Another day another country.

Jan 13 Puno to Cococabana Bolivia

We were not totally sure how long it would take to get across the border so we got an early start so we could take our time along the way and enjoy the many views of the lake.

The crossing was fairly easy, we pulled  up to the chain barricade that crosses the road between the Immigration and Aduana offices on the Peru side. The exiting country is usually fairly quick, our timing was pretty good as we managed to get there just ahead of two tour busses. Once our paperwork was complete for Peru we returned to the bikes and waited for the guard to come out an lower the chain, we waited a few minutes and when it seemed obvious that the guard was not coming I lowered the chain myself, drove the bike across into no man’s land, then raised the chain behind us. The other tourists were shocked at this, it must have looked like we were jumping the border illegally or something.

The Bolivia side was also straight forward, first to Immigration to get our passport stamps, then to the copy place for a photocopy, then to the Aduana to get  the bikes in, then back to the Police office so he could stamp our Aduana paper. This is when the Police officer asked us to give this other officer some money for the stamp. I was a bit confused as this other officer had nothing to do with the stamping or approval of our documents, he was just hanging around the office. I knew that there was no cost for the stamp so I just said “no legal” and walked out, I guess he needs to learn that if he is going to extort money he should do it before he gives back the stamped documents. Welcome to Bolivia!!

 

The first stop in Bolivia would be Cococabana, a beach town on Lake Titicaca, this side of the lake is much different than what we seen in Puno. There is actually a beach, and little beachside restaurants selling the catch of the day. It is also sunny and warm so we enjoy some fresh fish in the sun then enjoy a walk around the town. It is very much an expat influenced town with all the trendy restaurants and hippie hangouts.