For the best sunset in the La Paz area, make the drive toCerro Calvario. Rising up from a peninsula in the middle of Lake Titicaca, thisscenic hill provides views across the vast lake into Peru. Photograph the widepanorama, hike the trails around the Cerro Calvario summit and experience thelake’s spiritual reputation at the hilltop monument.
Start on the hillside path located to the northwest ofCopacabana. Food vendors line the trail, so you can enjoy a fast-food lunch ofregional cuisine as you hike. Notice the crosses dotting the trail, whichcommemorate the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross). Another way to reach thesummit can be found along the lakeshore to the west of Cerro Calvario, where asteep trail leads up the hillside.
The summit of Cerro Calvario stands 4,000 metres (13,123feet) above sea level. Once you reach the top, look out over Lake Titicaca,which spreads out as far as the eye can see. To the northwest, find the Isladel Sol situated just off the peninsula. Wait for dusk to see the sun vanishbehind the waters of South America’s largest lake.
Arrive on Good Friday to see a procession of pilgrimsrunning from the Catedral de la Virgin de Candelaria in Copacabana to thereligious monuments at the top of Cerro Calvario. Tour the hilltop to see thedevotees make offerings before the crosses. Many pilgrims arrive during Augustas well to burn llama foetuses or spray beer as an offering to Pachamama(Mother Earth), a goddess of the Andes. Arrive on other holy days to see areaspiritual leaders perform fortune-telling rituals on the Cerro Calvario summit.Watch them drop pieces of lead into boiling water and burn incense on thehilltop.
The hike from Copacabana’s Iglesia de Colquepata (Church ofColquepata) to the top of Cerro Calvario will take about 30 minutes. Bringhiking shoes, since the hillside path is rocky, and take a torch if you will behiking down after sunset. After dark, stay near crowds, since thieves are knownto loiter around Copacabana.
