Isla del Sol - Blogabond

After an easy border crossing we arrived in Copacabana, Bolivia. We bought a ticket to Isla del Sol but didn´t know it was a boat from the Stone Age that took 2 hours. We really had time to enjoy the view though.

When we stepped ashore on Isla del Sol kids were running up towards us asking if we wanted to stay at their hostel or home. We said no, no, no. I really hate seeing children who have to work...

Geographically, the terrain on Isla del Sol is harsh; it is a rocky, hilly island. There are no motor vehicles or paved roads on the island. The sun was burning this day and our backpacks were heavier than ever (Chris 20 kg and mine 15 kg). In front of us were hundreds of steep steps and it was the only way to go. No donkeys to carry us or elevators. Half an hour later we arrive at the top of the steps. We began our search for a hostel and found one 15 minutes later. We got a really nice room with a beautiful view for a good price. We dropped off the backpacks and started our hike around the island.

First we went to see the Temple of the sun. The hike there was beautiful but the altitude made it a little more than a walk in the park. We could see the magnificent Cordillera Real in the backdrop and continued further to climb a big hill that we had found. The view was incredible. Suddenly alpaccas came running together with a nice little old man behind them who kindly let us take a picture of him.

lake Titicaca is a magical place!

As soon as they left we were totally alone or so we thought. Two little girls with their backs heavy of things to sell came up to us. They had big smiles and I asked them how old they were (6 yrs) and if the bags weren´t heavy. I got a happy "no". Then I asked what they were doing here in the middle of nowhere. Selling was their answer and I looked around and couldn´t see another soul.

We went down the hill and found two other kids who wanted money... We said we didn´t have any but played with them instead. They got a bit unpleasant and started to take off my gloves and trying to find things to get. Nail polish too for some reason. It was really sad to see and almost every child we met was begging for money not because they were poor but because they have gotten used to tourists giving them money.

We had a nice dinner at sunset and had a dark unlit walk back to the hostel.

Next day we were off to La Paz.

Steffi