A small town sat looking over Lake Titicaca, Copacabana isn't just a pleasant place in its self but the gateway to the mystical islands on the lake. This isn't the Copacabana where Lola, the showgirl, ran amok with a pistol.

Facilities
Basic and cheap accommodation is easy to find but it can be worth treating yourself to something more upmarket with a great view of the lake for a few dollars more. The town is well stocked with i-net places, bars and restaurants with cheap, filling set menus.

Getting around
Have a word with Shanks about a pony.

Things to do
Stare at the lake, walk along the shore or take a trip on the lake but don't swim in it. It's cold up in them mountains. Boat trips and a hike across Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the first Inca king, or Taquile are popular. Blessings of trucks take place at the attractive colonial cathedral.

Expats and locals
The Quechua and Aymara Bolivians are a friendly lot when they're not blockading the roads. Copacabana is a popular holiday destination for Peruvian families crossing the border in 4x4s. Most of the long stay travellers are hippy types.

Cost of living
Cheap and cheerful.

Any chance of working?
Some work teaching English may be available but nearby La Paz is a much better bet. A lot of the tourist places have flyers at the Cusco clubhouse of South American Explorers; we earned a free lunch from a hotelier for trafficking some business cards there. The hippies sell bangles and boubles by the road.

Stay a while?
A good place for a relaxing holiday from travelling.