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In Search of the Sun GodPuno to La Paz tourRoute: Puno - Copacabana - Isla del Sol - La Paz (or vice versa)From Puno you could take the bus directly to La Paz in Bolivia (or vice versa) but you’ll miss out on something rather special on the way. Copacabana is a laid-back village on the south side of Lake Titicaca, just across the Bolivian border and halfway between Puno and La Paz at 3900m altitude. The town was used by the Incas as a resting point on the way from La Paz to Cuzco and, over the centuries, it became a pilgrimage site. Bolivians still come here from far and wide to have their possessions blessed. On this Puno to La Paz tour, you’ll take a boat trip from Copacabana to the legendary birthplace of the first Inca king: Isla del Sol. We can definitely recommend spending a night on Isla del Sol if you can fit it into your Bolivia trip itinerary. That way, you'll have plenty of time to explore the island before sailing back to Copacabana the next morning. If you'd like us to book an Isla del Sol tour into your Puno to La Paz itinerary just get in touch with us for more details. Want to see where you could go after this Bolivia trip? Take a look at our bite-sized Bolivia tours, which you can piece together to create your personal itinerary. If you are thinking about combining your trip to Bolivia with travelling in Peru, we offer suggested Peru holidays which combine the best of both countries. |
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
Accommodation |
Double room, breakfast included (see our photos here). |
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Price |
£125 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes |
Transport, excursion to Isla del Sol with English-speaking guide |
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Transport |
Bus Puno - Copacabana- La Paz |
Excludes |
Other meals, excursions or entrance fees |
Day 1: Puno - Copacabana - Isla del SolTake a taxi to the bus station, where you’ll board the bus for a 3 hour trip to the Bolivian border and the start of your Puno to La Paz adventure. The bus will stop on the way so you can exchange some of your soles or dollars for bolivianos. Take this opportunity, as there aren’t any cash machines in Copacabana (yet). You’ll cross the Peru-Bolivian border on foot. They’ll give you the necessary information on the bus and tell you where to get your passport stamped and where to pay the small departure tax. Once you’ve crossed the border into Bolivia, there’s a bus waiting to take you to Copacabana, where you’ll be dropped off in the middle of the village 20 minutes later.You can take a taxi, or walk (10 minutes) to your hotel overlooking the lake. The hotel has several pretty gardens with hammocks, TV room with DVD collection and a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals or make a cup of tea. |
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You'll have time to have lunch at the hotel and check in before you are collected and transferred to the small harbour where you’ll board the boat for a 2-hour crossing to Isla del Sol. On a guided walk across the island, you’ll visit an ancient Inca ruin and see the quinoa fields. Quinoa is a typical South-American grain and a staple in traditional Bolivian cooking. Your guide will tell you all about the local way of life for the islanders and the significant role of Inca religion. The Incas that once lived on this island believe it was the birthplace of the sun, which is why most of the temples here were dedicated to the Sun God. Opposite Isla del Sol lies the aptly named Isla de la Luna. The view across the glistening lake, the snowy peaks of the Andes in the background, is magical and really underlines the mystical atmosphere of this Puno to La Paz tour. Later that aftenoon, it's time to get back on the boat and sail to the mainland. |
Day 2: Copacabana - La PazCopacabana is often called the Lourdes of Bolivia. People come here from far and wide to have their possessions blessed and it is often turned it onto one big celebration by the locals.Today you can visit the Moorish cathedral with its eclectic mix of European and local religious art, or climb the path behind the church up to the viewpoint. You’ll pass about fourteen crosses and, once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the village and the lake. Copacabana is the perfect place to just chill out on this Puno to La Paz tour. Do little more than sit in the sun on the banks of the lake with a papaya shake and meal of fresh grilled fish. Feel free to book an extra night if you would like on your Bolivia trip. |
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Later that afternoon it’s time to leave Copacabana and take the bus to La Paz. After about an hour you'll be kindly requested to leave the bus. There's a river but there's no bridge so the only way to get across is by boat. A bus full of passengers is too heavy so you'll change onto a separate ferry. It costs a couple of Bolivianos, and you'll get to the other side a lot quicker than the bus. This means there's time to buy a couple of snacks before climbing back onto the bus for the next 3 hour leg of your Bolivia trip, along the lake to La Paz. |
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In La Paz take a taxi to your hotel located in the tourist centre. There are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance, so take a Bolivian beer or a cocktail and make plans for tomorrow. As your Puno to La Paz tour comes to an end, have a look at our La Paz travel information, there is lots more to do in and around the city. Alternatively, after the witch markets and coca leaves of La Paz, you can continue your Bolivia travel further south to the Bolivian Salt flats tour, in search of flamingos and volcanoes. If you’re doing this module in reverse order, your next destination could be the islands of our Lake Titicaca tour. |
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Bolivia tour accommodation (Click to enlarge)
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