Lake Titicaca - Bolivia
Going To Isla Del Sol
After seeing full buses of gringos heading to Copacabana, Bolivia, I think it is safe to say the place changed quite a lot since we were there in 2002. New hotels, high-rise buildings by the lake, tour operators and casa de cambio everywhere confirmed my first impression. The world has discovered Lake Titicaca.
The scenery was beautiful. The huge lake, 3,800 meters above sea level. The clouds, so low, us, so high that we feel we can touch the sky. The burning hot sun during the day and the chilly nights. The local dish, trouts, huge fishes cooked with lemon and tomatoes.
But Copacabana also has a darker side. Money, money, money. Convenience stores import Pringles and US chocolates instead of selling local delicacies, and it has a price. No ATM, but each resident can change US dollars, Euro, Yen, at whatever rate they feel like setting — it´s not like we have the choice. Locals aren´t exactly friendly either: they take the money and run. Of course, this is Bolivia and everything is still pretty cheap for us. It´s mostly the attitude I dislike.
Nevermind.
On our second day, we took a boat to Isla Del Sol, once of the islands of the lake. We left early in the morning and there was a beautiful deep blue sky, the lake was clear and the sun was hot. The boat was overpacked: we sat on the roof and enjoyed the ride.
There isn´t much in Isla Del Sol. Mostly a big climb to the top of the island for a better view of Lake Titicaca. But climbing at such a high altitude isn´t easy. I felt like I was 100 years old, out of breath every five minute, sweaty and light-headed. It took us over an hour to reach the top, but boy, the view!
We took the boat back with a bunch of Argentinian backpackers, who played guitare drinking mate de coca. The clouds behind us, heading to the shore as fast as the boat would allow it (packed, once again), passing floating villages and bare land.
Worth the altitude sickness.
 At The Market |
 Playing Foot Table On The Beach |
 Bolivian Teeshirts |
 Colorful Bus |
 Little Restaurants On The Shore |
 Going Fishing In Isla Del Sol |
 Boats On The Lake |
 Climbing Isla Del Sol… |
 Little Girl In Isla Del Sol |
 Waving… |
 Floating Village |
 From Isla Del Sol |
 Finally On Top Of The Island! |
 Sunset On The Lake |
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@Linguist-in-Waiting — You really feel like you are touching the clouds!
@Bluefish — You bet… Canadian winter is hard on everybody. Lack of sunlight too.
@RennyBA — Ouch, sorry for your back! I also read and catch up whenever I get a good internet connexion.
@Jennie — I never ever miss home… only if I travel for over 6–7 months I guess. But I´m used to it. I sometimes miss confort and some surroundings, but over all and I like traveling best. Freedom!
@Sidney — 30 years ago? Wow! Yep, must have changed… you were quite a pionneer!
@Seraphine — I wish I could sell it to a magazine!
Costa Rica is the same… sometimes, it´s just way too many condos, and they don´t fit on the landscape of course. But there isn´t much we can do…
@Khengsiong — I think there are quite a few 5 stars hotel, not western standards, but they charge hundreds of US$. Yep, too bad… it spoils a place.
@Brenda — I don´t mind missing the cold, for sure
@shionge — Not sure! Probably another month or two…
@kyh — They are quite small, I actually liked the Isla Del Sol est. I think floating villages were mostly built for tourists… or maybe not after all.
@Gail at Large — I had to smile for the picture, but really, I was probably coughing!
@Bluefish — I will email you.
@Aiglee — Not really. There is one local bank but you have to have a Bolivian account, can´t withdraw with a Visa or Mastercard. So far it´s the only place where we didn´t have a ATM.
@Shantanu — Bolivia is a really colorful and beautiful place. The scenery is unique…
@Max Coutinho — I don´t blame the locals, I kind of see what they are going through. Yet, I was shocked how it changed since 2002. Yes, this is another Copacabana, not as sunny as the famous one though!
Wow, great photos! I would love to go there! Maybe I should go to Bolivia instead of Italy in March… it would be cheaper!
Wow. Certainly sounds like it’s changed a lot since I was there. This post has reminded me how quickly time passes…
.-= Abi´s last blog ..Surfing the Web =-.
The place did change a lot. Not sure when you were there, but even in 2002 it wasn’t that “touristic”!