Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
242-2222;
www.transturin.com
; Arce 2678, La Paz)
This agency runs day and
overnight cruises to Isla del Sol in covered catamarans (and reedboats) and has luxury ac-
commodation on Isla del Sol.
Turisbus
(
245-1341;
www.turisbus.com
;
Hotel Rosario del Lago, Paredes near Costañera)
Book your tour with this well-run and professional agency through the Hotel Rosario in
Copacabana or La Paz.
GUIDED TOUR
Festivals & Events
Copacabana hosts several major annual fiestas. The town also celebrates the
La Paz de-
partmental anniversary
on July 15. Thursdays and Sundays are lively market days.
Watch your belongings; with lots of partying - and people from out of town - there's
plenty of petty theft during Copacabana's festivals.
SPIRITUAL
Alasitas Festival
One local tradition is the blessing of miniature objects, such as cars or houses. Supplicants
pray that the real thing will be obtained in the coming year. Held on January 24.
Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria
Honors the patron saint of Copacabana and all Bolivia. Copacabana holds an especially
big bash and pilgrims and dancers come from Peru and around Bolivia. There's much mu-
sic, traditional Aymará dancing, drinking and feasting. On the third day celebrations cul-
minate with the gathering of 100 bulls in a stone corral along the Yampupata road. The
town's braver (and drunker) citizens jump into the arena and try to avoid being attacked.
From February 2 to 5.
RELIGIOUS
Semana Santa
As part of the Easter Week celebrations the town fills with pilgrims on Good Friday -
some walk the 158km journey from La Paz - to do penance at the Stations of the Cross on
Cerro Calvario. Beginning at the cath- edral at dusk, pilgrims join a solemn candlelit pro-
cession through town, led by a statue of Christ in a glass coffin and a replica of the Virgen
de Candelaria. Once on the summit they light incense and purchase miniatures represent-
RELIGIOUS
