Bolivia's 7 best hikes across the Andes and beyond
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Loading... - Emerald Murphy
- 07 Apr 2022
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The country has a number of highly popular hiking routes – among some of the best places to visit in the country – yet it’s not rare to have a trail all to yourself. Here are the seven best hikes to try in Bolivia.
Traverse the Bolivian Inca trail via El Choro
60km (37 miles); 2–3 days; easy/moderate
Practically downhill the entire way, this pre-Hispanic route descends from the very top of La Cumbre into the valley of Los Yungas. Beginning in a landscape of snow-capped mountains at more than 4900m (16,076ft), the trek concludes in a lush rainforest at 1300m (4265 ft). Easy to complete without a guide, the route passes through communities that serve local food, with covered and open-air campgrounds available for overnight stays.
During the hike you’ll encounter hot springs, hanging bridges and traces of pre-Columbian roads to provide historical context for your journey. What’s more, the range of ecosystems make this route a dream for bird-watching. Note that as most of the route is downhill, hiking poles can help ease the load on the knees.
Ascend Huayna Potosí, a difficult climb that’s still suitable for beginners
5km (3.1 miles); 2 days; moderate
The snow-cloaked Huayna Potosí is the most-visited mountain near La Paz. From its summit there are stunning views of ice-blue glaciers, the humps of the Cordillera Real mountains and watery sprawl of Lake Titicaca. Despite a number of steep ascents and unpredictable weather, the trek to the top is considered a non-technical climb, which makes it suitable for beginners. Still, make sure you hire an experienced mountaineering guide.
There are two base camps at which to stay overnight. While neither has many amenities, you’ll find what you need to eat, sleep and keep you warm. In the early hours of the morning on the second day, hikers climb to the peak of the mountain to see the sun rise above the clouds. It's a magical moment. Just be mindful of the altitude.
Torotoro National Park offers canyons, dinosaur footprints and rock art in one journey
33km (20.5 miles); 4 days; easy
Three hours from Cochabamba is the 165,000-sq-km (63,700-sq-mi) Torotoro National Park, Bolivia’s most stunning archaeological site. With a diversity of trails that run from a 4-hour walk up to a four-day adventure, this is a world of rocky valleys, gushing waterfalls, echoing canyons and well-preserved dinosaur footprints – all in an area considered a petrified jungle.
Note that all Torotoro treks require a certified guide. Prices depend on both the length of the trail and the number of travelers in your hiking party. Guides can be booked in either Cochabamba or Torotoro, though there are better deals to be found in the latter.
Hit the Illampu circuit for high passes that will bring you closer to the stars
110km (6.3 miles); 7 days; difficult
One of the top hiking trails in Bolivia departs from the village of Sorata. Along the Illampu circuit, you’ll pass through the massifs of the Cordillera de Los Andes, including the peaks of Ancohuma and Illampu. Note that this hike is a challenging one, with several high passes at an altitude between 4000m (13,325ft) and 5000m (16,404 ft), and night temperatures dropping below -10° C.
On the road you’ll see lagoons, hot springs, condors, llamas and alpacas; there might also be the chance to visit remote valley villages, where the ancient Aymara culture has not changed much over the centuries. This is also a great place for stargazing and getting good shots of the night sky. Read More…
