Copacabana - Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca at 3 840 m of altitude (12,000 feet l) is the highest navigable lake on earth at 12,580 feet altitude. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, the Andean people refer to it as "The Sacred Lake: and legends say that the first Inca rose from its depths and went out to found the Inca Empire. It sprawls over 3,500 square miles, fed by waters from the melting snows of the Andes. Start on a guided visit of Copacabana, on the banks of this lake, its Baroque Mestizo cathedral which encloses the sanctuary and museum of the Virgin of Copacabana, the sanctuary is an excellent spot for great shots. Copabana in Rio de Janeiro was named after it, so now you now, this is the real Copacabana.
Sun's Island
Around 45 minutes away from Copacabana, by boat, you will arrive to the Sun's Island, where you can visit the Inca ruins of Chincana, at the time of the Spanish Conquest, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire was located on this island,
Titicaca was perceived by its ancient cultures to be an inland sea connected to the ocean, mother of all waters. Today, people still believe that the lake is involved in bringing rain and that, closely associated with the mountain deities; it distributes water sent by them. The people who utilize the lake's resources still make offerings to her, to ensure sufficient totora reeds for boats, for successful fishing, for safe passage across its waters and for a mild climate.
Getting around in Copacabana
It's easy to get around in Cobija people are very friendly and eager to help tourist. It's a small town so you can get anywhere by foot.
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Where to stay
Copacabana has a small number of hotels; most of them are located in near the main plaza find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.
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What to see while in Copacabana
Its privileged location allows Copacabana to show the visitor nature at its best, is the ideal place for eco friendly tourism, wildlife and outdoor activities. The Sun's Island and the Inca ruins are both a must see.
Find tours or tourist guides
Where to Eat
Cocabana provides the visitor with an acceptable selection of restaurants and places to have a descent meal, there are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's, hotel restaurants, and discotheques offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience. Click here to find more information. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.
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Do's and Don't in Copacabana
The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.
Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.
And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.
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Image of a pack llamas near the Titicaca Lake.
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Image of the sunset at the Sun's Island.
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