We decided to cut things short in Copacabana, in part due to how touristy everything was in the town, and to head out for lower ground to get a break from the altitude.
On the way out of town I hiked up to Cerro Calvario. The fourteen stations of the cross are situated along the path, with the last few at the top of the hill. There is also a small shrine where people can say a short prayer or ask for a blessing, but they need to be quick as there is a constant line of people waiting their turn. The view from the top is magnificent, but this was also a very depressing climb. Along the hill there is garbage everywhere, and once at the top visitors are greeted with vendors selling their goods, and more garbage. I couldn’t wait to turn around and come back down. Very sad.
Garbage along the path 
Stairs to Cerro Calvario 
Station of the cross 
Top of Cerro Calvario 
View of Copacabana 
View of Lake Titicaca
We were happy to have stopped here for a few days, but it was time to move on. I made my way back down the hill to Tracy, and we headed out of town. Both of us were thirsty, but we could not find a stop with refrigerated Coca Cola. Then it occurred to us with the cold temperatures overnight the Coke would be cold regardless, so we picked up some Coke and four empanadas for the road.
We had to make the river crossing again on the ferry. Armed with the knowledge they sink way too often, we both decided to get out of the car this trip.
Our destination was Coroico Bolivia, a town that is a few hours on the other side of La Paz. Interestingly, the path from La Paz to Coroico is historically along a road referred to as Death Road. It is a very narrow winding road that has taken the lives of many drivers over the years. Fortunately for us, a few years ago Bolivia built a much nicer highway that connects these two areas so we were able to avoid death road. Most motorists avoid death road now, so it’s primary use is for biking trips run by outfitters in the area. Rent a bike and go screaming down death road. We were able to get some nice pictures of the Andes during this drive.
Coroico is also built on the side of a mountain, so driving was a treat. I have to give Tracy credit, she is a great driver and handles these very hilly towns with a calmness I cannot duplicate. While driving around Coroico she turned onto a street that is paved with fairly smooth stones and is very steep. The rental car, a manual transmission model, could not make it up the street because the tires kept slipping and eventually started smoking. So, Tracy backed all of the way down the street until we could get turned around. Not one of my favorite moments of the day.
We grabbed dinner in Coroico and then, because this drive was a last minute decision, try to find lodging for the night. We book an Airbnb, drive to the location, and can’t get anyone’s attention to let us in. The second choice turns out to be about a half hour away, which we find out when we call them. But, we decide to give it a shot. It’s very dark, we’re driving along very narrow mountain side roads, and the lodging is not appearing. We call and they tell us we haven’t gone far enough. We drive some more and call. We still haven’t gone far enough. We drive deeper into the woods, scenes from Friday the 13th start running through my head, we call. Still a bit further. We eventually arrive and are greeted by a very nice couple who set us up for the night.
It’s been a long day and I’m hoping for a good nights sleep.
Will