So the hotel we are staying in at Copacabana for 2 nights is horrid. I don't mind basic accommodation at all, but rude staff, dirty conditions and broken hardwear is unacceptable. I'm not going to write much here about it, but suffice to say I feel obliged to write a review on Trip Advisor about the poor standards. I actually already had a look and it's currently only rating 7 out of 12 hotels in the town. Im surprised it's that high to be honest.
Today we went to Isla del Sol, this is the birthplace of Inca civilization and a 2 hour boat ride from the mainland. Once we arrived (our group had a private boat and guide for the day) we started our 10 kilometer hike from the North to the South of the island. Juan Carlos (or Juancar (pronounced w***er, lol) took us first to some ancient monuments and explained the history behind the island and the rituals. We had our packed lunches all siting amongst the stones that were once an inca temple and overlooking the dark blue waters of Lake Titicaca. After lunch we started the main part of the hike along the Inca trail of the island which was hard to believe was laid so many thousands of years before. The hike was beautiful, hard going in places due to the steeper inclines and altitude but good practice for my hiking to Machu Picchu. It's given me more confidence for that upcoming part of this trip.
Along the way we had spectacular views of the snow capped Andes mountains, small bays with bright blue waters and the darker blues of the waters deeper into Lake Titicaca. Much of the mountain sides which were very steep were terraced and this had also been done thousands of years ago. Nowadays the locals grow beans at lake level, potatoes higher up and quinoa at the top since it prefers a warmer climate. The people of the island had small stalls selling water and snacks along the way, as well as strategically placed ladies in typical costume and Llamas for photo opportunities at 2 bolivianos a pop (can't blame them really). We came across the kids on the picture of this post who started off being cute. Brian even told me his name with a big smile, they then turned more thuggish when they realised we were not going to give then sweets or money!
We reached the end of the hike around 3pm and our boat was there to pick us up. I have to saying walking 10kms is not normally an issue for me but I'm guessing the sun and the altitude took it's toll on me and everyone else as must people slept the way home on the boat.
Dinner that night was another group affair at a local ladies place the Trip Leaders new. I was asleep by 10 pm I was so tired.