Copacabana is a small town on the Bolivian shore of Lake
Titicaca. Located relatively close to the capital of La Paz, is a
popular tourist destination for foreign travelers and locals alike.

History

The name derives from Aymara Kawana Kota, which means "lake view",
and the region was revered by the Incas, even before the Spanish built
the chapel of the Virgin and become a place of Catholic pilgrimage.

Orientation

The city’s central plaza is the Plaza February 2, and from there
August 6th Avenue slips down to the lakeshore. It is full of souvenir
shops, inns and restaurants that cater largely to foreign tourists.
Jaregui Avenue one block north has a more local touch, with street
markets and grocery stores.

As Go

By bus

Buses depart from the terminal of La Paz, the fare is about Bs 16 and
travel time is 3-1/2 hours. In the Strait of Tiquina, gets off the bus
and take a fast ferry (Bs 1.50) to pick up the bus (which is transported
by barge across to the other side). Buses arrive in Copacabana at Plaza
2 de Febrero and leave from Plaza Sucre.

Buses also depart from Puno in Peru, and about the same time take
3-1/2 hours to get to Copacabana, a half hour is typically spent at the
border, just 8 km south of Copacabana.

Note that if you want to travel during the day from Cusco to
Copacabana, you have to spend the night in Puno, no matter what bus
companies tell! The bus from Cusco to Puno arrive between 3-4pm. Buses
from Puno to Copacabana leave only at 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM. There is a
bus out of Cuzco alternative night at 10 pm and arrived in Puno around 3
am. Then you have to wait until 7:30 AM to take the bus to Copacabana.

Vans or shared taxis that leave the border with Peru from Plaza Sucre
as soon as you fill. 3 Bs about 30 minutes. From the border to the
Peruvian city of Yungani about 2 km, will cost 1 Sun. From Puno Yungani
to buses and vans depart several times each hour, 5 soles. Thus it is
somewhat slower and less comfortable but cheaper than buses direct.

Money

There is a bank in Copacabana in August 6th Avenue, between the Plaza
2 de Febrero and the cathedral, with an ATM that is only compatible
with cards issued by the bank itself. However, it is possible to
withdraw money from ATMs inside, bring your passport for identification.

There are several money changers dollars, euros or Peruvian soles,
but with low gears. Prodem also exchange dollars with better parity and
gives cash advances on credit cards VISA and MasterCard.

Lake Titicaca

Covering 8300 square kilometers, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in
South America, excluding the Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, which is
connected by a narrow sea. The lake area is divided between Peru and
Bolivia. Approximately 60% of the lake is in Peru and 40% of the
remainder in Bolivia. Most Tiquina Peninsula, which protrudes from the
Peruvian coast, also belongs to Bolivia.

Titicaca is the homeland of the Quechua, Aymara, of the Uros, Pacajes
and Puquinas. Lake Titicaca was the foundation of the most influential
pre-Hispanic cultures of the Andean region. Many independent kingdoms
grew in this fertile area from the 9th century, although curiously, most
of these rival kingdoms were ultimately to mid 15th century when the
Incas conquered the region considered important for its wool and meat
production. Currently, Puno continues its vast agricultural tradition
and ancestral rituals as offerings to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and
these old ways are always present in the life of the inhabitants of the
region.

The Titicaca Reserve was created in 1978 to preserve the flora and
fauna and the beauty of the landscapes of the area. There are 60 species
of birds, 14 species of fish and 18 species of amphibians in the
Reserve, one of the most famous is the giant frog of Lake Titicaca,
which can weigh up to 3 kg.