Moving to Isla del Sol

Today, after a night spent trying to regulate my heartbeat, we moved on to the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. Rob took the walking option while I took a taxi (for unpleasant reasons, I needed to be near a bathroom).

The taxi followed a dirt track along the shoreside of Titicaca, all I could see were reed beds, some ducks and various birdlife. No other vehicles, the most high powered being laden donkeys, herded by old ladies. After an hour, I arrived at the rendevous point for meeting the others. It was an extremely basic hostel although the ladies were very friendly. The toilets were, shall we say, an al fresco affair? No door and they backed onto neighbouring proprties. I just hoped no one were looking out their windows! A dirty cat kept me company along with my coca cola.

After the rendevous, we all walked on to the ferry point at Yampupata. Here, we boarded boats for the Island of the Sun. Had the option of being inside or outside. I chose the outside, upper deck. Our first destination was the Island of the Moon, sister Island to the Isla del Sol. On the Isla de Luna, there´s the remains of an Inca sort of Convent for Virgins, who were sent from all over South America, I guess for marriage training to artistocractic men who chose their wife at certain times of the year. The actual marriage would take place on the Isla del Sol. We had a look at the place, it´s mainly ruins now but still had all the basics of Inca religious buildings - facing the Sun, three doors, several small rooms with alters for offerings etc. The whole time, we were accompanied by ladies selling trinkets such as necklaces, pieces of rock and images of Mother Earth.

After a brief chat from Pablo, our guide, we moved on to the Isla del Sol. This time, I went inside the cabin for warmth! A good 45mins later, we arrived at the Isla del Sol. At the foot of 1000 Inca Steps. 1000. Steps. Steps of all sizes, depth and condition. Narrow steps. Reaching the top would bring the reward of a room for 2 nights and a local cerveza.

Got knackered pretty quickly on the steps and began to wish I had taken the time to bathe in the Water of Eternal Youth at the base of the steps. Certainly didn´t feel young and healthy! So took the steps very slowly along with a few others in the group. Keeping a wary eye on us unfit souls was our tour guide, Chrystel. Rob bounced up the stairs while I wheezed my way up, hoping for a cold beer.

A very long 50 minutes later, the steps finally levelled out and we walked along the plateau to our accommodation, which was, helpfully, on the highest point of the Island. Luckily, we arrived in time to see the sun set over the Lake, which was a magnificent sight. Made climbing up the Inca way all worthwhile. I also really enjoyed the Cerveza!

That night, there was a spectacular storm. I know you´ll be impressed to hear that a clap of thunder woke me up! It was that loud...

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