Copacabana (Bolivia) and Isla del Sol

Copacabana on Lake Titicaca is the 'real' Copacabana. The city gave a replica of its own Madonna to Rio de Janeiro, so Rio de Janeiro named a section of its beach after the city, Copacabana.

Copacabana on Lake Titicaca is a clean, very quiet small town. Ideal for relaxing for a few days. Our hotel has 4 alpacas as pets - much to the delight of the guests.

Isla del Sol is about 1.5 hours by boat from Copacabana and is considered the birthplace of Inca culture. We stayed there for 3 days. The beach, like Copacabana, is at an altitude of about 3800m - our accommodation is at 4000m. That sounds like very little, but the slope of about 40% is challenging. But we are rewarded with a view of Isla de Luna and some snow-capped mountains at an altitude of about 6500m. Due to the slope and road conditions, cars cannot drive on the island. Instead, there are donkeys. There is also no street lighting. Therefore, you have to bring a flashlight in the evenings. All in all, pure relaxation.

But one thing must be taken into account on Lake Titicaca: during the day, the sun warms up to 12°C - at night, it can go down to -5°C. Either you have to bring a sleeping bag or book accommodation with heating - preferably both ;-))

Bolivia is a very Catholic country. In Copacabana, there are 6 church services on Sundays. Afterwards, many car owners have their beautifully decorated cars blessed by a shaman - double the protection.

Tomorrow we will enjoy another relaxing day here before continuing to La Paz on Tuesday.