Highlights
- Walk through La Paz' "Hanging neighborhoods"
- Shop at the Witches' Market in La Paz
- Trek through Inca stone paths in Takesi
- Visit San Francisco and Chojlla Mines
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to La Paz! | La Paz |
| Day 2 | La Paz Urban Trek | La Paz |
| Day 3 | La Paz to Takesi Trail | Takesi |
| Day 4 | Trek from Takesi to Pongo | Pongo |
| Day 5 | Pongo to La Paz | La Paz |
| Day 6 | Departure from La Paz | Â |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to La Paz!
Welcome to beautiful La Paz—the world's highest administrative capital! Your hosts will meet you at El Alto International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.
In the afternoon, your guide will visit you at your hotel to go over the program with you and answer any questions you may have.
The evening is free, so you can take a light walk around the city center or get some rest as you adapt to life at 11,942ft (3,700m) above sea level.
Day 2: La Paz Urban Trek
Today, you will take the famous "Mi Teleférico" cable car up to El Alto, one of La Paz' suburbs. Then, you'll “trek” your way down to the center of La Paz.
You will take to the streets like a local during the 4-hour descent through markets, neighborhoods, plazas, and alleyways. After reaching El Alto—at a dizzying 13, 615ft (4,000m) above sea level, one of the highest cities in the world!— prepare to be dazzled by the views of the Andes and the sights of La Paz as you walk down through the “Hanging Neighborhoods” that surround the city.
To top it off, you will take a micro or local bus (think oldie Bluebird school buses painted a rainbow of colors) to the heart of the markets area. Here, you’ll be able to shop around and go to different markets, including the famous Witch’s Market.Â
You'll have the evening free to rest or explore more of the city at night.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: La Paz to Takesi Trail
Starting from your hotel in La Paz, you will be taken to San Francisco Mine. From here, you will begin a 5-hour trek at an altitude of 15,092ft (4,600m) above sea level through the Takesi Trail. Along the way, the path turns into a beautiful stone paving. This stone path was once used by the Incas to transverse through the mountains.
From here, you will see a spectacular view of the cloud-covered mountains along the trail. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Takesi Village and prepare for a night of camping at 12,139ft (3,700 m).
Trekking time: approximately 5-6 hours
Day 4: Trek from Takesi to Pongo
After breakfast, you will start descending from Takesi to Pongo Village.Â
Stop for an open-air lunch at Kakapi Village and enjoy the scenery. As you continue the trek, you will witness the famous Yungas, ecoregions of forest and jungled mountains that grace the central Andes. You will cross rivers and have fantastic views of the valleys along the way.
Finally, you will arrive at the village of Pongo for a well-deserved rest.
Trekking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Day 5: Pongo to La Paz
On your third day, you will depart to the Chojlla Mine, situated at 7,480ft (2,280m). You will start by descending to the Takesi River and continue to the cloud forest passing through Yanacachi. This town is one of the oldest in Bolivia and held an important role in colonial times because of its production of fruits, vegetables, and coca leaves.
Once you finish your trek, you can relax in an air-conditioned vehicle that will take you back to La Paz.
Trekking time: approximately 3-4 hours
Day 6: Departure from La Paz
It's time to say goodbye to Bolivia! A driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Map
