Copacabana And Isla Del Sol

Copacabana and Isla del Sol Tour from Puno (Whole Day). Rated 4.8 across 30 reviews. Runs 12 hours. From $130.

Overview

This full-day trip from Puno crosses into Bolivia to visit Copacabana and Isla del Sol, two of the country's most important attractions. The day runs roughly from 7am until about 8:30pm back in Puno, so it is a long outing, around 12 hours door to door. Hotel pickup is included, along with the bus rides between Puno and Copacabana, a shared motor boat out to the island, lunch, the island entrance, and a private guide while in Copacabana and on Isla del Sol.

The shape of the day matters here. Reviewers describe the island and lake views as the highlight of the day. One reviewer who booked this tour said visiting the island would not have been possible without it, given the bus rides, the border offices, the boat tour, luggage storage and lunch.

It suits people already based in Puno who want a taste of Bolivia without rearranging their whole itinerary. The listing notes it is also possible to continue onward to La Paz rather than return to Puno. Some nationalities need a visa for Bolivia, and the operator suggests checking this before booking. The group is capped at 20 travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from the hotel is included, as detailed at booking. The tour departs Puno around 7am.
2. Bus to CopacabanaThe bus runs from Puno to Copacabana, crossing the border with a stop at immigration. The listing notes some nationalities need a visa to enter Bolivia.
3. Copacabana visitAbout 45 minutes in town, including the church of the Virgin of Copacabana. Admission is free.
4. Boat to Isla del SolA shared motor boat carries the group out onto the lake to the island.
5. Isla del SolAround 4 hours on the island, with entrance included. Reviewers mention lots of steps and strong views over the lake and mountains.
6. LunchLunch is included in the tour price.
7. Return to PunoThe bus returns to Puno, with arrival around 8:30pm, followed by transfer back to the hotel. Continuing onward to La Paz is an option instead of returning.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make or break this day, based on the listing and on what travellers report back.

• Long travel days. This is a 12-hour day with two bus rides and two border offices. One reviewer counted over 9 hours of travelling alone. Bring something to pass the time on the bus and do not plan anything else for the evening.
• Steps and stamina. Reviewers warn there are lots of steps on Isla del Sol. Reasonable mobility is needed for the walking portions of the island.
• Border paperwork. Some nationalities need a visa to enter Bolivia, and the listing advises checking this before booking. One reviewer had visa difficulties at the border that the guide helped resolve, so flag any concerns to the operator in advance.
• Luggage and lunch. A reviewer noted that travellers need somewhere to store suitcases and to arrange lunch, and that the guide handled both on this tour. Lunch is included in the price.
• Group size. The tour has a maximum of 20 travellers. The guide is private to the group in Copacabana and on the island, though the boat is shared.
• Camera and views. Several reviewers single out the lake and mountain views from the boat and the island as the best part of the day. Pack accordingly for photos, since the island portion lasts around 4 hours.

Common issues. The honest downside is travel time: with two bus rides, two border offices and a 4-hour boat segment, most of the day is spent in transit, and one reviewer felt Copacabana itself was brief and simple. One reviewer reported being missed by the hotel pickup and by a return bus, and needed a guide's help to flag down a taxi, so keep the operator's contact details handy. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Tips and anything not listed are extra.

Before You Book A Tour