Sacred sites in Copacabana

Copacabana serves as a major spiritual center in the Bolivian Andes, centered around the 17th-century Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. This collection highlights the region's religious heritage, from the prominent Spanish colonial shrine housing the 'Dark Virgin' to smaller lakeside chapels and sacred sites on Isla del Sol. These locations reflect a blend of Catholic traditions and local history, positioned against the backdrop of Lake Titicaca.

Sacred Sites — Map

Ephraim George Squier / Public domain

A

Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana

The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana is a 17th-century Spanish colonial shrine that houses the image of the Virgen de Copacabana.

B

Roca Sagrada de los Orígenes

Sacred rock shrine on Isla del Sol traditionally associated with Andean origin myths.

C

Iglesia de Challapampa

Catholic church located in the lakeside village of Challapampa on the northern end of Isla del Sol.

D

San Antonio de Padua

Catholic church located in the traditional stone-built community of Sampaya.

E

Iglesia

Local Catholic church featuring the traditional stone architecture characteristic of the Sampaya region.

F

Capilla Virgen de la Natividad

Small Roman Catholic chapel situated along the road south of Copacabana.

G

Gruta de Lourdes (Gruta de Fatimá)

Religious grotto and shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fátima, overlooking Lake Titicaca.

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