I think we’ve just discovered our love for Bolivia. It’s been a real battle with altitude, Elena’s constant colds, my headaches and a stolen bag in La Paz. It’s been a love hate relationship for the last 3 weeks and in a few days we’ll cross the border into Peru.
But you know what?
We’re in love with diverse and sometimes difficult country. From rivers in Rurrenabaque to the deserts and Slat Flats of Uyuni. It’s a fantastic country, one we’re really going to miss. Today we’ve discovered the small town of Copacabana and the highest lake in the world Lake Titicaca.
The town has a large 16th-century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. The town is a destination for tourism in Bolivia. The town is also known for it’s trout, and it’s quaint atmosphere. Built between Mount Calvario and Mount Niño Calvario, the town has approximately 6,000 inhabitants.
Although some might think theres not much to do here, Lake Titicaca boasts Bolivia’s only public beach. Yup the water is going to be chilly at a temperature of only 11 degrees you won’t be in the water for too long. But come the weekend and the locals will swim during the summer months.
It’s here in Copacabana that Elena’s booked a special place for us to stay. We’ve arrived a day early and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to book in a day early. Sadly the answer is that they’re fully booked and it comes as no surprise.
However we are in luck with their sister hotel next door. So for one night we’re guests at La Cupula Hotel. Tomorrow we’ll transfer hotels to Las Olas after breakfast.
Breakfast at La Cupula is something not to be missed, I’m in love with their Apple Pancakes stuffed with banana and cream. Usually I won’t go to the same place twice but I had to make an exception.
The Gardens are just as unusual as the unique architecture here. While waiting for our room to be organized at Las Olas we took time out in the hammocks and getting acquainted with the Alpacas that are the local lawn mowers and domesticated pets of the owners.
The town boasts many restaurants and markets. Although Bolivian cuisine in general is nothing special, if you’re looking for a light lunch you should take advantage of the set menus on offer as we did. Soup, main and deserts for 15-30Bs (Bolivianos – the local currency).
Copacabana is a place that will be memorable because of one building, our little roundhouse. If you’ve been following our journey you know our love for earth structures and our project in the Vanuatu Islands. We just loved this place and the nightly rate of $54USD it was a bargain to be grabbed.
See for yourself…
