Into the heart of the Andes, on foot, along the ancient trails of the Qhapaq Ñan Inca road network, a World Heritage Site.
The Takesi is one of the best-preserved sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, the network of roads that united South America in pre-colonial times; one of the greatest treasures handed down to us by the pre-Hispanic civilisations that thrived here.
This itinerary is the best choice for mountain walking enthusiasts who want to experience trekking in the heart of the Andes mountain range. Over the course of three days and two nights we will cross through some very different landscapes, from fertile valleys to the Andean highland ecosystems, such as the Luru Kheri lagoon, and the Yungas, mountainous transition zones between the Andes and the Amazon ecosystems, covered by humid forests. Spectacular scenery, where – thanks to the people who inhabit the region – visitors can practice and experience responsible and sustainable tourism. The local communities, which have been able to preserve the vitality of their ancient cultures and the memory of their traditions, are happy to provide spaces for camping and basic services for travellers. Among the most important attractions along this itinerary are the ruins of ancient pre-Hispanic settlements, colonial-era towns and traces of the region's mining past.
Services
- Accomodation
- Food and beverage
- Local guides
- Lake transport
Additional Info
Difficulty level
Medium
Packing list
Personal documents, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat or cap, bathing suit, comfortable clothes and shoes, warm clothes and woollen hat for the night, raincoat for the rainy season (December to April), camera, snacks. Personal medication for altitude sickness.
Included services
Transportation: private round-trip transportation
Accommodation: one night camping area in Cacapi and one night camping area Chahuara
Meals: traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner with local produce; enquire about vegetarian food
First aid kit
Local guides
Pick up at the hotels, if located in the city centre and subject to arrangement with the operator. Elsewhere, a meeting point will be arranged possibly at extra cost.
Services not included
Breakfast on the first day
Dinner on the last day
Beverages
Any services not agreed on
Tips
Extra charges.
Info Reservation
Minimum group: 10 people.
Minimum time for reservation: one week.
Where
Ciudad de La Paz
Day 1
From La Paz to the village of Takesi
Duration: 1,5 days
La Paz–Choquecota–Takesi Village
We will depart early in the morning from La Paz, by bus or minibus, to the village of Choquecota, passing through the community of Ventilla for a short refuelling stop. The first day of trekking will take us through an apacheta, the mines of San Francisco and the famous lagoon of Luru Kheri, which is located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where we will have time to rest and take pictures. Later we will reach the village of Takesi where we will camp in the camping areas, have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2
From Cacapi community to Chojlla community
Duration: 1,5 days
Takesi–Cacapi community–Chojlla community
Continuing on our adventure, we will travel along the pre-Columbian trails to the community of Cacapi, where we can have lunch and enjoy the nature and the spectacular Andean landscapes.
In the afternoon, the tour will continue to the mining community of Chojlla, at an altitude of 2,400 meters. In this old mining town we will have dinner and set up tents for the night.
Day 3
From the Chojlla community to Yanacachi City Hall and back to La Paz
Duration: 1,5 days
Chojlla community–Yanacachi–La Paz
After breakfast we will set out to Yanacachi, passing by the archaeological ruins of Tawacosi and its dairy. In Yanacachi we will have time to admire the colonial architecture of the city and have lunch, then prepare to return to La Paz.
