How to get from La Paz to Copacabana (Lake Titicaca)
Bolivia · Nature & Outdoors · Rivers & Lakes · Copacabana · La Paz · Lake Titicaca · Strait of Tiquina
La Paz to Copacabana (Lake Titicaca) is a classic Andean ride over high passes and across the short Tiquina Strait ferry. Choose between the frequent direct buses, a relaxed small-group tour with guide, a door-to-door private transfer, or self-drive if you want maximum freedom. Below you’ll find costs, timing, and step-by-steps with map links.
At A Glance (La Paz to Copacabana (Lake Titicaca))
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Bus (La Paz → Copacabana via Tiquina) | ~3.5–4.5h (including strait ferry) | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~BOB 30–60 one-way (company/time) » sample listings | ||
| 🧭 Small-Group Day Tour (Hotel pickup, optional Isla del Sol) | ~10–12h round trip (full day) | Hassle-free, guide commentary |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$25–65 pp (inclusions vary) » compare tours | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door) | ~3.5–4.5h (stops on request) | Families, lots of luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$90–180 per vehicle » get quotes | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car | ~3.5–4.5h (road + ferry) | Maximum flexibility, photo stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$40–75/day + fuel/ferry ~BOB 30–40/car » compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Cheapest & frequent: Direct bus from La Paz Terminal de Buses—simple and reliable.
- Most convenient sightseeing: Small-group tour with hotel pickup and a guide; some include Isla del Sol boat time.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private transfer—ideal with big luggage or irregular hours.
- Most flexible: Self-drive to pause at viewpoints and villages along Lake Titicaca.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Altitude & weather: You’ll be above 3,800 m most of the way—drink water, pack layers, sun protection.
- Tiquina crossing: Buses go on barges; passengers usually ride a small passenger boat separately. Keep small cash handy.
- Seat choice: Left side (toward lake) gets more views after Tiquina; mornings have calmer water and clearer skies.
- Storage & transfers: Need to stash bags in the city? Check Radical Storage La Paz. For hotel nights pre/post trip, see La Paz stays or Copacabana hotels.
- Ride-hailing: Local taxis are common; for fixed long-distance quotes try GetTransfer.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Frequent Tiquina boat segment
- Overview: Multiple daily departures from La Paz Terminal de Buses to Copacabana. En route, everyone disembarks at the Estrecho de Tiquina to cross by passenger boat while the bus goes on a barge; rejoin the same bus on the far side.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~BOB 30–60 one-way depending on operator/time. Compare curated options on Trip.com activities or buy at the terminal ticket windows the day before. Some agencies in the La Paz tourist zone also sell seats.
- Pros: Cheapest and simple; views after Tiquina are superb. Cons: Fixed departure times; basic onboard amenities.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus
- Get to La Paz Terminal de Buses (near Plaza Antofagasta) by local taxi or hotel-arranged ride.
- Buy/confirm your ticket (ask for a lake-view window if possible). Keep small cash for the Tiquina passenger boat.
- Ride ~3.5–4.5 hours. At Estrecho de Tiquina, take the passenger launch (few minutes) while your bus uses the vehicle barge.
- Reboard the same bus on the opposite shore; continue along the lakeside to Copacabana terminal/center.
- From the terminal, walk or take a short taxi to your hotel or the waterfront for Isla del Sol boats.
Getting to the main embarking points (La Paz Bus Terminal → Copacabana)
- La Paz Terminal de Buses: Reach by taxi from central/Soho/Sopocachi areas; arrive 20–30 minutes early.
- Copacabana drop-off: Usually near the plaza/terminal; taxis and hotel porters are available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧭 Option #2 — Small-Group Day Tour (Guided, Easy Logistics)
Guided Hotel pickup Fixed timetable
- Overview: A comfortable minibus collects you in La Paz, handles Tiquina and town logistics, and often includes time on the Copacabana waterfront or an Isla del Sol boat (check inclusions).
- How to book (with price): ~US$25–65 per person depending on inclusions (lunch/boat/guide). Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide or browse Trip.com experiences.
- Pros: Zero hassle, local guide stories, optional Isla del Sol. Cons: Less free time; return same day unless you arrange 1-way drop.
Step-by-step: Small-Group Tour
- Choose a tour with the inclusions you want (Copacabana town walk, Isla del Sol boat, lunch).
- Be ready for hotel pickup at the stated time; keep a light daypack (layers, water, sunscreen).
- At Tiquina, follow your guide’s instructions for the short passenger launch crossing.
- Arrive in Copacabana; enjoy guided time or the optional boat to Isla del Sol if included.
- Return to La Paz by evening, or arrange to stay overnight and rejoin the group/vehicle another day (ask operator).
Getting to the main embarking points (City Hotel Pickup)
- Pickup area: Most tours include central La Paz hotels/hostels; otherwise they set a downtown meeting point.
- Copacabana waterfront: Boats to Isla del Sol leave from the main pier by the basilica plaza area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door)
Comfort Flexible timing Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your La Paz address/airport and drops you at your Copacabana hotel—stops for photos or snacks on request.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$90–180 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer (La Paz). For short in-city hops, use local taxis arranged by your hotel.
- Pros: No bus terminals; ideal with luggage or odd hours. Cons: Costs more than buses; bring small cash for Tiquina ferry and roadside stops.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request a quote with your pickup address, time, and passenger count on GetTransfer.
- Confirm what’s included (waiting time, extra stops) and share your hotel pin for Copacabana.
- Ride west toward Estrecho de Tiquina; you’ll do the quick passenger launch while your vehicle crosses on the barge.
- Continue along the lakeside to your accommodation; pay balance/tip as agreed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- La Paz pickup: Hotels/hostels/apartments or El Alto (LPB) airport.
- Copacabana drop: Any hotel or the lakeside pier area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Freedom to Explore)
Flexible Scenic Mountain roads
- Overview: Drive La Paz → Tiquina ferry → Copacabana on paved highways with beautiful altiplano and lake views. Carry cash for the car barge and watch for llamas and speed bumps near villages.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~US$40–75/day (manual/compact common). Compare airport/city pickups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Stop at viewpoints, Mirador de Tiquina, village markets. Cons: Altitude, occasional roadworks; night driving not advised.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in La Paz/El Alto (LPB); check spare tire, paperwork, and fuel.
- Set navigation to Estrecho de Tiquina then Copacabana; keep small cash for ferry/barge fees.
- Queue for the vehicle barge; passengers may be asked to take the separate passenger boat across.
- Continue along the lakeshore to Copacabana; arrange guarded parking if your hotel doesn’t offer a lot.
Getting to the main embarking points (City/Airport Rentals → Copacabana)
- Pickup: Downtown counters or LPB airport; confirm opening hours for returns.
- On arrival: Hotels near the basilica and waterfront are walkable to the pier for Isla del Sol boats.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (La Paz to Copacabana (Lake Titicaca))
How long does the trip take?
Typically 3.5–4.5 hours one way, including the brief Tiquina ferry crossing and occasional roadworks.
Do I need to book the Tiquina ferry in advance?
No. You pay a small cash fee at the pier—passengers for the launch, vehicles for the barge.
Is there luggage storage at the terminals?
Facilities are basic; consider using your hotel or a city service like Radical Storage La Paz before/after the trip.
Can I visit Isla del Sol the same day?
Yes, but it’s rushed. Better to overnight in Copacabana and take a morning boat to Isla del Sol then return the next day.
Is the road paved and safe?
Yes, it’s paved and widely used. Drive cautiously, especially near villages and on curves; avoid night driving if possible.