Departing
from Puno we head to Copacabana (Bolivia)
After visiting the town and the church where the famous Dark
Madonna is, follows
an excursion to the - Sun Island where
according the Mythology the Inka Empire founders Manco Kapac
and Mama Ocllo,
came into existence. The Sun Island is a high island, with
9.6 Km length and 4.6 Km width, located one hour navigation
by boat from Copacabana. In the Island we can find important
archaeological pre-columbian monuments like Pilkokaina, Chinkana,
Yumani and many inka-terraces. Views from the Sun Island are
spectacular.
Starting in La Paz (the main city in Bolivia) the tour heads
to the Uyuni Salt Fields the world's largest salt flat. Salar
de Uyuni is also the breeding grounds for three species of South
American flamingos. Highlights include the Red and Green Lagoon,
a salt hotel and some so-called islands.
The trip continues to Potosí famous for the rich silver
mountain, where now mines are still exploited as in the colonial
times.
Sucre the official capital of Bolivia, has much to offer to the
visitor. Amongst them Tarabuco (72 Km from Sucre) is best known
as the home of the Yampara culture. Each Sunday, a colorful and
vibrant open-air market attracts locals and tourists alike. Many
people wear traditional Yampara costumes, which not only preserve
their identity but also advertise their location of origin. In
a country filled with lively, colorful, and character-filled
markets, Tarabuco may be one of the best.
Returning from Sucre, we will have a City tour visiting the most
interesting places in La Paz, typical places like the Witches
Market, artisanal markets, the colonial calle Jaén with
its impressive, residential areas of the south and the well known
Moon Valley , where erosion has given place to the most exotic
and curious surface forms.
Tiwanaku, an ancient city near the south shore of Lake Titicaca,
thrived as a most important site before the Inca Empire. Tiwanaku
is believed to be the capital of the Pre-Inca Civilization.
Tiwanaku was the center of a powerful, self-sustaining empire.
The roots of the Tiahuanaco capital can be found in the early
village underlying the 1.5-square-mile civic-ceremonial core.
The city was settled by 400 B. C. on the Tiahuanaco River, which
empties into Lake Titicaca 9.3 miles to the north.
Coroico is 3 hours drive from La Paz , is nestled high in the
mountains underneath La Paz; it is a peaceful little village.
The views of the surrounding hills are lovely, the nearby hiking
trails are picturesque, the bars and restaurants in town are
pleasant, and there are worthwhile excursions. Here in this tropical
town, you'll find fruit orchards, twittering birds, coca fields,
endless greenery, oxygen-rich air, warm weather, and friendly
people.
Trip to Puno by bus.
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