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Lago Titicaca


Tiwanaku
Middle Temple or meeting place
North of La Paz near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca lie the ruins of Tiwanaku - a very enigmatic place the origins of which are shrouded in myths and legends. It seems that the people who built these structures where the forerunners of the Inca empire which was destroyed by the Spanish in the 16th Century. However the Incas had no knowledge of the ruins before they occupied the area a mere 50 years before the arrival of the conquistadors.
Excavation work is continuing to try to understand who this civilization were. The technology is very advanced - one stone has been carved in the shape of the inner ear and acts both as an amplifier and as a loudspeaker. We in the west only acquired this technology a mere 100 years ago

 

Ancient Tiwanakan eating  2 ice creams


Copacabana

Light blue paper and stand well clear!
Copacabana is the gateway to the Isla del Sol. It is now basically a resort town for Bolivians but has some interesting religious festivities. The Isla del Sol is the centre of the indigenous religion of the Andes, and in Copacabana there is a fusion of that religion and Christianity. Both seem to live happily side by side nowadays but I doubt it has always been that way. To the left is the weekly vehicle blessing that takes place outside the cathedral every Saturday.

Isla del Sol
With no cars (or roads), plenty of ruins from several civilizations and incredible scenery, the Isla del Sol was probably the highlight of our visit to Bolivia. 3 days of walking and exploring, with a surprise around every corner.
Is that the sacred rock?
Pink beach
The Local Shop - for local people
That's a bit corny

Which one's the sacred rock?


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