Lake Titicaca
First, we went to Copacabana (no, not the one from the song), a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This famed lake lies on the border of Bolivia and Peru and has been the site of religious pilgrimages for centuries.
View from above Lake Titicaca.Traditionally, people made boats from reeds they collected from the lakeshores to use for fishing, like the boat below. These boats are almost non-existent now as wooden boats have been found to be cheaper and more reliable.
While in "Copa," people were celebrating Bolivian Independence Day and thousands of people flooded the town. We climbed a long, steep hill to overlook the lake and there were many people who had climbed up to camp out and celebrate.
Aymaran family overlooking the lakeWhile there is no photo, we did have our fortunes read in coca leaves. We were told we have a good life ahead, in love, family, work and friends. Sounds good to us! :)
After Brian recovered from altitude sickness, we went over to "Isla del Sol," a beautiful roadless island in the middle of the lake where 2500 people live. The scenery is incredible and reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Brian under stone archway on the hike up to the town.
Kim in front of old ruins.
Young boy with his llama.
Scene getting off the ferry back to the mainland.
The omnipresent llama!El Choro Trek
Our second adventure was a three day, 56km trek starting high in the Andes and winding downwards to the tropics. Quite an adventure that involved snow; tropical heat; rain and many slippery, rocky trails!
Brian & Kim at 16,000' at the start of the Choro Trek.
It was freezing and yes it did snow on us!
Video at start of trek
This photo gives you an idea of the descents that zig-zagged downward.
Llamas carrying firewood along the trail.
Posing with the llamas.
The pre-Inca "paving" was almost impossible to navigate in the rain in sneakers.
Boots highly recommended!
Kim descending to a lunch spot.
The pueblito "Choro," a now deserted town for which the trek was named.
Pictured here: the entire town.
Our second adventure was a three day, 56km trek starting high in the Andes and winding downwards to the tropics. Quite an adventure that involved snow; tropical heat; rain and many slippery, rocky trails!
Brian & Kim at 16,000' at the start of the Choro Trek.
It was freezing and yes it did snow on us!Video at start of trek
This photo gives you an idea of the descents that zig-zagged downward.
Llamas carrying firewood along the trail.
Posing with the llamas.
The pre-Inca "paving" was almost impossible to navigate in the rain in sneakers.Boots highly recommended!
Kim descending to a lunch spot.
The pueblito "Choro," a now deserted town for which the trek was named.Pictured here: the entire town.
Our campsite the second night.
View from the campsite made waking up easy!
La Cuesta del Diablo, or the Devil's Climb, an hours-long steep ascent in the tropical sun that disproves the tour companies' description of the hike as "downhill."Later that day we arrived at the house of an elderly Japanese man who has lived along this trail for over 50 years. He has every traveler sign-in and tells them about his life here.
John (New Zealand), Kim, Tamiji Hanamura & Brian
Kim & Brian once we made it down to the tropics.
One of the many suspension bridges we crossed.
Waterfall along the trek.
View from the trail.
If you look closely, you can see the trail weaving over the mountains in the upper left of the photo.Update on our trip to Salar de Uyuni coming soon!
Love, Kim & Brian
Love, Kim & Brian
2 comments:
Looks awesome!! You guys go the coolest places. Hope you are staying warm now and talk to you SOON!
So fun and romantic! :-)
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