Untitled Document

CHORO TRAIL , 3 Days
Code: TTCHORO

Trekking 52km (33mi) on a well preserved pre-Hispanic stone-paved trail from the mountains down to the Yungas cloud forest, an impressive descent of almost 3.5km (2.2mi).

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A
Difficulty: Moderated
Accommodation: 2 nights camping.

This trek has become very popular lately. This short trek concentrates in only three days the most interesting landscapes between the mountains of Cordillera Real - when crossing the first (and only) mountain pass -, and the cloud forest called Yungas.

An impressive descent of almost 3.500 vertical meters (2.200 miles), will allow you to appreciate an amazing variety of landscapes through this microclimatic zone, actually part of the Cotapata National Park.

Along of the 52km, a great part of the trail is stone-paved since ancient pre-Hispanic times, actually we are following and ancient commercial route used to extract coca-leaves, fruits, feathers, wood and exotic animals from the Yungas trade with products of the highlands like: beans, Llama dry salty meat (Charque), fish and potatoes from the highlands.

Nowadays we beggin this trail at "La Cumbre" mountain pass, but originally is was linked to the valleys of La Paz, the highlands and shores of Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary:

D1. Transp.to La Cumbre. Trek to Challapampa. Camp.
D2. Trek to Sandillani. Camp.
D3. Trek to Chairo. Transp.to Coroico or La Paz

Highlights:

Trekking the Choro trail across the mountains and down to the Yungas cloud forest; an amazing descent of almost 3500m !.
Splendid views of the "Dead road" on the way back to La Paz.
Trekking within the boundaries of Cotapata National Park.
Optional drop-off in Coroico town.

Day 1. Transport to La Cumbre. Trek to Challapampa.

Elevations
Apacheta 4.840m (15,875f)
Challapampa 2,600m (8,528f)
Timing
Driving: 1-2 Hr
Walking: 6-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D

We drive from La Paz to the head-road along the main paved road to the Yungas first and over secondary dirty roads later. We will start hiking uphill towards Apacheta, the only mountain pass of the trek. From this point is all down hill towards our campsite located in a beautiful meadow just below the tree line, here on the shores of a sparkling river. On the way we will pass by the picturesque Andean village of Chucura (also called Achura) enclosed by towering mountains.

Day 2. Trek to San Francisco. Camp

Elevations
San Francisco 2,010m (6,592f)
Timing
Walking: 6-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D

An early start will be required not only to cover the long distance of the day, but to still have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing views along of the way. After leaving campsite we will follow a well preserved stone-paved trail through thick forest and traversing steep mountain sides. Once at the small settlement of Choro we have to cross Chucura river from where the path makes several ups and downs but, basically maintaining the same elevation. Our campsite will be located in the only wide part of the trail in a small settlement called San Francisco or Kusilluni with a superb view.

Day 3. Trek to Chairo. Transport to La Paz. Hotel

Elevations
Chairo 1,100m (3,608f)
Cumbre 4,650m (15,252f)
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
B,L

Today we will continue the descent to Huarinilla river, during the day the heat, vegetation and, unfortunately, the mosquitoes, increase in strength. On the way we will pay a visit to an elderly Japanese gentleman, actually and hermit that lives surrounded by a beautiful garden in Sandillani (he haven’t leave his house or walk down to the town in more than 40 years now). At the trailhead, we will reach Chairo village passing by various plantations of coca, citrus fruits and coffee. Our vehicle will then take us strait back to La Paz or - with a small additional costo for the drop-off - to Coroico.

ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Meals mentioned on the itinerary (three meals per day, snacks and boiled water).
Full land transportation on the trip.
Common camping equipment: 4 season tents (one per each two people), dinning tent, kitchen stuff, and tableware.
Professional bilingual guide(s) during the trip and transfers.
Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals on trekking & climbing trips (20 kg / 44 lb per person max weight).
Cook(s) when camping.
National Park entrance fees.

Not included

International flight ticket.
Local flight tickets.
International & local airport fees.
Meals & accommodation in la Paz and other main cities.
Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, foam pad, headlamps, and clothing.
Insurance of any kind.
Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).

MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

If you would like us to make additional hotel reservations besides the accommodation that is included in your trip, please get into our Reservations page