Town in La Paz, Bolivia
Copacabana
Quiet lakeside town on Lake Titicaca and the jumping-off point for Isla del Sol. Cheap, scenic and relaxed, but cold, high, with few services and basic cash and internet.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$457–706Comfortable, one person · Bs5,500–8,500Details
- Value for money97/100Better value than 96% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Nov, 15°CDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Bolivia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$8.3–16.6Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoat to Isla del SolVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyMostly cash.Details
Where to stay in Copacabana
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lakefront (Av. 6 de Agosto) | Restaurants, hostels, boat docks and sunset views |
| Calvario hill side | Quieter stays with lake views, up steep steps |
| Isla del Sol (day trip or overnight) | Ruins, hiking and basic guesthouses |
Apps that work in Copacabana
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Walk, or use cheap tuk-tuks and taxis for the hill. Hotels can arrange buses and boat tickets.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bolivia.
- Cash only Mostly cash. Few ATMs, which often run dry; bring bolivianos and small notes. Boats, guesthouses and small restaurants rarely take cards.
- Currency: Boliviano (BOB). US$1 ≈ Bs12.03 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in cities accept foreign cards and dispense bolivianos; expect a fee and low per-withdrawal limits.
- Tipping: Not expected at cheap eateries; leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants. Tip guides and drivers on Uyuni and jungle tours.
- Paying by phone: Locals pay with bank QR codes, which need a Bolivian account. Contactless cards work in upscale shops and hotels.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Make sure every land crossing gives an entry stamp; a missing stamp means a fine on departure.
- Bolivia no longer stamps at the Argentine border; register the exit with Argentine migration, which passes it on.
- Officers may ask for a first-night hotel or hostel booking and address.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 119
Plugs
Type A, C · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid SIMs at Entel, Tigo or Viva shops with a passport. Entel has the best coverage in rural areas and around Uyuni. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bolivia
Going to Copacabana solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.