This was our first venture out of La Paz, a rather
interesting drive too getting out of La Paz. Once on the high plain
though, it was a gentle drive for just over an hour to the shores of the
lake, where we caught a boat across to a small island.
(photo: Approaching the small island)
Traditionally regarded as the
highest navigable body of water in the world (though there are
higher lakes in Chile and Peru), Lake Titicaca is immense: its dimensions
measure 233km (145miles) from northwest to southeast and 97km (60miles)
from northeast to southwest.
(photo: Walking on the far side of the small island)
The lake has an indented shoreline, 36 islands and
exceptionally clear sapphire-blue water. Titicaca is revered by the
Indians who live on its shores, and the Islas del Sol and Islas de la
Luna, two islands in the lake, are the legendary sites of the Inca's
creation myths.
(photo: A friendly group of local children ..... fascinated at
seeing their photo on my digital camera LCD screen)
The main town in the area is
Copacabana, which has a sparkling white Moorish-style cathedral and is
host to the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria.
(photo: View across the lake to the Cordillera Real mountain range)
Isla Suriqui is world-renowned for its totora reed
boats, Isla Kalahuta for its stone tombs and Isla Incas is reputed in
legend to have an underground network of passageways linking it to the old
Inca capital of Cuzco in Peru.
(photo: .... and another view of the same mountains)
After a very fine 'fresh trout' lunch (caught in Lake Titicaca), it was on the minibus and back to La Paz.