Lake Titicaca FAQ: Your Questions Answered by Local Experts

Planning a trip to Lake Titicaca? These are the questions travelers ask us most often, answered by our team in La Paz. We run Lake Titicaca tours from the Bolivian side, starting in Copacabana and Isla del Sol, and we also help travelers who continue to Puno on the Peruvian side.

If you are still deciding which side to visit, read our full comparison: Lake Titicaca: Bolivia or Peru side?

Planning your trip

How do I get to Lake Titicaca from La Paz?

Copacabana is about 3.5 to 4 hours from La Paz by road. On the way, vehicles and passengers cross the Strait of Tiquina on a short boat ride. On our tours, pick-up at your hotel in La Paz is usually around 7:00 AM, so you reach Copacabana around noon.

Can I reach it from Peru?

Yes. From the Peruvian side, the lake is reached from Puno, which connects by bus or tourist train with Cusco. The border crossing between Peru and Bolivia is at Kasani–Yunguyo, a short drive from Copacabana.

Can I finish my tour in Puno instead of La Paz?

Yes. On our 2-day and 3-day tours you can choose to return to La Paz or take a bus to Puno, Peru, at the end of the trip. It is a convenient way to continue to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Is one day enough, or should I stay overnight?

A full day lets you see Copacabana and Isla del Sol, but it is a long day (about 15 hours from La Paz). Staying one or two nights gives you sunset and sunrise on the lake, a quieter Isla del Sol after the day visitors leave, and more time with local communities. Compare our Full Day tour, Titicaca Revealed (2 days) and Highlights of Titicaca (3 days).

What you will see

What are the main sights on the Bolivian side?

• Copacabana: its white Moorish-style basilica, the Calvario hill for sunset, and the Horca del Inca viewpoint.
• Isla del Sol: the Inca stairway, the Fountain of Eternal Youth and the Pilkokaina temple ruins.
• Isla de la Luna: a smaller island linked to Inca legends, visited on some full-day itineraries.

And on the Peruvian side?

From Puno, the classic visits are the Uros floating islands, made of totora reeds, and Taquile Island, known for its weaving tradition. Longer tours add Amantaní Island and the Pachatata archaeological site. These are not part of our Bolivian itineraries, but we can help you plan them.

Altitude, weather and packing

How high is Lake Titicaca? Will I feel the altitude?

The lake sits at about 3,810 meters, and the paths on Isla del Sol climb higher. Most travelers feel it a little. Spend a few days in La Paz before the tour, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and try coca tea. Read our tips on altitude sickness in Bolivia.

What should I wear?

• April to October (dry season): sunny days but cold mornings and nights. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and a scarf, and something wind-resistant for the boat.
• November to March (rainy season): add a rain jacket or poncho and waterproof shoes.
• All year: sun hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen. The sun at this altitude is very intense.

On the tour

What time does the tour start, and what meals are included?

Tours from La Paz start with a hotel pick-up around 7:00 AM. Meals depend on the tour: the full-day tour includes lunch, and the overnight tours include breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the island. Each tour page lists exactly what is included.

Where can I buy souvenirs and handicrafts?

Copacabana has many stalls with alpaca and llama wool clothing, ceramics and religious souvenirs around the basilica. On Isla del Sol, local families sell handmade textiles. On the Peruvian side, Puno and the islands of Uros and Taquile have their own markets.

Do I need cash?

Yes, bring some bolivianos in small notes. Communities on Isla del Sol charge small entrance fees, and many stalls do not accept cards. Our tours list which entrance fees are included.

Sources and further reading: Lake Titicaca (Wikipedia).

Plan your Lake Titicaca trip

Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best option for you, from a full day to three days on the lake, or a route that continues to Puno and Cusco. Contact us or browse our tours.