Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING & TREKKING
Hiking and trekking are arguably the most rewarding Andean activities. Add a porter, llama
train and experienced guide, and you have all the makings for a grand adventure. Some of
the most popular hikes and treks in Bolivia begin near La Paz, traverse the Cordillera Real
along ancient Inca routes and end in the Yungas. These include the well-known and well-
used
El Choro
,
Takesi
and
Yunga Cruz
treks.
Sorata is a trekker's dream come true, offering a variety of options from don't-leave-
home-without-a-machete-type hikes such as the
Mapiri Trail
to more pleasant walks on
Inca trails surrounding the Illampu massif. The
Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Na-
cional (Anmin) Apolobamba
, which includes the four- to five-day
Lagunillas to Agua
Blanca
trek, is becoming more popular but is best visited with a guide. Be aware that the
treks near Sorata and in the Cordillera Apolobamba have largely fallen into disuse, and
there has been an increase in reports of robberies.
Bolivia's national parks are also paradise for hikers, with hiking opportunities in
Parque
Nacional & Área de Uso Múltiple Amboró
and
Parque Nacional Saja- ma
. A few hikes
outside
Charazani
are also worth checking out.
For a shorter jaunt, hire a guide and cruise the cultural and historic sites and hot springs
around
Cordillera de los Frailes
outside Sucre or
El Nido de los Condores
near Sa-
maipata.
Many treks can be done by experienced outdoors travelers without a guide (you should
know how to use a map, compass and GPS, build a fire - even in the rain - and open a
bottle of wine with a pocket knife). Never- theless, hiring a guide provides an added level
of security. No matter what, check out the security situation before heading out. Solo fe-
male travelers need to be extra careful.
Trekking in Bolivia
by Yossi Brain is a good resource.
RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
To help preserve the ecology and beauty of Bolivia, consider the following tips when trekking.
»
Carry out all your trash
Yes, many tracks in Bolivia are already littered, but this
doesn't mean that you should contribute to it.
