sdtravels

We are planning on visiting La Paz in September of 2015 for 4 nights. Our main interests are ancient sites such as Tiwanaku and also Lake Titicaca and Copacabana. Is it advisable to rent a car and drive to these locations? Are the roads maintained? Are the locations easy to find? We are fairly adventurous and don't really like tours. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

mlgb

Your biggest problem will be getting OUT of La Paz.

If you don't like tours it is easy to catch a bus to L. Titicaca and Copacabana.

Not sure about alternatives for Tiwanaku.

mlgb

It would probably be easier to rent from the airport.

But in no way am I endorsing the concept. I just have a feeling that your mind is already made up.

sdtravels

Lol. No I haven't made up my mind. Thanks for helping me with all my SA questions. You seem to be well traveled. I'll have to do more research on this one. Viator has a good 2 day trip to Copa but pricey.

mlgb

To see the reed islands on the Peruvian side, it is easy and inexpensive from Puno. All Ways is one of the better agencies and not expensive.

Copacabana can be a DIY experience from La Paz. Tiwanaku is probably a tour item, and probably from La Paz.

I have recommended Kanoo Tours in La Paz previously although I didn't actually use them. Their website is good and they also have a physical office which I popped into. When I asked for a quote on an airfare they did not jack it up outrageously.

They have some options to Copacabana here. and be sure to check cindyjo's trip report.

http://www.kanootours.com/ws/index.php/transport.html

crellston

You don't need a tour or to rent a ad to get to copacabana. It is really easy by bus from the main bus station in LP. Takes around 5 hours including a ferry ride accross a small section of the lake. One of the most spectacular bus journeys I hav ever taken. I endorse mlgb's comments re car rental - it took us over an hour just to get through El Alto into La Paz. We used Panamericano bus company and were pleased with the service.