Basics - The Rough Guide to Bolivia - page 52

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Dominated by dramatic Andean scenery and home to some of South America's most
pristine wilderness areas, Bolivia should be one of the world's top destinations for out-
door enthusiasts. As yet, though, its enormous potential is only just starting to be tapped
- which for many travellers will only add to its appeal.
For climbers, trekkers and mountain bikers, Bolivia's possibilities are virtually limitless. The
bestseasonforalltheseactivities isbetweenMayandSeptember,duringthe southern-hemi-
sphere winter (the most pleasant and reliable weather is between June and August). During
the rainy season between December and March or April, rain turns paths and roads to mud,
and streams to impassable torrents, while cloud covers the high passes and blocks many of
the best views.
Trekking
Whether you want to stroll for half a day or take a hardcore hike for two weeks over high
passes and down into remote Amazonian valleys, Bolivia is a paradise for trekking . The
most popular trekking region is the Cordillera Real , which is blessed with spectacular high
Andean scenery and is easily accessible from La Paz. The mountains here are crisscrossed
by paths and mule trains used by local people that make excellent trekking routes - the best
of these are ancient stone-paved highways built by the Incas and earlier Andean societies.
Starting near La Paz, three of Bolivia's most popular treks - the Choro , Takesi and Yunga
Cruz - follow these Inca trails across the Cordillera Real before plunging down into the hu-
mid tropical valleys of the Yungas. Another good base for exploring the Cordillera Real is
the town of Sorata , north of La Paz, where many good trekking routes begin.
Isla del Sol and the shores of Lago Titicaca are also excellent for hiking, combining awe-
some scenery with gentle gradients. People looking for more seclusion should head for the
remote and beautiful Cordillera Apolobamba , which is traversed by one of Bolivia's finest
trekking routes, the Trans-Apolobamba Trek . Elsewhere, the mountains around Sucre offer
further excellent trekking possibilities, while the Reserva Biológica del Sama , near Tarija,
is also home to a beautiful Inca trail .
Equipment and guides
You should always be well equipped when walking, even if it's just a half-day hike. Weather
can change quickly in the mountains and it gets very cold at night. You'll need strong hiking
boots; warm layers; a waterproof top layer; a hat and gloves; an adequate first-aid kit ; a water
bottle and water purifiers; sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. For camping out you'll need
a decent tent; a sleeping bag that keeps you warm in temperatures as low as -5°C; an insu-
lated sleeping mat; and a cooking stove (ideally a multi-fuel stove).