Advertisement
Published: October 15th 2009
Edit Blog Post
Week 13 - Titicaca lake, Puno, Copacabana and La Paz
Puno
Today we drive about 7 hours (440km) to reach Puno.
In the afernoon we visit the Sillustani ruins and museum with a local guide, to explore these amazing pre-Incan Sillustani funeral towers.
Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in south east Peru, Puno is known as the "Capital folkl�rica del Per�" (folkloric capital of Peru) as result of the wealth of artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance, that originate here.
Copacabana
This morning we take a boat trip around the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3,820m (12,562ft) above sea level. From the shoreline, the water stretches out almost as far as the eye can see, its expanses just waiting to be explored. Lake Titicaca has within it the unique community of the Uros floating islands. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from the rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are
added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.
In the afternoon we drive to Copacabana, crossing the Bolivian border just before we reach our destination (200km, approx 3 hours).
Copacabana is a picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca with an amazing Moorish style Cathedral. This is a great place to people watch especially if you are there over a weekend or on one of the many festivals.
On Sundays the town fills with the faithful believers who walk up Cerro Calvario (the hill guarding the town) to make their dreams come true. At the top of the hill numerous stalls sell all manner of miniature material goods from cars and buses through to houses and graduation certificates. The selected items are taken to a small alter blessed, decorated with flowers and petals, incense is burnt and finally beer is sprayed over the whole ensemble. A fascinating insight into local beliefs, as is the blessing of the vehicles in front of the Cathedral.
For sunset there is no better place than one of the local fish restaurants on
the shoreline perhaps followed by a game of table football and then a visit to one of the many bars featuring live bands - many from Argentina.
From here we take a boat trip to Isla del Sol where we spend a day exploring this historic island, known as the birthplace of the Inca civilisation. There is a host of ancient ruins, tiny traditional villages and beautiful walking routes. Visitors can wander through the ruins, explore its dry slopes covered with sweet smelling incense brush, or hike over the ancient pampas which are still cultivated by the island families. The island also has a wealth of religious history as the island has been identified as the birthplace of several revered entities, including the Sun itself. Modern day Aymara and Quechua peoples of Bolivia and Peru accept the legend as their creation story.
La Paz
Driving for around 4 hours (159km) we reach La Paz.
At around 3,600m (12,000ft) La Paz feels like the top of the world. It's not far from it and vies with Tibet for title of highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is
the centre of commerce, finance and industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional.
La Ciudad de Nuestra Senora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is a great place to discover on foot. Wander through spacious plazas, visit the beautiful San Francisco Cathedral or take a look at the Coca Museum for an insight into the plant that has become an essential part of life in the Andes. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse through the weird and wonderful stalls which sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs, seeds and unidentified bits and pieces to cure any ailment. There is also a Carnaval market selling colourful carnival costumes. If vibrant ponchos, gloves and hats are your thing there are many shops selling mostly alpaca wool products and leather goods.
While in La Paz why not take a trip to Moon Valley, set in a low area of the canyon where the wealthy pacena society lives, and filled with amazing different geographical formations. We
may also visit the Tihuanacu archaeological site where the Incas learned about building systems and agricultural practices.
If you are VERY adventurous, you could try downhill mountain biking on extreme winding roads from an elevation of 4,000m down to 2,500m. This is definately not for the novice!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.063s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 11; qc: 31; dbt: 0.0256s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb