Early in the morning we are planning to take a bus going from Puno to Cusco, travelling via some highlighted spots along the way. When we arrive at the bus station the popular Inka Express was sold out, but we have learnt that there is always another way…so we arrange for a different transportation. The road to Cusco crosses a high point of 4300 meters, with a stunning view of about 5500 meters high, snow-covered mountains. In early evening, after 10 hours on the bus, we arrive in Cusco. The view of the Cathedral is a classic, fascinating postcard. Looking around for a hotel to stay we get a good deal at the Inka Teatro, just few blocks outside town.
Just a few hours from Puno we cross the border into Bolivia. It isn’t much of a border really, just a couple of offices to go through, few meters to walk under an arch and there you are! About 8 km down towards the lake is the small village of Copacabana, where we need to spend a couple of hours waiting for the bus to La Paz. The village is a crazy fake holiday street: plenty of bars and restaurants all in the hippy mood. Many Europeans are actually spending time here working in the bars and trying to sell some hand made stuff. But just a few blocks away the real Copacabana pops up, with the usual main plaza and the streets markets.