Puno - Bolivia (Huatajata)

Day 24 - Puno - Bolivia (Huatajata)

Puno, Huatajata

Saturday, 14 September 2013

This morning we left Puno by bus to the small town of Juli with our new guide, Ivar, where we boarded the hydrofoil to cross Lake Titicaca into Bolivia. It took us about an hour and a half to reach Copacabana in Bolivia. This is the original Copacabana, not to be confused with the beach we saw in Rio.

We had a walk through the town, up to the Virgin De Copacabana church. You could see the Spanish influence in the design of this church. An interesting custom that car owners have when they take possession of a new car is to have it blessed. The priest will come out of the church to bless the car. The car owner also offers a bottle of champagne to the earth goddess Pachamama. It is if they are hedging their bets in terms of following the Catholic or Inca religion. And interesting ceremony that we were ale to witness. It occurs each day at 10am.

We then hopped back on the hydrofoil and headed to sun Island where climbed the stairs to enjoy a fabulous with with equally fabulous views of Lake Titicaca with with snow covered mountains in the distance.

Back on board the hydrofoil for a 10 minute journey to Moon Island where explored more ruins. A lot of this area was destroyed in recent times which was most unfortunate.

The hydrofoil then took us to Huatajata, our final destination for the day where we checked into the hotel. It took us about an hour and a half. We all took part in the fountain of youth ceremony and had a traditional Bolivian drink.

	Copacabana Bolivia [Map]		Copacabana Bolivia [Map]
	Copacabana Bolivia [Map]		Virgin De Copacabana Church [Map]
	Copacabana - Blessing of the Cars [Map]		Copacabana - Blessing of the Cars [Map]
	Sun Island Lake Titicaca [Map]		Sun Island Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Sun Island Lake Titicaca [Map]		Moon Island Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Moon Island Lake Titicaca [Map]		Moon Island Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Moon Island Lake Titicaca [Map]

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Puno

Day 23 - Puno

Puno

Friday, 13 September 2013

Today we visited the floating islands in Lake Titicaca. These islands are made from reeds and float in the lake. There are approximately 85 of them in all. Originally the islands were created by the natives to escape the Incas. The houses are made from reeds. The reeds also have medicinal purposes, clean teeth and can be used as toilet paper. The community is quite amazing. The sad thing is that they are not able to access any services provided by the government as they are not tax paying land owners. Yet, they bring the tourists in to visit their community.

	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]		Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]
	Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca [Map]

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Cusco - Puno

Day 22 - Cusco - Puno

Cusco, Puno

Thursday, 12 September 2013

	Ruta del Barroco Andino [Map]		Ruta del Barroco Andino [Map]
	The new Star Bucks [Map]		Raqchi [Map]
	Raqchi [Map]		Raqchi [Map]
	Raqchi [Map]		Raqchi [Map]
	Raqchi [Map]		Cusco/Puno border [Map]
	Lake Titicaca [Map]		Lake Titicaca [Map]

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Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 21 - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Machu Picchu, Cusco

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Tis morning we returned to Machu Picchu. Walter took us around to see more of the sites. We then had some time to wander around a tour leisure. Belinda and I climbed to the guard's hut and the views from there were spectacular. So glad we did it.

We got back to the hotel around 2 and had lunch. We have a couple of hours to spare now and people have scattered. Later we have our train ride back to Ollantaytambo and then the bus back to Cusco.

	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]

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Machu Picchu

Day 20 - Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

A very early morning this morning with a wake up call at 430am. We travelled by bus to Ollantaytambo where we caught the train with Peru Rail to Machu Picchu. The train trip took approximately one hour and thirty minutes. The train was a nice way to travel. Large windows, windows in the roof and very spacious seats.

We arrived in Machu Picchu and walked down to our hotel where we were able to leave our overnight bags, then we gathered and took the bus into the heavens. A twenty minute bus ride and we were there. Tickets and passports and we were in. We climbed the stairs stopping several times to allow people to Catch their breath. Walter was fantastic, explaining things on the way. His knowledge was excellent and he was able to handle any question we had.

This was one of the most amazing places I have been. The Incas were truly and amazing civilization. I will let the photos tell the story.

We had lunch up there and returned to the hotel for an afternoon to ourselves.

	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]
	Machu Picchu [Map]		Machu Picchu [Map]

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