La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, and Isla del Sol Day Trip Review

So, if you are thinking of taking a day trip from La Paz to Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, and Isla del Sol, well you have come to the right place. It can be a wonderful adventure, you know, especially if you know what to expect. That said, this review gets you some inside tips to help make the most of this excursion.

Getting from La Paz to Copacabana

Alright, getting from La Paz to Copacabana, that’s the initial step. So, most tours typically start super early, at about 7:00 AM, sometimes even earlier, because the drive is long, nearly 3-4 hours. The buses, very often, are comfortable enough, however the roads, in some spots, they can be winding. In some respects, it might be useful to have some motion sickness medicine if you are at all susceptible, right?

The scenery, though, wow, it’s beautiful. You get these sprawling views of the Altiplano, this high plain area, with the Andes Mountains sort of looming in the distance. The air, too, is crisp and thin. As a matter of fact, you definitely feel the altitude right away if you’re coming from a lower elevation. The bus does usually make a quick stop halfway for people to use restrooms and buy some snacks, very necessary too it’s almost, that’s a chance to stretch those legs before continuing onward to Copacabana. It is useful to use this opportunity.

Exploring Copacabana

Copacabana itself, it’s a charming little town right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, literally the highest navigable lake around, if I am being completely honest. The main attraction here tends to be the Basilica de Copacabana, a gorgeous white church with these striking domes and some intricate tile work. Apparently, it’s worth taking a moment to just wander around the plaza and soak in the vibe.

Very, very often, you will find locals selling handicrafts and souvenirs, as a matter of fact, there are these small restaurants serving up some fresh trout from the lake, just something to consider when visiting. In some respects, you’ll usually have about an hour or two to explore Copacabana before you catch a boat over to Isla del Sol. Keep in mind that Copacabana has more to offer than many believe.

Boat Trip to Isla del Sol

Oh, that boat trip, you see, that’s such a big part of the experience. So, the boats can be a bit crowded, to be honest. So, try to grab a spot up on the deck, you know, for better views. Lake Titicaca, wow, it’s vast. You get this endless expanse of blue, literally merging into the sky. Just a little, in some respects, the air feels clean and fresh, even though the sun up there can be intense, obviously.

The boat usually stops at the southern part of Isla del Sol, that’s where most of the day-trippers land. Keep in mind that the trip itself, wow, it takes around an hour, give or take. So, you could relax and just enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

Hiking on Isla del Sol

Right, the thing about Isla del Sol is that there aren’t really any cars there. That is to say, everything’s done on foot, which I personally love. So, be ready for a hike. The paths, too, they can be steep and rocky in places. As a matter of fact, sensible shoes are seriously a must. In a way, it can be pretty challenging. If you are planning to go at altitude it’s best to pace yourself and drink some water. A little, because the altitude, you feel it even more here than in Copacabana.

That said, that walk up gives you rewarding views. The terraces, made by the Incas, and the shining blue lake are totally incredible to see. You know, usually, the tour will take you to the Pilkokaina ruins, which were formerly an Inca palace, seemingly. Also, depending on the tour, and on time, you might explore the local village and get a glimpse into island life. Usually, anyway, this is all possible if the tour group is on schedule.

Lunch on Isla del Sol

Just to tell you, lunch on Isla del Sol is often included in your tour package, if you do purchase a tour package, very often. Usually anyway, it’s served in a restaurant, normally that gives you amazing views of the lake, usually anyway. The meals, typically anyway, they will showcase Bolivian ingredients, which is nice, anyway. But keep in mind, the menu selections can be a bit limited, naturally.

There are very, very often vegetarian alternatives available. If you’re a vegetarian, or if you have other special needs, just give the tour operator a heads up in advance, that way, they know. Of course, it gives you a chance to sit back and appreciate your setting and the lake around you while having a meal with friends.

The Return Trip

Well, after your time on Isla del Sol, usually anyway, the boat goes back to Copacabana. From there, of course, you get on the bus for that trip back to La Paz. The trip to Copacabana normally provides more scenes that people admire.

In a way, you may feel a bit exhausted. In a way, you might also find yourself reflecting on everything that you had seen throughout the day. And just to mention, the buses back sometimes arrive in La Paz a little later than scheduled due to traffic.