Sunset over Lake Titicaca

I took a night bus from Cusco, stopped at Puno and arrived at Copacobana, Bolivia on Sunday morning. Crossing the border was relatively easy. Lining up at the Pervian immigration office to get an exit stamp, then walking across the border and getting the entrance stamp from the Bolivian immigration.

About 8km from the border, Copacabana is a nice beachfront tourist village around Lake Titicaca at 3800m high. The water is so cold that swimming is impossible. On sunday, the beach is filled up kayaks and water bicycles for local and tourists. The village itself is very touristy with restaurants, cafes, and jewelery street vendors lined up on the main street with local market and churches surrounding the main plaza. Since the majority of tourists are backpackers here, the village seems to have numerous reggae lounges to accomodate the freestyle and nomadic theme.

Bolivia's living standard is the lowest in the entire south america. You can get a complete 5-course dinner here with free wine for under US$3. What a bargain! I met and shared a room with a girl from Netherland. For only 40 bolivian ($5) each, we had a room with private bath facing the lake.

To complete the day, we hiked up Cerro Calvario to watch the famous sunset of Lake Titicaca. The hike was quite tough but the reward was well worth it. The clouds stretched out endlessly on the horizon creating the most beautiful watercolor painting. Only if I can just frame it and take it home with me.