taxi or on foot. Walking is an excellent way to experience the town's architectural and natural beauty up close.

The Local Market

The local market in Copacabana, known as Mercado 2 de Febrero, is located on the streets of Jauregui and Pando. The market is divided into three main sections: vegetables, meats, and fruits; breakfast; and daily meals. Here, you can find all kinds of souvenirs, such as pottery, fabrics, and jewellery. You can also enjoy tasty local food and drinks. The market is a great place to interact with local vendors and learn about the region's agriculture and culture.

Other Things to Do in Copacabana

In addition to exploring the local market, there are several other attractions and activities in Copacabana:

• Hiking to Cerro Calvario: This is a popular activity, as the hill offers stunning views of the lake and the town. It is a challenging hike, but the payoff is worth the effort.
• Visiting Isla del Sol: A short boat ride from Copacabana will take you to this island, which is home to Inca ruins and offers 360-degree views from the top.
• Exploring The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana: This beautiful white colonial-style temple is one of the most sacred places in Bolivia.
• Trying the local trout: Copacabana is known for its delicious trout, which is served in almost every local restaurant.
• Experiencing the Aymara Culture: The Aymara community has a deep connection with Lake Titicaca and can share stories about the sun's origin and the world's beginning.

Visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana

The Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana is a beautiful white colonial-style temple and one of the most sacred places in Bolivia. The Basilica is located in the small town of Copacabana, on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca.

The Basilica was originally built in the Renaissance style in 1550 and rebuilt between 1610 and 1651, with some of the original structures still standing today. The temple was then constructed in the Renaissance style between 1601 and 1619, and completed in 1640 along with the atrium and surrounding pools. The most extraordinary feature of the complex is the preservation of the Capilla Abierta, or Chapel of the Indians, which was used by the indigenous people who were accustomed to holding their ceremonies outdoors.

The Basilica is home to an impressive collection of religious objects and the famous sculpture of the Virgen de la Candelaria, also known as the Virgen Morena. The Virgen de la Candelaria is one of the oldest depictions of the Virgin in the Americas, with her worship extending beyond Bolivia to Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and even Spain. The sculpture was carved around 1580 by the indigenous artist Francisco Tito Yupanqui, a descendant of Inca Túpac Yupanqui.

The Basilica is a popular site for pilgrims, with Bolivians, Peruvians, and Catholics from other places travelling to the site to worship the Virgen de Copacabana. In 1925, the sanctuary was granted the title and privileges of a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI. Additionally, in 1940, it was declared a National Monument by the President of Bolivia, Enrique Peñaranda.

Twice a day, a unique ceremony called the "Blessing of Mobilities" takes place in front of the Basilica, where a priest blesses all types of vehicles by sprinkling them with holy water. Owners of these vehicles make offerings and decorate their cars, vans, and buses with garlands and flowers purchased from the many stalls surrounding the Basilica.

Copacabana is a popular tourist destination in Bolivia, as boats depart from here to the legendary Isla del Sol, where there are numerous Inca archaeological sites to explore.

Frequently asked questions