'Indeed the Muela de Diablo (Devil's tooth) is only 3995 meters high, however this wild rock can be seen from almost everywhere in the southern part of La Paz. This giant appears steep und unapproachable right within its bizarrely shaped erosion landscape and green lands.'

www.llamatoursperu.com

On Saturday we took a taxi up to the Muela de Diablo with four other volunteers, Tom, Maggie, Regan and James. We climbed to the top for some photos and an amazing view of La Paz.

Look mum no hands!

Tom doing his best male model impersonation!

This would be a nice spot of a picnic. Shame we didn't bring one!

La Paz City…….. hero stands perched atop a rock, surveying the city lain out beneath him. How can one man tackle such an expansive den of iniquity?

The first fence that looked like we should not go through it! The second one was far worse with cactus plants everywhere. We actually had to climb over it. Lucky Emma had already warned us.

Some of the spectacular views on our walk down.

We could even see our house on the other side of the valley! (second one lowest down)

There just happened to be an amazing duck restaurant, with a garden area at the end of the hike! It was beer, coke and of course shandies all round!

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“Although no one is certain whether it was the capital of a nation, Tiwanaku undoubtably served as a great ceremonial center. At its peak, the city had a population of 20,000 inhabitants. While only a small percentage of the original site has been excavated, Tiwanaku represents the greatest megalithic architectural achievement of pre-Inca South America.”

Lonely Planet Bolivia

Last weekend we decided to stay in Jupapina and do some excursions from La Paz. On Friday we went out to Tiwanaku, the most significant archeological site in Bolivia. We took a tour with Viacha Tours. Our guide was Freddie. He was highly entertaining and very informative.

The sun gate

One of the statues about to be relocated to the museum.

East of the main entrance is the Semi-subterranean Temple. Some think this temple represents the Underworld……………. Made of red sandstone, the Subterranean Temple measures 26m by 28m in area and includes a rectangular sunken courtyard. Its walls are decorated with 175 intriguing sculptures of human faces. Some of the faces strongly resemble modern depictions of aliens, which naturally has led to some interesting speculations.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/bolivia/tiwanaku

Can you spot my twin alien?

Excavation and restoration is constantly going on.

Notice the two colours of this statue due to the sun. The birds also seemed to like him!

Freddie showing us how a blessing is taken from the sun on Aymara new year on June 21st each year.

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Two weekends ago we took the bus to Copacabana.

The weather was sunny and clear. Are we really in the middle of winter?

We had a whole boat to ourselves on the way to some small floating islands.

A silly self timer!

Adea del Inca Hostal
our peaceful retreat.

Our amazing room!

Life is tough for some!

We spent a lot of time relaxing in the hammocks.

And having coffee in different locations!

We climbed to the top of Cerro Calvario.

“Cerro Calvario (Calvary Hill) is a hill in Copacabana lined with small monuments representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Pilgrims visit the Stations for prayer and penance and many tourists climb the hill for its fine views.”

www.sacreddestinations.com

As Bolivia's only beach, Copacabana was popular with the locals and a variety of activities were on offer.

Paddle boats were all the rage.

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