PUNO TO LA PAZ

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23.5.2012

On the road by 8.00a.m. Very scenic drive mostly following the shores of Lake Titicaca as it shores are shared with Peru and Bolivia. Very pretty snow capped peaks, blue skys and quite warm but they all think it is very cold, no freeze so not cold for us. Hit the border about 11.00a.m. our Bolivian guide met us and we changed all our money etc before crossing the border. It is not a very common border where we are crossing at Desaguardero but it all went pretty well, one of the officers was on a power trip but apart from that all good. Elder did his own thing and met us in the van on the Bolivian side, they don't get on too well with Peru and don't really like the tour guides so he has to act like he isn't one otherwise has to pay big bribes. From there we set off still following Lake Titicaca for a while, then visited the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco which was very interesting and they are still digging up archeological sites here - very low key we were able to walk all over the place and not many tourists here, this dating back to 8th century AD. Then had lunch in a restaurant??!!, but all good, choice of trout, chicken, llama and many sides to choose from, also quinoa vege soup, bread and spicy dips $5 head - we were impressed as it didn't look great. A couple of hours from here to La Paz, very scenic pushing along the highlands with snow capped mountains all the way. So La Paz is a mental case as far as traffic is concerned, but a stunning view of it as we approached from the highlands (4,100 metres or 13,600' above sea level) down to La Paz in the valley below. Arrived at our Hotel named La Gloria for 2 nights with a big day of exploring tomorrow.

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