Lago Titicaca y Isla del Sol

In Copacabana, I met up with Ellie again and we set off for two excellent days trekking on the beautiful islands of Lake Titicaca. Here the local people have a laidback farming lifestyle and I doubt much has changed here for centuries. The first days trek took us out along the main island to Sicuani from where we hired a motor boat to take us across to the Island of the Sun and the village of Yumani. As the sun set on another day, some local children met us walking up the hill and tried to tempt us to stay at their hostel. Unfortunately for them, there were other hostels with better views.

The next day, after a fine sunrise, we set off along the ridge with great views towards the coastline on either side. Isla del Sol, has a lovely Mediterranean feel, with deep blue water and sandy beaches, yet is 3800m high on the altiplano. According to Incan legend, this picturesque island was birthplace of the first Inca and the sun itself. Traces of Inca culture remain, most notably, the fine stonework of the Chincana ruins at the northernmost tip of the island. The walk back along the coastline through the pretty fishing villages of Cha´llampa and Cha´lla, turned into a bit of a race against time to catch the 4pm ferry. Luckily I made it with a bit to spare leaving Ellie behind to stay another night on the island. As the boat left the harbour, there were fantastic views out past Isla del la Luna with the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. Back in Copacabana, I checked into the hostel right on the beach (its not Rio but I was not complaining) and watched the sun set over the harbour. A perfect end to my stay in Bolivia I thought, but it was not quite to be.