Cathedral

Top choice in Lake Titicaca


The sparkling white mudéjar (Moorish–style) cathedral, with its domes and colorful azulejos (blue Portuguese-style ceramic tiles), dominates the town. Check the noticeboard in front of the entrance for the mass schedule.

The cathedral’s black Virgen de Candelaria statue, Camarín de la Virgen de Candelaria, carved by Inca Emperor Tupac-Yupanqui’s grandson, Francisco Yupanqui, is encased above the altar upstairs in the camarín (shrine); visiting hours can be unreliable.

The statue is never moved from the cathedral, as superstition suggests that its disturbance would precipitate a devastating flood of Lake Titicaca. Museo de la Catedral contains some interesting religious art.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Titicaca attractions

1. Museo de la Catedral

0.05 MILES

Copacabana's cathedral is a repository for both European and local religious art and Museo de la Catedral contains some interesting articles and offerings…

2. Museo Pacha Uta

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A small museum by the tourist info center that's dedicated to the natural and human history of the lake.

3. Intikala

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North of the cemetery on the southeastern outskirts of town is this neglected site of artificially sculpted boulders. Its original purpose is unknown, but…

4. Horca del Inca

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This hillside gate (named 'the Incan Gallows' by the Spaniards) is a fascinating pre-Incan astronomical observatory, surrounded by pierced rocks that…

6. Museo del Poncho

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A visit to Museo del Poncho will help you unravel the mysteries of the regional textiles. The exhibits, spread over two floors, give a clear insight into…

7. Copacabana Beach

0.36 MILES

While Bolivia’s only public beach can’t hold a candle to its better-known counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, on weekends the festive atmosphere is a magnet…

8. Cerro Calvario

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The summit can be reached in half an hour and is well worth the climb, especially for a view of the sunset. The trail begins near the church at the end of…

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