A name with a story

Here’s a fun bit of history: the world-famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was actually named after this quiet Bolivian town. Back in the 1700s, a replica of the ¨Virgen de Copacabana¨, was taken to Brazil and placed in a chapel near the coast. That little chapel eventually gave its name to the entire Rio neighborhood, now known for its iconic beach and lively atmosphere.

Some say the word “Copacabana” comes from the Aymara phrase kota kahuana, meaning “view of the lake.” Others link it to Kotakawana, a god of fertility in Andean mythology who lived in Lake Titicaca. According to tradition, Kotakawana had a court of mermaid-like spirits called Umantuus—figures that still show up in colonial art and church carvings.

What to see & do in Copacabana

• Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana: This beautiful white church with Moorish touches is a spiritual center for many Bolivians.
• Cerro Calvario: A short uphill (above 3,900 meters) hike with big rewards—sunset views over the lake and the town below. You’ll pass small shrines along the way, marking the Stations of the Cross, often visited by pilgrims.
• Local markets: Great spots to pick up handmade textiles, alpaca scarves, and other crafts. Friendly, colorful, and full of local flavor.
• Lakeside walks: Take a relaxed stroll by the water or sit down for a meal with a view. It’s especially quiet and peaceful in the mornings.

Local culture & Andean traditions 

On weekends, the plaza in front of the basilica comes alive. Locals gather with their vehicles—mostly cars and minibuses—for a vibrant blessing ceremony. Each vehicle is decorated with colorful garlands, flower arrangements, miniature items for good luck, and sometimes even confetti or toy cars glued to the hood. Offerings of beer or chicha (a fermented corn drink) are poured over the windshields, firecrackers pop in celebration, and the air fills with music and laughter.

A big event every year in Copacabana, Bolivia, is the “Fiesta de la Virgen de Copacabana”, celebrated every August 5th. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Copacabana to honor the Virgin with music, dance, and vibrant processions. The town bursts into celebration with colorful costumes, brass bands, and traditional rituals that blend Catholic devotion with Andean roots.

Tips for visitors

• Go easy: Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
• Pack for variety: Sunny days, chilly evenings—layers are your friend.
• Bring cash: Not all places take cards, and ATMs can be unreliable.
• Sun protection: Even on cloudy days, the UV is strong up here.
• Planning a lake adventure? If you’re heading to Isla del Sol, we offer two unique ways to experience it:
  • Private Catamaran Cruise: Set sail across the sparkling deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca aboard a comfortable catamaran cruise. You can join for a scenic day trip or spend the night in a private lake-view cabin. With onboard meals and open panoramic decks perfect for catching a sunrise or stargazing, it’s a laid-back and memorable way to experience the lake.
  • Ecolodge Stay on Isla del Sol: Spend a night (or two) in a comfortable ecolodge nestled into the hillside of Sun Island. Here, you’ll wake up to sweeping views of the lake, enjoy fresh mountain air, and walk ancient Inca trails that lead you to sacred Inca sites and peaceful villages.

Both options depart from La Paz and can be customized to your travel plans to end either in Puno or returning to La Paz.

Did you know:

• Though landlocked, Bolivia has a navy, and they train right here on Lake Titicaca. The Bolivian Naval Force uses the lake for patrols, training, and maintaining a symbolic maritime presence.
• Along the shores of Lake Titicaca, you might spot traditional “totora reed” boats. Crafted from bundles of dried reeds, these boats have been used for centuries by local communities for fishing and transportation. They’re still made today, and seeing them up close connects you to the lake’s deep cultural roots.
• The boat ride from Copacabana, Bolivia to Isla del Sol is without a doubt a scenic treat—a peaceful glide across a lake on the top of the world. The waters are calm, snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon, and small islands dot the vast blue expanse.

Copacabana is just the beginning. If you’re heading across the lake, don’t miss our guide to Bolivia’s side of Lake Titicaca:
👉 Read: Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca—Origins of the Inca Empire