Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana is a far cry from the chaotic city off La Paz. This popular holiday destination is the main town on the Bolivian side of the lake and a good base to visit Isla del sol.
As we wondered around town you can’t help but see the grand 1619 cathedral.
This is one of the most revered holy sites in Bolivia as it houses the “La Virgen de la Candelaria” which is said to have magical healing powers. The town itself has seen holy pilgrims come and go for centuries which attributes to the huge range of hotels and guesthouses.
Nowadays Copacabana is as much a tourist resort as pilgrimage site, with peddle boats for hire and woman in traditional Bolivian dress selling photos with baby Llamas
Climbing Cerro Calvario at sunset gives you great views of the town, though the high altitude can make it tough going.
Though we took the difficult route up, following a dirt path up the side of the mountain. There was an easy paved path back down, packed with prayer and offering spots for pilgrims.
On the other side of town there is another hill with an ancient Inca Astronomical observatory. There is a small charge for walking up where you get good views of the town.
The observatory is a plinth placed across two rocks, in similar vain to Stone Henge
Copacabana was a relaxing place to just chill and spend a few days as well as a good place to leave our baggage as we made our way to the most famous site on the lake, Isla Del Sol
