Visit Bolivia's Most Colorful And Underrated Town Before It Gets Too Busy

The town of Copacabana, Bolivia, is a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, one of South America's largest lakes. Those seeking an authentic Bolivian experience away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like La Paz will appreciate its calmer vibe and dreamy setting amongst green hills next to the lake. Travelers can wander around the colorful town with its red-roofed buildings and markets, sample the local cuisine, stop at important religious sites, partake in glorious hikes in the surrounding hills, and embark on excursions to nearby islands.

The city is 100 miles northwest of La Paz, with regular local and tourist bus service between the two cities. For outdoor activities, the weather is better in the dry season between May and October. It's also important to keep in mind that the city's elevation is almost 13,000 feet, similar to the highest ski resorts in the U.S. Rocky Mountains. This means that after arriving, you should allow some time to acclimate before engaging in strenuous activity. A good place to start after arriving in Copacabana is the Avenida 6 de Agosto, a lively street with restaurants, bars, and shops. This is probably the most touristy part of town, but it's a great place to get information, book tours, buy Bolivian textiles and other souvenirs, and grab a meal. If you like fish, be sure to try some fresh trout from the lake, which is often served with fries, rice, and salad.

While exploring Copacabana, don't miss the Catedral Virgen de la Candelaria, the most significant pilgrimage site in Bolivia. There's a Virgin Mary statue at the cathedral that is said to grant wishes and bestow blessings on those who request them. This statue was erected in the cathedral in the late 1500s, after some fishermen claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared and guided them to safety during a fierce storm on Lake Titicaca.

After paying homage to the Virgen, do the short hike to the top of the Cerro el Calvario for spectacular views, especially at sunset. Even though it's a steep hike, it comes highly rated on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer reporting, "Almost died of exhaustion while walking up but the views you get as a reward are definitely worth it. You can see all of Copacabana, Isla del Sol and even Peru. There are small shops on top of the hill, so if you're thirsty after climbing up you can get something to drink (even beer;))."

Some travelers say that the views on another local hike — the one to Horca del Inca — are even better, with less litter and fewer people. On this strenuous trek, you'll have views of Copacabana the whole way, and the remains of a pre-Incan astronomical observatory are visible on top. Many travelers say that this is one of those places that just exude mystery: "You can feel the ancient energy completely," noted one Tripadvisor reviewer.

You can't visit Copacabana without venturing out onto the smooth blue waters of Lake Titicaca, which has some fascinating islands. One of these is Isla del Sol, which is about 1.5 hours from Copacabana by boat. While it's possible to go to the island on a day trip from Copacabana, travelers recommend staying a few nights in a hostel or ecolodge to fully experience its magic. The Incas believed that the Isla do Sol was the birthplace of their Sun God as well as the first two Incans, the mythical beings of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo. Impressive Incan ruins (some of which can be visited) remain scattered across the barren, sun-baked landscape, along with a few modern indigenous settlements. Hiking opportunities abound, with one glorious 11.5 mile trail that loops around most of the island.

Another island you can visit in Lake Titicaca is Isla de la Luna. This rugged island has a significant archaeological site known as Iñaq Uyu, which the Incans used from 1000 to 1500 A.D. One traveler said that these ruins reminded them of another far more famous South American site. "This place reminded me of the ruins in Machu Picchu but of course of a much much smaller scale. Worth a visit," said Tripadvisor reviewer The Weak Knee Traveler. Most people visit this island from Copacabana on a day trip, but there are a few simple places to stay on the island if that's of interest.