Introduction
The highlight of our stay in Copacabana, Bolivia, wasn’t just the breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca or the unforgettable visit to Isla del Sol or even the beautiful hike from Yampupata or the Uyuni Salt Flat; it was where we stayed. Nestled on a small hill overlooking the lake, Hotel y Restaurante La Cúpula is one of the most unique and charming places we’ve ever stayed.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Copacabana, this place truly stands out. Think: beautifully designed rooms, lush gardens dotted with hammocks, panoramic lake views, and even a few friendly llamas grazing around the property. It’s a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the busy streets below — yet it’s just a short walk to everything.
The hotel sits about 100 meters uphill from the town center; a short climb, but absolutely worth it for the view. From there, you’re within walking distance of the pier to Isla del Sol, the bus terminal, the cathedral, and the Copacabana viewpoint.
La Cúpula offers several room types — from singles and doubles to spacious suites — all at reasonable prices. In this review, we’ll share our experience staying in the suite with lake views, which made our time in Copacabana truly unforgettable.
And beyond the comfort and scenery, what makes La Cúpula Copacabana special is the people. Everyone we met — from the reception staff to the kind man who helped us light our fireplace — went out of their way to make us feel at home.
About the Place
Perched on a small hill overlooking Lake Titicaca, La Cúpula Copacabana is one of the oldest and most beloved hotels in town. The name “La Cúpula” means “the dome” in Spanish, a nod to the hotel’s whitewashed dome-shaped architecture inspired by Mediterranean and colonial styles. Scattered across a terraced garden filled with flowers, hammocks, and quirky sculptures, each building feels unique, with colorful details and views of the lake or the town below.
The hotel’s atmosphere is calm and cozy, perfect for travelers looking to unwind after exploring Copacabana or hiking Isla del Sol. Llamas roam freely in the garden, birds sing in the morning, and from almost anywhere on the property, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Titicaca — especially at sunset.
On-site, you’ll also find Restaurante La Cúpula, one of the most popular places to eat in Copacabana. It serves a mix of Bolivian and international cuisine, all prepared with fresh local ingredients. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, sipping a coffee or a glass of wine while watching the sky turn pink over the lake.
Everything about La Cúpula Hotel feels designed for comfort and peace — a small oasis above Copacabana that captures the essence of travel in Bolivia: slow, authentic, and full of charm.
There aren’t many rooms in La Cupula Hotel, so be sure to book it ASAP.
Type of Rooms
La Cúpula Copacabana offers a wide range of rooms — from cozy doubles to luxurious suites with jacuzzis- making it one of the most versatile and comfortable places to stay by Lake Titicaca. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there’s an option for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at what’s available:
- Economy Double Room – The simplest and most affordable option, perfect for budget travelers who still want comfort and access to the hotel’s garden and shared spaces.
- Superior Double Room – A cozy and bright room ideal for couples, featuring a comfortable double bed and a touch of local charm.
- Superior Suite – A larger, elegant suite with a full bed, lake and garden views, and extra space to relax.
- Deluxe Suite – A spacious suite with both a double and a single bed, making it great for couples or small families.
- Suite with Jacuzzi (for up to 3 adults) – One of the most unique rooms in La Cúpula Copacabana, this suite features a private jacuzzi and stunning views — perfect for a relaxing evening overlooking Lake Titicaca.
- Superior Family Room – Ideal for families or groups, offering two twin beds and one double bed, with plenty of room to unwind.
- Duplex Suite – A two-level suite that accommodates up to four guests, featuring two double beds and beautiful natural light.
- Deluxe Suite with Spa Bath – The top choice for travelers looking for a little luxury. With a king-size bed, private spa bath, and sweeping lake views, this suite combines comfort, privacy, and elegance.
Each room includes heating (a must at 3,800 meters of altitude), Wi-Fi, and access to the hotel’s gardens and terraces. Some suites also feature kitchenettes and fireplaces, making them extra cozy for chilly evenings.
Whether you’re after a romantic retreat or a comfortable base to explore Copacabana, La Cúpula has a room that fits every travel style.
Our Room – Superior Suite
Introduction
Our room at La Cúpula Copacabana felt more like a small apartment than a hotel room — spacious, bright, and beautifully designed. From the outside, it looked like a white dome-shaped hut, blending perfectly with the hotel’s unique Mediterranean-Andean style. Inside, the walls were all white, decorated with colorful stained-glass windows that let in warm, filtered light throughout the day.
What really stood out was the attention to detail. The room had a cozy sitting area with a rock-carved table, a large bed with thick blankets (perfect for Copacabana’s chilly nights), and a fireplace for extra warmth. Outside, there was a small terrace with two lounge chairs and hammocks — an amazing spot to relax, sip a coffee in the morning, or unwind with a beer after a long hike around Lake Titicaca.
Even though it was too cold to have breakfast or dinner outdoors during our stay, we still spent plenty of time out there just soaking in the view and the quiet atmosphere. The sunsets from our terrace were magical — golden light reflecting off the lake, the sound of birds in the garden, and the occasional llama wandering by.
It truly felt like a peaceful home away from home — the kind of place where you instantly feel you could stay much longer than planned.
The Kitchenette
Our room at La Cúpula Copacabana also came with its own little kitchen, which was a big plus. It was super well equipped — we honestly didn’t miss a thing except the groceries. There were two cooking plates, two sinks, and every tool and dish you could possibly need to prepare and enjoy a meal.
The hotel provides free basics like sugar, instant coffee, and tea, which was perfect for those slow mornings with a view over Lake Titicaca. Breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, but you can either cook your own in the room or have it at the hotel’s restaurant — both great options depending on how you feel that day.
If you prefer to make your own breakfast, you can easily grab supplies in town. Just head down the hill to the street parallel to the main one — you’ll find a supermarket, the central market, and a few local shops selling bread, fruit, and other essentials. It’s a short walk, and the way back up is the perfect excuse to stop and enjoy the lake views again.
There aren’t many rooms in La Cupula Hotel, so be sure to book it ASAP.
The Fireplace
The fireplace was honestly one of our favorite things about La Cúpula Copacabana. Whether you want to warm up after a chilly evening walk, enjoy a romantic dinner, or just sip a glass of wine by the fire, this little detail makes the stay extra special.
Each room comes with everything you need — wood, paper, and matches — so you can light it yourself and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Well… easier said than done! The first two nights, we managed to get it going, but after ten minutes the fire was out again. We had no idea what we were doing wrong.
Eventually, we went down to the reception for help, and a kind staff member came to show us the “secret technique.” The trick? Don’t pile all the wood in the middle. Instead, arrange it in a circle with the center empty and fill that space with plenty of paper. That way, the fire gets enough air and keeps burning beautifully.
If you run out of paper (or papel, as they say here), just ask at the reception — they’ll happily give you more. Once you figure it out, it’s pure magic: the crackling fire, the warm light, and the view of Lake Titicaca through your window.
The Rest of the Room
Overall, our room at La Cúpula Copacabana was really well equipped and comfortable. We had fresh, clean towels every day, a big cozy bed, and a shower with great pressure — the kind that can go from warm to “burning lava” if you’re not careful. Even soap was provided, which is always a nice touch when you’re traveling light.
For those who feel the chill (Copacabana nights can get quite cold!), there’s also an electric heater in the room — perfect if the fireplace isn’t enough or you don’t feel like lighting it every night.
If we had to mention one downside, it would be that after three nights, the floor was getting pretty dusty, and it didn’t seem like it had been cleaned during our stay. Nothing major, but worth noting if you’re staying for a few days.
Aside from that, everything felt cared for and thoughtfully arranged — a perfect mix of rustic charm and comfort.
Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.
Outside area
Just outside our room at La Cúpula Copacabana, we had our own little outdoor space — simple but perfect. There were two beach chairs and a hammock, all set up on a small terrace overlooking Lake Titicaca.
It was the ideal spot to relax after a long day of exploring Copacabana or hiking to Isla del Sol. In the morning, we’d sit there with coffee, soaking in the lake views, and in the evening, it was the perfect place to unwind with a beer as the sun went down.
Even when it got a bit chilly, it was too beautiful not to spend a few minutes outside.
There aren’t many rooms in La Cupula Hotel, so be sure to book it ASAP.
The Garden
If you’re still unsure about La Cúpula Copacabana, the garden will convince you. This place just keeps getting better.
The garden is honestly one of the highlights — full of colorful flowers, hammocks, lounge chairs, and tables, all overlooking Lake Titicaca. It’s the perfect spot to chill, read, or meet other travelers. Whether you want to socialize or just relax in peace, the vibe here makes it easy to do both.
And then there are the llamas — yes, actual llamas wandering around the garden! There were three or four of them during our stay, and they were the sweetest. If you want to make friends fast, just ask at the reception for some llama food, and you’ll instantly become their favorite guest.
It’s hard not to fall in love with this place — between the view, the peace, and the llamas, it’s just legendary.
Shared and common area
Since La Cúpula Copacabana also has shared rooms, there are plenty of common areas for everyone to use. There’s a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a shared toilet, and of course, the beautiful garden overlooking Lake Titicaca. You can hang out there as much as you like — it’s the perfect space to relax, cook a meal, or chat with other travelers.
One thing we really appreciated was that even after check-out, you’re welcome to stay around. You can leave your bags at the reception and keep enjoying the garden or common areas while waiting for your bus. It makes traveling through Copacabana so much easier — no rush, no stress, just time to relax until you’re ready to go.
Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.
The Restaurant
We had originally planned to go out for dinner by the beach — we’d read so many great reviews about the local restaurants and their famous grilled trout. But, as it often happens when you’re cozy and tired, we got lazy every evening and ended up eating at La Cúpula’s restaurant instead. And honestly, it turned out to be the best decision.
The food was always delicious — well-cooked, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. You’ll often see travelers coming here even if they’re not staying at the hotel, which says a lot about the quality. The service was quick and friendly every time, and we never had a bad meal.
One little tip — tipping isn’t included in the bill here (and that confused us at first). We were never quite sure how much to leave, but around 10% felt fair and appreciated.
It’s safe to say La Cúpula’s restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Copacabana, and you might end up doing the same as we did — planning to try other places but coming back here every night.
There aren’t many rooms in La Cupula Hotel, so be sure to book it ASAP.
About the authors
We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.
We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.
Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.
We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.
You may also like those related posts
17 Best things to do in Pärnu, Estonia, in 2 days or more
13 Best things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 4 days
3-Week Chile Itinerary: From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia
Hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Imlil to Ouarzazate: Epic Road Trip through Ksars
11 best things to do in Capilla del Monte, Argentina, in 3 days
French Riviera: How to See the Best in Just 1 Week
7 Pros to Last Minute Travel
Pssst, did you know that…
If you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win! And one day we may get to be full-time travel bloggers =)
Find Hotels with Booking.com
Do Yoga with KVY
Buy us a Coffee
Rent a car with DiscoverCars
Find Attractions with GetYourGuide
Find Flights with Expedia
Buy an eSIM with Airalo
Get insured with World Nomads
Get ready with Amazon.com