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The bus from La Paz to Copacabana is 155 km long and takes 4 hours. Travel time from La Paz to Copacabana.

Travel Time from La Paz to Copacabana

Copacabana means “Viewpoint of the Blue” in Quechua. It is the capital of the Manco Capac province and is located in the department of La Paz, Bolivia.

Copacabana is a tourist city known for its customs, traditions, and traditional festivals. This small town of Copacabana is important because it houses important vestiges of the Chiripa, Inca, and Tiwanaku cultures.

Land Transportation

The transportation from La Paz to Copacabana is 155 kilometers long, or a four-hour trip. It is one of the most popular routes for national and international tourists.

During the trip, you will be able to observe landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano. We will also pass through the towns of San Roque, Huarina, and Huatajata. We will also have beautiful views of the Royal Mountain Range and Lake Titicaca, making this trip unforgettable.

To reach Copacabana, you must cross the Strait of Tiquina, which is 780 meters wide. This strait is very important as it divides Lake Chucuito from Lake Huyñaymarca in Lake Titicaca.

A two-and-a-half-hour journey will take you to the Strait of Tiquina, where you will disembark from the bus to board a small boat. The fare is 2 bbl, which will allow you to cross the lake in about 20 to 25 minutes. Once you reach the other end of the lake, you can return to the same bus to continue your journey to Copacabana.

Buses to Copacabana depart from the La Paz bus terminal, located between Uruguay and Peru Avenues. They have two departure times: in the morning, between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., and in the afternoon, between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.

The following table details the bus companies that provide the La Paz – Copacabana service

Empresa de Transporte  Precio Horario de Salida Horario de Retorno
Trans Titicaca 30 bs 8:00 a.m. y 13:30 p.m. 13:30 p.m. y 18:30 p.m.
Turisbus (bus turistico) 130 bs 7:30 a.m. 13:30 p.m.
Vicuña Travel 30 bs 7:30 a.m. 13:30 p.m.
Diana Tours 30 bs 8:00 a.m. 13:30 p.m.

What activities can you do in Copacabana?

During your visit to Copacabana, you can visit the main square, where the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana is located. This 16th-century Baroque-style basilica houses a famous sculpture of the Virgin of Candelaria. During Holy Week, many parishioners and pilgrims from Bolivia visit.

Another attraction you can visit is El Calvario (The Calvary). It is located about a 30-minute walk north of the square. You can see the 14 Stations of the Cross and enjoy incredible sunset views of Lake Titicaca.

Copacabana Bay is located just a few minutes from the main square and is a good option for activities such as boat rides, rowing, kayaking, biking, and horseback riding.

¿When is the feast of Our Lady of Copacabana celebrated?

The Virgin of the Lake or of Copacabana is a Marian devotion venerated in Copacabana, La Paz Department, Bolivia. Evangelization was carried out by the Dominican Order between 1539 and 1574.

Her feast day is celebrated on August 5th. On August 1, 1925, she was crowned and declared “Queen of the Nation.”

¿How many kilometers is Copacabana Beach?

The beach is one of the most popular spots, offering a nearly flat stretch of sand or pebbles on the shore of a sea located at over 3,800 meters above sea level. Copacabana is a Bolivian beach surrounded by hills and volcanoes with a truly wonderful lake.

The water temperature reaches an average maximum of 20°C. The best time to visit Copacabana is between May and October.

Recommendations

Bring warm clothing

Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

Personal documents (ID, PASS)

  Warm clothing