Another early start, although our Cruz del Sur bus is, horror of horrors, late leaving Arequipa. We largely retrace our steps of yesterday across the beautiful golden brown altiplano (beautiful that is aside from all the damned litter – come on guys, clean it up!). We've come to expect good food and good movies aboard Cruz del Sur buses (even in second class) and we aren't disappointed, but the … [Read more...]
Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Day 41
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Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca at an elevation of 12,500 feet. A short boat ride from town are the Uros Islands. Originally inhabited by the Uros people, this indigenous group has now interbred heavily with the Aymara (both of which were contemporaries of the Inca). The islands themselves are man-made, using totora reeds which grow abundantly around the lake. The islands actually … [Read more...]
Copacabana and Lake Titicaca, Day 42
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It's a new country (Bolivia) and a new town (Copacabana) today... The 2-hour drive beside the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Titicaca to the Peruvian border town of Yunguyo is simply stunning. And much like at the Ecuador-Peru border there is a huge market is in full swing. Before we can even find Peruvian customs and immigration, we have to negotiate this crazy market: people, animals, carts, … [Read more...]
Our Lady of Copacabana, Day 43
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Our Lady of Copacabana is the patron saint of Bolivia... Paradise was actually a bit chilly and a bit loud last night. We could have done with one of those hairless dogs from Trujillo, but at least we had the modern equivalent: a hot water bottle. Christi is excited to have access to a kitchen today and prepares eggs, sunny-side up, for breakfast. Afterwards we explore the center of town … [Read more...]
Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Day 44
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According to Inca mythology, Isla del Sol is the birthplace of Manco Capac (son of Viracocha, the creator god) and the first Inca. It is believed that Manco Capac spontaneously emerged from a prominent crag in a large sandstone outcrop in the northern end of the island known as Titikala (the Sacred Rock). It is possible to explore Isla del Sol and the Inca ruins in one long day from … [Read more...]
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