Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Guides and mules
Guides and mules (around Bs70-15/day) can be organized in Curva
(through the rangers at Lagunillas), Pelechuco and Charazani, or you can arrange to do the
trek with a
tour operator
in La Paz.
Route
You can walk the trek either from Pelechuco south to Curva or vice versa, though
it's best to start in Pelechuco, where guides and mules are easier to arrange, and finish in
Curva, close to Charazani, from where transport out is much more reliable - end your trek in
Pelechuco and you could wait several days for the next bus.
Tours
An interesting alternative to the Trans-Apolobamba is the Pacha Trek, a four-day trek
organized by local communities that visits remote Apolobamban settlements and offers an
insight into traditional life. Contact Millenarian Travel, Av Sánchez Lima 2193, La Paz (
02 2414753,
boliviamilenaria.com
) for more information.
The Cordillera Real
Stretching forabout160kmalongthenortheastern edgeoftheAltiplano, the
Cordillera Real
(Royal Range) is the loftiest and most dramatic section of the Cordillera Oriental in Bolivia.
With six peaks over 6000m high and many more over 5000m, it forms a jagged wall of soar-
ing, ice-bound peaks that separates the Altiplano from the Amazon basin. Easily accessible
from La Paz, the
mountains
are perfect for climbing and trekking. Populated by isolated Ay-
maracommunities,thecordilleraisalargelypristinenaturalenvironment:theAndeancondor
is still a common sight, and other birds like eagles, caracaras and hawks are also frequently
seen; though rarely spotted, pumas still prowl the upper reaches, while the elusive Andean
spectacled bear roams the high
cloudforest
that fringes the mountains' upper eastern slopes.
