8th September

After another comfy night at Jose Antonio Hotel Cusco we left early in the morning by bus for the long drive to Puno.Travelling across the immense plateaus where we see llamas & alpacas (camelids)grazing. En Route we visit the largest Inca temple ever discovered at Raqchi,the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha.A great testament to the builders that these are still standing today.Very impressive. Back on the bus and we are all looking forward to our next stop at a village school where we give our gifts to the children.They're such happy little kids and loved showing us their workbooks. ln the afternoon we arrive at Puno and the impressive Lake Titicaca.It sits at 12,500ft above sea level and backdropped by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Range..We are staying overnight here at Hotel Royal Inn Puno.All our accommodations have been exceptional and mostly 4*. Onto the boat that will take us out to the reed islands.Quite strange with reeds all around that houses wildlife.Arriving at the floating Uros Islands,we step onto the densely matted reeds underfoot.The people are all dressed in traditional clothes and we are given a demonstration on just how these islands are formed..We are invited to have a look inside some of their homes and are amazed how many fit into 1 tiny room..There were only little kiddies there and they were very shy.Nco teenagers or young girls.Apparently they leave to live in Puno & attend schools & Uni. After getting back to Puno there is free time or an optional tour of the Sillustani Tombs.A pre Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. It entailed quite a long steep climb so I waited down near the lake while Terry and a couple of others ventured on.Terry met a lady who had a baby vicuna which she allowed him to pat & have a photo taken.