At the Copa, Copacabana!

Puno was our last destination in Peru before we crossed the border into Bolivia. We stopped briefly on the Uros Islands, on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, to have a gawp at the locals who live on man-made islands made from layers and layers of reeds.

They began living their floating lives to escape the Incas hundreds of years ago - sadly it now looks as though they stay there mainly for the benefit of us tourists. Apparently, if you have an argument or really dislike your neighbour it´s pretty easy to saw your island in half and float somewhere else to get rid, good ´ey!

Boarded the bus over to Copacabana in Bolivia the next day in time to experience Independendence Day celebrations - good fun but an absolutely manic place, two days was well enough! We joined in the local celebrations and hiked up the side of the mountain where they take minature objects to the top to be blessed and then sprayed with local beer (not sure why!) ... the search for the perfect photo led us around the side of the mountain where Keith promptly managed to stand in human poo. Cue lots of gagging ... gave us the perfect excuse to head back down and get the sympathy beers in!

A look back in disugust at the crime scene!

We planned our escape to Isla del Sol, on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, and supposed birthplace of the Incas. Absolutely stunning views of snow-capped mountains and Lake Titicaca ... we had an excellent view from possibly the worst hostel we´ve stayed in so far!

View from window made up for the skanky room!

Killer steps to hostel - note to self, leave big bags back on mainland

Everything shuts down at approximately 9pm on the Island, so after a loooong nights sleep we took the bumpiest boat back to shore and jumped on the bus marked La Paz.