One of the most beautiful pre-Columbian trails - the Choro - begins in the Cordillera Real mountains. Designed in the time of the Tiwanaku culture, it connects the Altiplano with the Yungas valleys and thus enables the exchange of products from both regions. Improved during the Incas, it was also used during the colonial and early republican periods.
The start of the Choro trail is approx. 70 km from La Paz. The trail reaches its maximum altitude at the Chucura Pass at 4,870 meters above sea level and its lowest point at 1,270 meters above sea level in the village of Chairo. The hike begins at the statue of Christ on the Cumbre pass or directly at the Chucura Pass, and ends in the North Yungas (Chairo - Coroico) after three days and a distance of about 50 kilometers. The paved path leads the hiker through various climate and vegetation zones from the eternal ice of the Cordillera Real to the subtropical Yungas region with a rich flora and fauna, past pre-Columbian ruins, stairs, suspension bridges, stone parapets, and ruins of tambos (Inca hostel for travelers, soldiers and llama caravans).

Itinerary:

First Day: Chukura Pass (4870m) – Challapampa Camp (2820m)

Drive from La Paz over La Cumbre to the Chukura pass, where we let the driver drop us off. After we have extensively enjoyed the tremendous view from up here over large parts of the Cordillera Real, we begin the trekking and follow the steep cobblestone path in numerous serpentines down into a wide high valley. We move excitingly close to an adjacent steep gorge. Later we cross green pastures. A little further down, we cross a stream shortly before the village of Achura. Now the increasingly steep paved path directly follows the thundering mountain stream to our left and turns narrower. 1 to 1.5 hours later we reach the hamlet of Challapampa, where we set up our overnight camp. Overnight in a tent (walking time 6 to 7 hours, approx. 16 km, 2050 m ↓). (-/BL/D)

Second Day: Challapampa Camp (2820m) via Choro to San Francisco Camp (1970m)

We leave after breakfast. We cross a side arm of the Rio Chukura and walk the next few kilometers on solid stone paths surrounded by dense subtropical mountain forests. Approx. 2 hours later we reach the village of Choro where the river has to be crossed again. It continues through increasingly dense vegetation along the banks of the Rio Huarinilla. There are a number of short uphill sections to overcome and the path climbs out of the jungle. We cross the Rio Jacunmanini and hike over a steep sloping gorge along the Rio Coscapa, where again some counter climbs await us. Finally, we cross the gorge over a well-fortified wooden bridge with grandiose views. Our overnight camp at 1970m will soon be in sight. Overnight in a tent (walking time 6 to 7 hours, approx. 15 km, 850 m ↓). (B/BL/D)

Third Day: San Francisco Camp (1970m) via Sandilliani to Chairo (1270m), return to La Paz

After about two hours of light up and down through dense mountain forests, a group of huts are sight, the Casa Sandilliani at about 2000m. The rest of the way now leads clearly downhill, 7 kilometers to the end point Chairo, which is at an altitude of only 1270m. The path widens and meanders down in tight serpentines. The surface is very pleasant to walk on, and the final goal is reached in about 3 hours. Pick-up and return to La Paz. (Walking time 6 to 7 hours, approx. 15 km, 700 m ↓) (B/BL/-) - END OF OUR SERVICES

Requirements:

Good physical fitness

Include in the package

- English-speaking trekking guide (from/to hotel in La Paz)
- Private transport
- 2 nights in a tent (single tents available at extra charge)
- Porter for food and camp equipment during the trek
- You have to carry your personal belongings and clothes!
- All entrance fees
- Meals according to program (B= breakfast; L= lunch; D= Dinner)

Reservation:

Please do not hesitate to contact us for price requests, reservation, general question, and individual tour inquiries, at: contact(at)landmarktravelbolivia.com

Link:

https://www.landmarktravelbolivia.com/el-choro-trek