Puno

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Another 600 metres or so higher than Cusco, altitude sickness again dogs Lesia but to a lesser extent. Top front seats in the bus afforded great views of the Andes country side and Lake Titicaca on arrival to Puno.

Our fast boat tour of the lake and Uros floating reed islands was good; very touristy but good. The native people there reminded us strongly of the Hammong (mountain people of North Vietnam around Sapa. I found the history and construction of the floating reed islands fascinating.

A trek across one of the Islands (yes there were lots of steps) and a locally prepared lunch also featured to round out the tour out.

A 9.30pm overnight sleeper bus return to Cusco completed a very long day. A life saver was our Puno Hotel lodging who allowed us the use of our room until this time; now that´s what I call a late check out.

4.30am arrival in Cusco also presented a slight problem- we hold up at the bus station until 5.00am when we were certain that hotel would be open and serving breakfast; all good. Lesia sleeps through the whole day would you believe. Today (Sunday) is also washing day- not much open. I thought you only lost track of a sock or two when washing; I managed to lose a pair of pants, luckily not my shirt.

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Photos

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Puno main square and cathedral.

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Uros floating reed islands _ local welcome committee .

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Floating reed islands construction.

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Floating reed islands family.

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Reed boat .

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Floating reed islands native residents farewell

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Bolivia andes mountains across lake titicaca from Taquile island .

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Entrance to main square on Taquile island.

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Taquile island native girl dress/costume.

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GOAL !