After a short flight from Uyuni to La Paz, we walked off the plane ready to meet our driver/guide for a three/four hour drive to Copacabana. To our surprise, Diego was waiting for us! The time quickly past as we chatted during our drive and for the ferry crossing.
Hostel Los Olas was unique and a lot of fun! There were stone arches, grassy paths between cottages, and roof tops that were shaped like an ice cream resting on a cone. Our room was three stories with a working fireplace and spectacular views. Dinner at La Culpa was delicious and the empanadas at Pit Stop were the best we have eaten.
With only one day to explore, we walked along the shoreline before starting the steep climb of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) on Cerro Calvaria. Via Crucis was built in the 1950s as an alternative for vistors to the Santuary of the Virgin of Copacabana during Holy Week. The Way of the Cross represents the path Jesus endured on his way to the crucifixion. Many locals and vistors climb the hill as a religious pilgrimage praying at each cross and then light candles at the top. For others, the hike offers spectacular views of the city.
The following morning we boarded a ferry for an hour and half boat ride to the Isla del Sol. The island is the largest on Lake Titicaca and is said to be the birthplace of the first Incas. Several people asked if we were leaving our suitcase in Copacabana and once we arrived we understood why! The 45 minute walk to the hotel included the Excalera del Inca (a very steep staircase). The good news was the hotel arranged for a donkey to carry our belongings. The bad news was that Sunshine is highly allergic to donkeys. Allergy medication helped but we decided to shorten our stay to two nights instead of four. We ended the first night watching the sunset.
The island is a great place to just wonder and explore. There are no cars and the sites can only be accessed by walking along a network of trails. There is a disagreement between the villages of Yumani on the southern side and Cha’llapampa on the northern side of the island. There are many rumors as to the cause but the outcome is that no tourists are allowed in the North.
