The Pre-Columbian Takesi Trail is one of the Bolivian sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, the immense road system that, in precolonial times, connected the principal regions of the Inca Empire.
A unique route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between breathtaking landscapes and extreme environmental conditions.
The pre-Columbian Takesi Trail is one of the best preserved sections of the Qhapaq Ñan, the road system that, in precolonial times, connected vast areas of present-day South America, over 30,000 km long, between locations in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
The Takesi Trail is located in the department of La Paz and goes from the municipality of Palca, in Ventilla, to the municipality of Yanacachi in the province of South Yungas. The trail crosses cold lands and then descends from the snow-capped mountains to the hilly jungle regions with a humid, rainy and hot climate.
The Takesi Trail has been recognised as a cultural, historical, architectural and archaeological heritage by the Department of La Paz: it is one of the pre-Hispanic roads that has come down to us in the best condition. It is thought to have originated on pre-existing routes already in the so-called Formative period (800 BCE-400 CE), and that it was then developed and partly paved during the golden age of the Tiwanaku culture and the following Inca empire. Travellers along this route are stunned by the impressive feat of engineering, but this is only a part of the Takesi Trail's charm.
To walk along this trail amounts to travelling through the history of the people who once inhabited this region and used these paths to trade products between the Andean highlands and the valleys and tropical regions below. Undoubtedly, the greatest emotion is to admire the solemn beauty of the Andean landscapes crossed by the trail, an expression of primeval beauty, to meet the members of the different communities that have sprung up along the trail, and to share with them the experiences of an authentic journey.
Don't miss the Takesi Trek! Contact us for more information and experience this adventure with us.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm and light clothing for cold and warm weather conditions, comfortable footprint shoes, and to bring a cap, a hat, sunglasses, a camping tent and a photographic camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
Where
Municipalities of Palca and Yanacachi, department of La Paz.
Transportation
By public transport
From La Paz with minibuses from the San Pedro area, Luis Lara street to the Community of Palca, getting off at Ventilla; a little further on in Choquecota the walk begins.
By private transport
From La Paz by road towards Palca; shortly before arriving, continue along the Ventilla road to Choquecota where the walk begins.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Recomendaciones
Se recomienda el uso de un tipo de ropa abrigada y ligera para condiciones climáticas frías y cálidas, zapatos cómodos de huella, gorra, sombrero, lentes para el sol, carpa de camping y cámara fotográfica
Normas anti covid
Se recomienda llevar kit de bioseguridad, barbijos y desinfectante de manos, además de botiquín de primeros auxilios, con protector solar y medicamentos para el mal de altura.