One Week in Copacabana

Arena Ipanema in Rio was our favorite hotel. Excellent location, accommodation, and service. My favorite recollection (and photo) was taken at Ipanema Beach, near the Christ Redeemer monument.

Arena Ipanema in Rio was our favorite hotel. Excellent location, accommodation, and service. My favorite recollection (and photo) was taken at Ipanema Beach, near the Christ Redeemer monument.

Although it was just a short trip down to Puno and Lake Titicaca, it was a great way to see the area and visit some of the islands.

An unexpected tour hiccup pushed me onto the Chinchilla in a serendipitous turn of events that allowed me to discover the beauty and wonders of Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Whilst my original intent was to do the Inca Trail, the Chinchilla was not a lesser alternative, as all the usual bells and whistles of an Active trip were still in abundance, plus the bonus of the spectacular sights I saw instead. (I did manage to do an abbreviated Inca trail on my own, with Rainbow Mountain thrown in. Which led to this epiphany: the Jaguar and Chinchilla would make an incredible combination.) That said, I did find the Chinchilla less strenuous than the Jaguar (as described), and would have wanted a little more Active with the Adventure. In part, this was because the supplemental tour guides may not have gotten the memo, and failed to incorporate certain activities that were advertised (e.g., the hike to the highest point on Taquile Island didn't happen). There is a fair amount of travelling involved, shuttling from Cusco to Puno to Copacabana to La Paz, which could have been a factor, but I would have been perfectly happy to start earlier, as well, if it allowed for more activities.

Or in some instances, tweak the itinerary. I was underwhelmed by the visit to Isla de la Luna, as we spent considerably more time travelling on the boat, than on the island itself, and the ruins were not particularly interesting or impressive. I wonder if a visit to Isla del Sol would have been better, despite being overrun by tourists. Maybe from a cultural perspective?

And maybe a little less time in Copacabana. The climb up and the view from Calvary Hill redeemed this stop for me, but other than this, there wasn't much in terms of cultural interest. The scene by the lake shore was busy and frenetic, but the water was too cold for me to venture in.

Nevertheless, the trip was incredible. I was impressed and awed by the beauty of Peru and Bolivia. I tried to stay awake during the long drives because the scenery, from the mountains to Lake Titicaca, were almost always spectacular. And don't get me started on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Beyond words. And the Luna Salada Hotel was simply amazing. I couldn't believe we were staying there.

As with Active trips, the food is usually an attraction in itself, moreso in Peru. The restaurants in Cusco and Puno were stellar. But also dominated by tourists. I was always itching for the opportunity to try more authentic local cuisine in establishments that are popular with the residents. The smaller group size for this trip afforded us the opportunity to go off the tourist track on a number of occasions, which led to wonderful discoveries, as well. The chicharron I had in Puno was the best I had in South America, and the fast food chicken (Pollo Copacabana in La Paz) that our driver in Uyuni recommended was flavorful and delicious. Perhaps that's an option you may want to include in your future tours. Other travellers may not be as adventurous, but I would welcome alternatives if offered, even if it was on my own.

Finally, the guides. Wilson did an excellent job of shepherding our small group around, even if he was under the weather. He was quick to respond to our questions, as well as to accommodate our requests. He managed the logistics seamlessly, and provided guidance and direction, especially on what foods to try.

And a special shout out to Israel Villaroel and Juvenal of Sande Andino. They made the trip to the Uyuni Salt Flats truly spectacular. They knew the territory well, and brought us to the best spots for photographs or to admire the view, especially at sunset. Our day at the salt flats was hands down, the best of the whole trip.

All in all, another amazing trip.

I only did three days of the Chinchilla Trip but what I did do I thoroughly enjoyed. My main focus was Cuzco, the Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu so I had no real expectations for Puno & Lake Titicaca and I have to say that it was a real pleasure to tour this area. I just loved the people and culture. The Uros Floating Island was fascinating and totally unique. The culture on Taquile Island was intriguing and the homestay on Amantani Island was truly a lovely experience. To see people with few material items be so self-sufficient and happy made a real impression and has made me think differently about my needs & wants. I only wish I could have done the full Chincilla Tour.

Such a diverse opportunity to experience Lake Titicaca, both from Peru and Bolivia, to hike on a cactus island in a salt field, and to experience the Uros Reed Islands ending back in La Paz with its Cable Cars