The Last of the inca Ruins

After a six hour bus journey from La Paz just before the Peruvian border is Lake Titicaca (The Lake also extends into Peru). This is yet another contrast to Bolivia. According to ancient legend the sun was born here and the Inca’s believe there first emperor rose from the rock of Titicaca (The Rock of Puma). Llamas were slaughtered in ceremonies in front of the sacred rock where they were cut at the breast and their blood offered to the gods.

At over 230km long and 97km wide the Lake is at 3820m above sea level and is one of the world’s highest lakes.

We visited the Isla Del Sol (island of the sun) which is on the lake; there is also Ísla Del Luna (island of the moon) where apparently they housed the virgins of the sun.

We spent the whole day visiting the last of the Inca ruins and the sacred rock while taking the 3 hour trek across the island. It was only a day after we climbed Huayna Potosi our bodies were still in shock but the tranquillity and beauty of the island made it one of my highlights of Bolivia. Apparently you see some amazing sun sets/rises from here but as we are in rainy season we saw a spectacular storm instead…….A bit scary actually but very cool.

Our 10 year old guide kept speeding ahead over the hills but he was an expert at this and was just interested in his 20 Boliviano fee (approx US$ 2.50)

There were 3 rules of the Incas to

1) Not be Lazy
2) Not Lie
3) Not steal.

Obviously these rules are not adhered to as everybody gets robbed in Peru where the Incas originated!

This was an island which was very traditional with donkeys, pigs and chickens roaming free while families nurtured the land……then all you heard were the Nokia tune. Priceless!

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