Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Copacabana Community Tourism Site
(
www.copacabana-bolivia.com
)
Has a good
events calendar and updated info on community tourism projects.
Getting There & Away
BUS
Most buses leave from near Plazas 2 de Febrero or Sucre. The more comfortable nonstop
tour buses from La Paz to Copacabana - including Milton Tours and Combi Tours - cost
from around B$25 to B$30 and leave Copacabana at 1:30pm (3½ hours). Tickets can be
purchased from tour agencies. You will need to exit your bus at the Estrecho de Tiquina to
cross via
ferry
(B$1.50 per person, B$35-40 per car; 5am-9pm) between the towns of
San Pedro de Tiquina (tourist info office on the main plaza) to San Pablo de Tiquina.
Buses to Peru, including Arequipa, Cuzco and Puno, depart and arrive in Copacabana
from Av 6 de Agosto. You can also get to Puno by catching a public minibus from Plaza
Sucre to the border at Kasani (B$3, 15 minutes).
BOAT
Buy your tickets for boat tours to Isla de la Luna and Isla del Sol from agencies on 6 de
Agosto or from beach-front kiosks. Separate return service is available from both islands.
Asociación Unión Marines
(Costanera; departing Copacabana 8:30am & 1:30pm;
B$20 one-way, B$25 round-trip)
Ferry service to the north and south of Isla del Sol, with
a stop on the return at a floating island.
Titicaca Tours
(Costanera; departing Copacabana 8:30am, B$35 round-trip)
Offers a
round-trip boat tour that stops in Isla de la Luna for an hour, continuing to the southern
end of Isla del Sol for a two-hour stop before heading back to Copacabana.
ISLAS DEL SOL Y DE LA LUNA
The most famous island on Lake Titicaca is Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), the legendary
birthplace of Manco Cápac and his sister-wife Mama Ocllo, and indeed the sun itself.
Both Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon) have Inca ruins, reached by de-
lightful walking trails through spectacular scenery dotted with traditional villages - there
are no cars on the islands. Sunshine and altitude can take their toll, so bring extra water,
food and sun block. You can visit the main sights in a day, but staying overnight is far
more rejuvenating.
Water is a precious commodity. The island does not yet have access to water mains and
supplies are carried by person or donkey. Please bear this in mind; think twice before tak-
ing showers (after all, we're all in - and on! - the same boat).
