Untitled Document

TAQUESI TRAIL , 2 Days
Code: TTTAQUES

Trekking 27km (17mi) on a well preserved pre-Hispanic stone-paved trail from the mountains down to the Yungas cloud forest; a real state-of-art in road engineering.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A
Difficulty: Moderated
Accommodation: 1 night camping.

This trek has become very popular mainly among youngsters from La Paz who want to hike a moderate “Inca trail” as these pre-Hispanic trails are known despite having built much earlier than the Inca occupation in Bolivia; probably constructed during the Tiwanaco culture expansion. This short route concentrates in only two 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.

The most interesting part of this trail is from the trailhead up to the mountain pass and down to Loro Kheri lagoon. This incredibly well preserved section of stone-paved trail is an amazing masterpiece of engineering with drainage systems, platforms and containing walls. After the lagoon, the route descends on the steep slopes of this microclimatic valley down to Cacapi village first and to Chojlla mine later.

Please note that to take this trip alone, you must already be acclimatized to the highlands. This means that you must have spent at least 3-5 days at the highlands doing light physical activity. For more information about this subject, please refer to the page acclimatization at our website.

For the more adventurous we suggest to add one more day and make the trail known as “Alto Taquesi”; that is climbing back up to the western slopes of Mururata mountain after having descend to Loro Kheri lagoon to then descend directly to Cacapi settlement. Please send us a “Tailor made” form is you are considering this option.

Itinerary:

D1. Transp.to La Mina San Francisco. Trek to Estancia Taquesi. Camp.
D2. Trek to Chojlla Mine. Transp.to La Paz.

Highlights:

Trekking the Taquesi trail across the southwestern slopes of Mururata Mountain and down to the Yungas cloud forest.
Splendid views of the coca-leave main area of production in the Yungas cloud forest.
Short visit of Chojlla mine and Yanacachi town on the way back to La Paz.

Day 1. Transport to La Mina San Francisco. Trek to Estancia Taquesi. Camp.

Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
1st Mtn. Pass 4,620m (15,153f)
Taquesi 3,500m (11,480f)
Timing
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
L,D

We drive to the head-road near the abandoned mine of San Francisco. Although a little longer, our route will go through Palca canyon with its impressive towers and narrow gorges. On the way we will make a stop to enjoy the best views of Illimani and Mururata mountains. The walk begins with a climb up to the mountain pass where walkers are accustomed to make offerings to Pachamama asking for good luck in their journey. From here the path drops down to Loro Kheri lagoon with its beautiful crystal-clear waters and continue downstream to Taquesi village. There we will make our fist camp just outside the settlement.

Day 2. Trek to Chojlla Mine. Transport to La Paz.

Elevations
Sta.Rosa 1,500m (4,920f)
Road pass 4,650m (15,252f)
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Driving: 4-5 Hrs
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
L,D

We continue over a wide path traversing the northern slopes of Taquesi River mostly near the tree line, an area frequented by Jukumari bears. After crossing the picturesque hamlet of Cacapi, which hangs over a deep valley, we reach Chojlla mine. In this mine we can take a look at the old manual mining methods still employed by the mineral diggers. Here our car will be waiting for us to drive back to La Paz.

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