| Bolivia 2007
Photographs by Lois and Don Porter 3/15/2007 |
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After an exhausting climb we arrived at our hostel, on the edge of the altiplano near the village of Yumani. One of the many magical attractions of Isla del Sol is that there are no motor vehicles of any kind on the island, some 6 miles long and 1 to 3 miles wide. We had a spectacular view to the south and west over the arm of the lake that leads to Kuna Bay. We enjoyed a great sunset and an excellent dinner. The next morning, amid cloudy skies and intermittent drizzle, we set out on the ancient path along the ridge of the island. Lois got to wear her “army poncho”, and it worked well. The ridge path to the northern part of the island stays on the western side, where the climate is very dry and the landscape is desolate, although we did see bunches of sheep and cattle with their herders. After some hours, we arrived at the principal ruins, the Chinkana (or Labyrinth) near the northern tip of the island. We saw the sacred rock, and the rock of the puma, the Ceremonial Table (where an islander set up his wares and was prepared to tell fortunes or give blessings and make offerings), the little that is left of the Templo del Sol, and the very elaborate ruins of El Labyrinto, with views of a lovely bay and beach below.
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