← La Paz Marathon·2 nights

Copacabana and Lake Titicaca: Two Nights on the Water

Two nights on the shore of Lake Titicaca after the race, with flat walks at the water's edge and a day left for the island if your legs allow it.

Duration2 nights
TransitRoad transfer from La Paz; the road crosses the Strait of Tiquina by water
DepartsLa Paz

After the La Paz Marathon: Copacabana and Lake Titicaca

The Route: La Paz → Copacabana (2 nights) → La Paz → Airport Logistics: A road transfer from La Paz to Copacabana. The road crosses the Strait of Tiquina by water, so allow for a crossing. Book a seat or a driver for a day you have checked, and keep the return flexible. Marathon Month: March Duration: 2 nights

La Paz ──(road transfer, Strait of Tiquina crossing)──> Copacabana (2 nights)
   ▲                                                          │
   └──────────────────(road transfer back)───────────────────┘
La Paz hotel ──(transfer)──> Airport (LPB)

Copacabana is the lakeside town on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca, and it is a quieter place to spend two nights than La Paz. The lake sits a little higher than the city, so the altitude plan you made for the race still applies.

March in Copacabana is part of the wet season. Rain and cloud come and go, and the El Alto weather station above La Paz averages about 82 mm in the month. The days can be changeable. Do not plan around a clear sky.

Getting there

Check the current bus or driver options before you book, since services and times change. The road leaves La Paz and crosses the Strait of Tiquina, where vehicles and passengers cross the water. Allow most of a morning and leave the afternoon free. Do not book a tight onward connection.

Nights one and two: Copacabana

The shoreline is the easiest recovery walk. The lake edge is flat, and benches and cafés are close, so walk for twenty minutes and sit. Take it slowly, since you are above 3,800 m, higher than the city you ran in.

A day on the island is the main excursion. Island excursions leave from the shore, and the island has steps and paths, which are the hard part three days after a marathon. Ask the operator how many steps there are, and consider the shorter circuit.

The Rosario hotel group has a lakefront property in Copacabana, and its site lists island excursions. Ask the hotel about luggage storage and a late checkout. For a second option, choose a hotel near the waterfront and read the current reviews.

Where to eat

Ask your hotel for a lakeside place that serves the local trout, and ring ahead for hours.

Getting home

Return to La Paz by road, with a generous buffer if you fly the same day. The airport for La Paz is El Alto International Airport (LPB), a separate city above La Paz. Roadblocks and protests have disrupted routes in recent months, so check the FCDO's current advice for Bolivia and keep your return flexible.