After lugging my huge backpack up very steep winding steps I managed to find some cheap accommodation and explored the southern end of the island. I spent the afternoon navigating the rocky trails, and walked to the lookout at 4077m for an amazing sunset.
I awoke the next morning at 5:00 to walk the 16km round trip to the Northern end of the island, home to some interesting archaeological ruins. I set off under a full moon, rarely needing my head torch unless I passed under the shadows of trees or buildings. I made good time and was rewarded for my early start with a stunning sunrise.
I passed some ancient ruins, the site of the birth of the Incan Sun God and past a ceremonial sacrificial altar. Very interesting walk. I returned to my hostel exhausted but exhilarated, had a much needed coffee and returned to Copacabana.
The first week of August celebrates Bolivian Independence, so I hiked up the central hill along with hundreds of locals for a great view of the city. Unlike the locals, I did not get roaring drunk nor did I get blessed by having an live armadillo rubbed all over my body.
It was time to leave Bolivia after having spent a great six weeks there, only two weeks more than my visa allowed! It was a stressful 15 minutes at the border control, but I managed to make it to Peru without being detained!
More photos here
