Perú To Bolivia
In The Land Of Lamas
From Arequipa, we took the bus to Puno, our last stop in Perú before Bolivia. The road was beautiful: we climbed high in the mountains in a land of lakes, deserts, volcanoes.
Our bus stopped in the middle of nowhere (literally) and we had a chance to take pictures of the lamas and the alpacas, as well as flamingos. We could barely breathe: at 3,000 meters, oxygen is scarce. Just walking a few meters is hard (smoking not, funny enough – yes, I know).
We arrived in Juliaca, about an hour drive from Puno. The town was a slum: dirt roads, chaos and cold weather. We jumped in a collectivo to Puno and arrived a bit before sunset. It was really cold this time and we slept under three layers of blankets. Breathing is still hard and our head is pounding, a mild case of soroche, altitude sickness. We had bought some pills in Lima, but we tend to rely in the local remedy: coca leaves. We drink mate de coca (basically coca leaves tea) and eat coca candy. Nope, so far no effect on us. Too bad. We are just altitude high then.
We only stayed one night in Puno and took a border bus the next morning. We drove along the Titicaca Lake and completed immigration to enter Bolivia. The process was long (one immigration official on both sides for about 100 people) but fairly smooth.
We are now on the shore of the highest lake in the word: Lake Titicaca.
 Up In The Mountains, Stormy Weather |
 Highlands Lakes |
 On Perú Side |
 Entering Bolivia |
Lake Titicaca
Related articles:
- The Food Saga: The Fish Era
- Lake Titicaca — Bolivia
- The Food Saga: The Drinks
- The Rideau Canal
- Beihai Park (北海公园)
14 Comments »
Leave a comment!
LOVE the llama sign! I have a photo of a moose crossing sign from back home. We have deer crossing signs by our house here,
Wow Lake Titicaca! Many hear of it, few get to see it. Enjoy!
@Agnes — It´s a perk of being so high!
@Scarlet — Titicaca is a funny name, no doubt. And how about the city of “baños”?
@Bluefish — I´m lucky, I know. Especially considering the cold weather in Ottawa and the bus strike. And the economy sucks. I am lucky.
@princesse ecossaise — Yes, it was good timing and I enjoy it! Discovering the world is great… how is life in France? Not too cold? My parents say it´s freezing.
@Linguist-in-Waiting — Yes, we went to the islands. I like the taste of mate de coca but it does not help much… Copacabana was okay actually, but in La Paz, my heart was beating so fast!
@ammaro — I know, what a difference, eh!
@barbara — Overall, we were fine. Some people are really sick, we just felt a bit off. And old, huffing and puffing while climbing!
@zingtrial — Good to hear from you! I do feel lucky and happy
@expatraveler — I love taking pictures in Latin America because any shots is like “wow”. It´s a great place for photographers!
@beaverboosh — Thank you!
@Spyder — I love these weird animal crossing signs. I also have a kangaroo from OZ!
@Froggywoogie — I´m a lucky gal
Hola Zhu! Como andas?
3,000 metres? Oh boy…breathing can be hard, girl! So, you haven’t been smoking…I must rise from my chair and applaude *clap clap clap*!
The highlands lakes is beautiful! I can imagine the quiet and the peace in there…
Girl, South America becomes you!!! I know I am repeating myself, but I gotta say it: you look great!!
Have fun in Bolivia, guapa!
Cheers