El Choro Trek

Photo author: Hmorisse

La Paz being the synthesis of Bolivia is an appropiate site to undertake endless hikes in the Cordillera Real (mountains), the Yungas Valleys, and the semitropical and tropical zones of this Department.
There are hikes starting in the Cordillera from about 4800 m and descending to 1500m. They have a great contrast of landscapes and ecological zones that can be observed on the journey.

Within these areas there are hikes that are highlighted by the Pre-Columbian roads (Choro, Takesi, Yungas Cruz), where the cobblestone paths that were built and used by pre-Incan cultures in order to trade edible products with the communities in the different geographical zones of the Department are still preserved.

El Choro is one of the most well-known and fascinating Inca’s roads, it is the Choro road that offers a beautiful excursion that starts at the summit (Cumbre – 4700 masl).

During the excursion, we will encounter diverse landscapes, climates with radical changes.

This route crosses the Royal mountain range, as well as rivers and small towns, in which we will appreciate the traditional lifestyle of the people.

It let us walking 70 km. approximately from altiplánic land to the subtropical Yungas valley. A beauty prehistoric trail following rivers and mountain slopes through solid vegetation.

Enjoy a natural (apacheta) or crack on this point of the cordillera (4700 meter above sea level) in the natural line, it make the glaciers of the Royal Mountains in the snows place called Willa Mankilizani and the road to La Cumbre.
The environment brings alive a prehistoric history of human being settlement dating back to the time of Tiwanaku and the Incas empire.

Who make this excursion, will be amazed by the route, the landscape, as well as imagine how more than 500 years ago, the Incas used to communicate and commerce a wide territory. These main routes that today give us a beautiful distraction for the adventurers.

3 Days / 2 Nights

Dificult:

Duration: days nights

The tour includes: Private and public transport, complete board on the tour, insulation mat, tent and guide.
The tour does not include: Entrance ticket to Cotapata Park, sleeping bag, 2 liters of water (first day), personal porter, private vehicle Chairo – Coroico.

Day 1 - We go To Apacheta - Challapampa

We start the day at 08:00 when you are picked up from the hotel. Then we head off in a private vehicle to Apacheta (4950 m). Around 09:30 we start the hike descending for 2 and a half hours towards Samaña Pampa which is known to be a cold valley. At 12:00 we have lunch at this place. After 1 hour of descent we continue the hike going down on a pre-Inca cobblestone path to Challapampa (2800 m). On the way we observe the vegetation of High Puna. After we pass the village of Chucura (3500 m). We arrive in Challapampa around 16:00 and have a hot drink while the guide takes care of putting up the tents and prepare dinner. After dinner we rest.

Day 2 - Community Choro - Puerto Japonés

This day starts at 06:30 with breakfast. After an hour we head to the community of Choro on a hike which lasts 2 and a half hours where we rest for half an hour near a bridge. Then we continue until the Ukumarini River where we have lunch around 12:00 (it is possible to swim in this river). After resting for an hour and a half we continue on the hike descending and on the way we can appreciate the vegetation unique to the Yungas surrounded by mountains until we get to Puerto Japonés. From this point you pass near slopes and precipices finally arriving in Sandillani (2000 m) after 4 hours of hiking. In Sandillani the guide sets up the tents and makes dinner. After dinner we rest.