Is Copacabana expensive to visit?
Copacabana is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Copacabana can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $22 ($b154) per day, mid-range travelers spend $54 ($b376) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $125 ($b871) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Copacabana.
Within South America, Copacabana is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cuenca or Tena.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Copacabana Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Copacabana?
The average Copacabana trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Copacabana travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Copacabana cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Copacabana on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Copacabana on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $22 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Copacabana, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $54 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $125 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Copacabana
The cost of hotels in Copacabana can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $43, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $80. Budget hotels range from $21 to $179, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Copacabana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $22 ($b152). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $11 ($b76) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Copacabana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Copacabana include:
- Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca starting at $99
- Hotel Lago Azul Copacabana starting at $44
- Hotel La Cupula starting at $48
- Hostal Piedra Andina starting at $40
- Hostal La Casa del Sol starting at $19
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Copacabana
In Copacabana, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $14 ($b95) per person, per day, on local transportation in Copacabana. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Copacabana is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
$b95
How much does it cost to go to Copacabana? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Copacabana will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Copacabana
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Copacabana can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Copacabana is $30 ($b206) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$30
$b206
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Copacabana is around $30 ($b206) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $65. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Copacabana are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Fish lovers are in for a treat with Copacabana serving up some of the freshest trucha in all of Bolivia. You will find plenty of great restaurants serving trout caught straight from the waters of Lake Titicaca, on the lakefront. You can enjoy a big piece of fish, rice, salad and a side of chips for around USD$4 in most of these restaurants. Many of the restaurants around town also feature trout on their menu but usually at a higher price. Most of the restaurants in Copacabana are catered towards tourists, so if fish is not your thing, you will also find plenty of international cuisine such as pizza, burgers, pastas with a couple of Bolivian dishes thrown in for good measure.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Listed below are typical food prices in Copacabana, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
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Lunch
$b25
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Sandwich
$b8.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Copacabana
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Copacabana typically cost an average of $19 ($b132) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
$b132
Copacabana's most famous attraction is a boat trip to the Isla del Sol, which has some of Bolivia's most breathtaking scenery. If you want to grasp the sheer magnitude of Lake Titicaca, take a boat trip to discover ancient Inca ruins scattered throughout the island. You will pass by Aymara villagers busy farming the land and tending to the sacred sites.
Visit Copacabana's famous sixteenth-century cathedral, the Basilica de Virgen de la Candelaria. It is impossible to miss this stark white building, home to one of the most precious objects in Bolivia. Locals believe that if the statue honoring Our Lady of Copacabana is taken outside, there is a real risk that Lake Titicaca will flood the town. While it has nothing similar to its Brazilian cousin, Copacabana's waterfront is still a great place to wander around on a warm day. As you walk along the esplanade, you will see two giant Inca statues at the end. You can also pedal along the lake using a rented swan boat or enjoy a cold beer at one of the nearby rooftop bars.
Head to the Museo del Poncho, a small yet welcoming museum dedicated to textiles and weavings throughout the Bolivian Andes. The exhibits are spread over two floors, labelled in English and Spanish and provide a fascinating look into the country's many varieties of poncho. A small shop is attached to the museum selling gorgeous ponchos made by local artisans. Opened from Monday to Saturday from 10h to 17h30 and Sunday from 10h30 to 16h, the museum entrance is USD$2 US. You can also hike to Yampupata, a pleasant, yet relatively unknown activity in Copacabana. The sleepy town of Yampupata is 20 km away from Copacabana, a 4 to 5 hour hike. Heading north out of town, follow the road along Lake Titicaca, passing a number of small villages, empty ruins and llamas along the way. The hike is a great way to observe how the local farmers and fishermen in the area live. If you do plan to do this hike and haven't quite adjusted to the altitude, make sure to take it slowly as Copacabana lies about 3800 meters (12,602 feet) above sea level. You can also hike to the Cerro Calvario, a short but steep walk, perfect to understand the layout of Copacabana and the surrounding region. The trail begins on the northern end of town near the red chapel at the end of Calle Destacamento 211 and climbs past the 14 Stations of the Cross. After a 35 minute hike to the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Lake Titicaca, made even more spectacular if you get there for sunset.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Copacabana. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full Day Tour of Sun Island in Copacabana from La Paz for $100 details
- Titicaca Touristic Bus from Copacabana to La Paz_Everyday_1:00 p.m. For $12 details
- From La Paz: Cable car ride tour with tasting food. For $49 details
Nightlife Budget in Copacabana
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $12 ($b81) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Copacabana per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
$b81
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Copacabana, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Copacabana on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.