Getting to Isla del Sol from Copacabana is easy when you know where to grab your tickets. We'll guide you step-by-step to help you avoid the pitfalls and make the most of the crossing.
How do you get to Isla del Sol from Copacabana?
How do you get to Isla del Sol from Copacabana? It couldn't be easier! We'll explain everything in this quick practical guide.
Ticket office
First things first, keep your wits about you when you arrive in Copacabana. Dozens of people, agencies, and street vendors will approach you to sell tickets to the island, but be careful, these tickets are often much more expensive! Since the official ticket office is actually down at the port, at the end of the main avenue, you will inevitably have to walk past lots of agencies that will take advantage of their location to grab your attention.
Buying your tickets
Once you reach the ticket office, you can buy tickets (between 20 and 50 bolivianos per person for a one-way trip depending on the season) for the same day or the next day at the latest. It's not possible to buy tickets several days in advance (in fact, if the weather turns bad, you wouldn't be able to board the boat, exchange your ticket, or get a refund, so it's best not to book too far ahead to make sure you can actually set off).
Sometimes, tickets for the following day only go on sale in the evening. Don't be surprised if they tell you to come back later—this is completely normal and actually shows they are reliable (unlike some agencies that will sell you tickets anytime, no matter what).
You'll have the choice between a same-day round trip or a one-way ticket. If you want a flexible return date, you can buy your return ticket directly on the island (for the same reasons mentioned above, it's not possible to buy a ticket in advance).
Departure times
Just a heads-up: depending on the time of year, the timetable does change, but it usually works like this: 2 departures in the morning and 1 to 2 departures in the afternoon.
The crossing
That's it, you've got your tickets in hand, and you're about to board! The crossing will take 1h20 to 1h40. If you get the chance, we highly recommend grabbing a seat on the top decku2014it's so lovely, and the water and views are just beautiful.
Once you dock at the port of Isla del Sol, you'll be asked to pay a small tax of 15 bolivianos.
And there you go! All that's left to do is climb the legendary Inca stairs and soak in the magic of the beautiful Isla del Sol.
