Itinerary in brief:
Day 1: La Paz to Challapampa
Today you will be picked up at your hotel in La Paz and driven by private transfer towards the city’s ‘guardian mountain’ Mount Illimani, which towers above the city.
Your trek begins near San Francisco mine, from where you will make your way over a mountain pass at 4,600m. The terrain is quite rocky at first, but this soon gives way to an impressive hand-carved and well-preserved paved Inca route through the mountainside with beautiful views of the snow-capped peak of Nevado Murata to the east. The temperature at this high altitude is low, so be sure to bring warm layers and waterproof clothing.
You’ll have lunch will be in the open air near beside a lake. After lunch, continue trekking, mostly downhill until you reach the village of Takesi where you will set camp and have dinner.
Day 2: Challapampa to Sandillani
After a good breakfast and a rest, you will start the descent to Pongo from where you’ll have views over the stunning Quimsa Chata River and as you walk. Slowly, the temperature will rise and you’ll witness the transition into the sub-tropical ecosystem that’s characteristic of Yungas – a forested area that blankets the eastern side of the Andes.
After about 6 hours of trekking, lunch will be at a welcoming rest area in Kakapi which has panoramic views. After lunch, you’ll reach the Pongo Pampa area, where you should look out for birds, ferns and colourful wildflowers flowers including, begonias and orchids. When you arrive, the camp will be erected for you, so you can relax and enjoy dinner and a cosy night’s sleep under the clear, cool skies.
Day 3: Sandillani to La Paz
As soon as the birds start to chirp, your day’s trekking begins and you’ll continue towards Yanacachi. The vegetation becomes denser as you get closer to the Chojlla tin mine, where some mining takes place today. You’ll continue for another two hours of light trekking until you reach the charming village of Yanachachi, the first place in the sub-tropical area founded by the Spaniards and the end point of your trek.
Here you will be picked up by a private vehicle and taken back to La Paz to connect with your onward travel plans.
