Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Isla del Sol

At 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca, which means "Gray Puma" in Quechua, is the highest navigable lake in the world. Our boat left early from Copacabana, Bolivia to get to Isla del Sol, the largest and most sacred island on Lake Titicaca. After an hour we arrived and climbed its rocky southern side to see the ruins of Pilco Kaima, a former palace and retreat for the Inca. The origin story of the Incas tells us that the almighty Sun God Inti and the Moon God were born out of Lago Titicaca and Manco Capac, the first Inca and son of Inti, was born on this island. Alejandro gave us a great tour of the ruins and an understanding for the spiritual importance of this place, to which many Aymara and Quechua people make pilgrimages each year. After our return trip we enjoyed a beautiful sunset in Copacabana.

1 comment:

Bett Addams Williams said...

T Bird is ready for the book to be published with these wonderful photographs.
Bett says magnificent.
I love the sparkling lake!