Lake Titicaca!

Trip Start Sep 20, 2009

Trip End Dec 21, 2009

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Lake Titicaca

(Puno hotels)

Flag of Peru Puno, Puno, Peru
Friday, November 20, 2009

No rest for the wicked - after a days recovery in Cusco, Lols, Mills and Beth jumped on a bus and headed for Puno on Lake Titicaca. Winding our way past sheep, alpacas and farmland we finally made it in 'Bolivian' time (i.e. 5 hour journey took 8). Titicaca (love the name!) sits 3,812m above sea level and is one of the highest commercially navigable lakes in the world. By volume of water it is the largest lake in South America. Wowzas. According to legend, |ncas believe that when they die their souls enter the lake - no swimming then! After a crazy tuk tuk-esque ride from the station we splashed out on a hotel in Puno (approx $7 each!) and had a lovely meal that evening folowed by DVD in bed with takeway pudding! Perfect.

Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit the Uros - a group of 42 or so artificial islands made of floating reeds - but hoppped on another bus straight to Copacobana, on the Bolivian side of the lake

Bolivia!

. Another border crossing successfully completed and we headed on a boat to Isla del Sol (sun island), with Justin 'the bear', an American guy we had met in Cusco and randomly bumped into, in tow. In the religion of the Incas, it is believed that the sun god was born on the island. Isla de la Luna (moon island) is to the east. The 2 hour boat trip across the lake was incredible - amazingly calm deep blue water, mountainous land on all sides and white glaciers looming in the distance. We all agreed it is one of the most beautiful places we have even seen.

Upon arrival to the island our spirits were dampened a little by the sight of the enormous hill we had to climb to get to the accomodation. All too soon it felt like we were back on the Inca trail! We made it (mainly because Justin carried most of the bags!) and although our room left alot to be desired our one night on the island was well worth it for the views alone. As we had supper a thunder and hail storm lit up the horizon creating a spectacular firework show - pretty cool. We were sad to leave so soon but La Paz was calling, and Beth's flight back to the UK couldn't be missed, although this was discussed!