Lake Titicaca - Peru - page 398

base for visiting the famous Islas del Sol y de la Luna. On the weekend it's full of visitors
from La Paz; during the week, it snoozes.
In the 16th century the town was presented with an image of the Virgen de la Can-
delaria (now Bolivia's patron saint), sparking a slew of miracles. Copacabana's Moorish
cathedral, where the Virgen is housed in a mystifyingly insalubrious chapel, is still a pil-
grimage site.
Be prepared for heavy rains, especially during December and January, and chilly nights
year-round.

Sights & Activities
Much of the action in Copa centers around Plaza 2 de Febrero and 6 de Agosto, the main
commercial drag, which runs east to west. The transportation hub is in Plaza Sucre. At its
western end is the lake and a walkway (Costañera), which traces the lakeshore.

Cathedral
The sparkling white mudéjar cathedral, with its domes and colorful azulejos (blue
Portuguese-style ceramic tiles), dominates the town.
The cathedral's black Camarín de la Virgen de Candelaria statue , carved by Inca
Tupac Yupanqui's grandson, Francisco Yupanqui, is encased above the altar upstairs in the
niche (camarín); note, visiting hours can be unreliable. The statue is never moved from
the cathedral, as superstition suggests that its disturbance would precipitate a devastating
flood of Lake Titicaca.
The cathedral is a repository for both European and local religious art and the Museo
de la Catedral (per person B$10; all day) contains some interesting articles - offer-
ings from hopeful individuals. Unfortunately, the museum is open only to groups of four
or more (unless, of course, you're happy to pay) and you'll most probably need to chase
down a sister to arrange your visit.

CHURCH

Cerro Calvario
The summit of Cerro Calvario can be reached in half an hour and is well worth the climb,
especially in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the lake. The trail to the summit
begins near the church at the end of Calle Destacamento and climbs past the 14 stations
of the cross.

LOOKOUT