Las Olas Copacabana

So we left La Paz early in the morning and took a bus ride to Copacobana on Lake Titicaca (hehe, that ones for you Tricia!). Its a cute little town, with lots of traditionally-dressed locals and its knows throughout Latin America for its Cathedral (Sanctuary) church. People drive from all over to get their cars blessed. Yes, cars blessed. So we happened to see some people drive up in their cars and dress them out in flowers ...

... in a small labyrinth of inca ruins. It is the temple of the Puma, we are told, named Chincana. Here is the sacred Titi Khar'ka, meaning "rock of the celestial Puma", featured in the legends of inca creation. And it gave the lake its name. Not nearly as munch ruins as in Machu Pichu, but this site is extremely important to Incas and this small site is actually very interesting.<br>After a short talk, the guide suddenly says ...

I arrived to the fronter on time. It was actually very fast and easy. On the peruvian side 2 stamps, seriously done. On the bolivian side 1 stamps and 1 form to fill, given without any control. What actually starteled me is that, unlike what everybody - including Lonely Planet - told me, the cops didn't ask me to pay any illegal fee. I was prepared to see them abuse their power and ask me to pay them to do their jobs, but no ! I was like "so, that's it ?" :P.<br>1st thing I notice on ...

... most people ended up being sunburnt whilst freezing cold even in fleeses. The view though was amazing and worth it.. The lake is seriously massive and you can quickly forget your on a lake and not at sea as quite often in more than one direction you cannot see land. <br><br><br>On arriving there is a massive climb up steps cut into the hill side to where the hostels are. Not that fun normally but then carry your rucksac and at a heady alitidue of 3,812 m (12,500 ft). It ...

... with its hippy vibe!<br><br>After a chilled first day the following day we decide to hire some kayaks and head out on to the lake. The lake is beautiful....so blue with mountains in the backround and such clear water. So off the four of us paddle out around the headland with not a cloud in sight. We make it around the headland and stop for a break, wishing we had taken a few beers we settle for some water and stone throwing competitions, which the guys clearly lost ...

... seat and moved between the 2, which were the best spots. However, the boat was full but that didnt concern them. <br><br>Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad (cold and rainy) in Sillustani but the visit to the native farmers was a great experience. They live in a very rough area with high winds, not much vegetation and very cold climate. Some houses have no glass windows (just holes) and ...

It´s hard to remember back at what we´ve done. We´ve been without Internet and ATMs for awhile now. After spending almost an entire month in the Huaraz region we skipped town after our last trek and caught the crazy night bus back to Lima. The drivers here definitely speed up around precarious corners, hit as many potholes as possible, and drive like maniacs in the pitch black of night. We arrived in Lima early and spent a day or two ...

Could someone not have mentioned at any time before hand that there are no cash machines in Copacobana that can be used by foreigners?<br><br>At least the currency traders will take any kind of hard currency from you, but they offer you pretty poor rates. So go to an ATM in Peru before crossing the border.<br><br><br>

... wearing KKK-styled uniforms (point-y, hooded hats included) except they were deep red in color. The platform was covered in flowers and everyone in the crowd dutifully crossed themselves many times or even genuflected each time they caught a glimpse. Following the "coffin" was a full military band, followed by half of the Bolivian armed forces and finally huge numbers of regular folks. This was repeated at least three more times (maybe ...