This is a high altitude trek into the heart of the Cordillera Apolobamba, one of Bolivia’s more remote mountain chains.
We hike through gold-rich valleys and over high mountain passes, with soaring snow-capped mountains all around.
Outline itinerary – day 1
From La Paz we drive along the shores of lake Titicaca to Pelechuco. Pelechuco experienced an economic boom at the time of the Spanish occupation – fuelled by their lust for gold - and its streets and houses reflect this.
From this quiet pretty town, founded in 1560 and with a marked Spanish flavour, we embark on our trek. No Spanish remain, but there is a thriving indigenous population.
Day 2
While our mule drivers load up the horses and mules, we start the ascent of 1,000 m, following a trail probably built by pre-Inca cultures. The trail climbs slowly through a mountain valley and very soon the mountains that surround Pelechuco will be below us. Close to the Keani pass, we set up our first campsite at 4, 600 m.
Day 3
We cross the Keani pass 4.800 m and then drop into the Ilo-Ilo valley. Our knees feel the steep descent.
We follow the stream down to the village of Palca. There are many Palcas in Bolivia, the word, in Aymara language means Y shape (the confluence of two rivers or valleys). Our second camp will be at Piedra Grande, a fabulous spot surrounded by soaring mountains.
Day 4
Today is our greatest challenge with a long climb up to the highest pass of the trek at 5,100 m. On the way we head up through a valley planted with potato crops until we find ourselves beside glaciers, and enter the very heart of the cordillera.
Within 5 to 6 hours walk we reach Sunchilli valley, a gold-rich valley that has been exploited since time immemorial.
When the Spanish arrived they took over the mines, and the Incas cursed them for this. The Spanish established a village at the base of the mountains but an earthquake loosened masses of ice from the surrounding glaciers and the ensuing avalanche of ice, mud and rocks completely destroyed the settlement. These days there are still many small mining operations in the area. We camp at the ruins of a mine at 4,500 m.
Day 5
We begin the day with a climb to the pass. Following llama paths and a secondary road on and off, we then continue walking over rolling hills approaching the sacred mountain of the Callawayas - Akamani 5,880 m. Today we set up our camp on a grassy plain bordered by two glacial streams.
Day 6
Today is our last day of trekking, which means the last pass to cross. After a long climb a walk through vegetable and medicinal plant plots brings us to Curva at 3,600 m, were we set up camp.
Day 7
Today we head back to La Paz.
Included
English speaking trek guide, kit transport, cook and dining tent, all group camping equipment, and private transport to and from the trek, meals and water from lunch day 1 to lunch day 7.
Not included
International flights (we can look for prices for you), travel insurance, sleeping bag, items of a personal nature, sleeping bag, tips.
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