Bolivia's adventures
Apolobamba indómita
Apolobamba is so remote and secluded that you will only encounter some shepherds and miners as you traverse this land.
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Arrival in La Paz
Arrive at El Alto airport at 4,063 m that will take your breath away due to the altitude and the views of the mountains. The clear, crisp sky of the highlands gives the impression that you could touch them. Make an impressive drive to La Paz city, with hanging buildings within a valley surrounded by glacial mountains. Enjoy a light lunch, do the briefing with the guide and then take a short city tour using the modern cable car system.
Trek to Yumani
Leave early and head west to Lake Titicaca, cross the Tiquina Strait by ferry and continue along the shores to the village of Sampaya. Enjoy lunch at a spot with views of Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, Cordillera Real and Apolobamba mountain ranges. Hike traversing narrow, steep alleys of the village of Sampaya, mostly built of stone and thatched roofs and follow the ridge top to Yampupata. Meet the boatman and take a 15-minute boat ride to Isla del Sol, visit the archaeological site of Pilcocaina and hike to the town of Yumani where we will spend the night at a friendly hostel.
Trek to Challapampa
Hike north to the archaeological site of Chincana crossing the entire length of the island, following a very scenic path with views of Lake Titicaca’s cobalt waters. Continue to the village of Challa Pampa, take the boat to Wakani where lunch is Apthapi, a typical andean lunch. Take the boat back to Yampupata where transport waits for you and will take you to Copacabana at 3,849 m, visit the church and the market before dinner. Optionally, hike 2 km to Calvary Hill for sunset.
Drive to Cañuma
After breakfast board the vehicle that will take us to the first campsite of the trek. Today's car ride is quite interesting; skirt the northern shores as Lake Titicaca shows its colorful waters, drive past the rolling hills of the Muñecas mountain range as the rocks change color, head north towards the plains of Ulla Ulla, a national reserve where thousands of wild Vicuñas graze in front of glacial peaks and colorful lakes. Enter a hidden valley and camp near the town of Cañuma.
Trek to Ullakaya viewpoint
First day of trekking in Apolobamba! Drive to the start of the trailhead and hike towards a splendid viewpoint at 4,926 m to get used to the altitude and enjoy excellent views of the mountains south of Apolobamba such as: Ulla Khaya 5,794 m, Caballuni 5,608 m, and Akamani 5,535 m the sacred mountain of the Kallawayas. Early return to the same campsite for dinner.
Trek to Puyu Puyu
Start the hike, follow llama paths and ascend to a sandy peak called Cerro Morado 5,157 m, a purple mountain with peculiar color due to its iron content. The reward is the best 360-degree view of the hike that includes: the entire Apolobamba mountain range, the Ulla Ulla plains, Lake Titicaca on the horizon, the deep valleys of the Muñecas mountain range and, to the south, the Illampu-Janko Uma massif in the Cordillera Real. After this amazing landscape, descend along loose terrain into a colorful valley, climb again to a 4,900 m mountain pass, and descend to the Puyu Puyu valley.
Trek to Kellu Pata
Another day between the mountains and the highlands, after a steep climb reach a rocky peak 5,205 m impressive views of almost the entire Apolobamba mountain range. The bottom of the valleys is dotted with hundreds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas that herd along the river banks, while rock and ice are the main elements in the mountains. Camp near an alpaca farm close to one of the numerous lagoons of the valley.
Rest day. Kellu Pata viewpoint
Have a rest day. Decide to stay in the campsite, take a shower of for those who still want to be active, visit the alpaca corrals nearby and optionally ascend to Kellu Pata viewpoint.
Trek to Cololo
Cross another mountain pass at 5,245 m with a group of peaks competing with each other in nature and beauty. The whole valley is dotted with numerous colorful lakes that will undoubtedly become the main attraction of the day, additionally enjoy views of Chaupi Orko, the highest mountain in Apolobamba. The camp is located near the village of Kota Piquiña and Cololo Lake; one of the longest lakes in the Apolobamba mountain range. Probably, get visited by artisans offering alpaca clothes and handcraft.
Trek to Suches
Hike in an almost flat terrain along the valley, gradually ascend to the mountain pass from where we will have the best views of northern Apolobamba and Lake Suches, the second largest lake of Bolivia after Lake Titicaca. Cross a mountain pass at 5,222 m and follow a secondary road to our campsite down in the rocky valley of Lake Suches, home to hundreds of Viscachas, a type of Andean chinchilla.
Rest day. Chaupi Orko viewpoint
After several days of hiking, have the opportunity to spend a well-deserved day of rest at this camp and bath. For those who remain energized, hike a round-trip to the Chucuyo lagoon to have splendid views of the Chaupi Orko mountain 6,040 m, the highest in Apolobamba mountain range.
Trek to Llajta Kuchu
Long day ahead through Paso Ingles 5,163 m (English Pass). Hike up the valley cross over a mountain glacier and ascend up a steep rocky hill, your trial by fire. Flor de Nevada active gold mine summons big amounts of miners who were seen crossing glaciers using rubber boots. Cross to the west side of the Apolobamba mountain range, notice the change of vegetation for exposure to the Amazon basin.
Trek to Pelechuco
From campsite, head downhill and follow Makara river. Traverse the side of the heel towards a 4,269 m ridge. Enjoy unmatched views of the mountains, valleys, rainforest and Amazon basin. Descend through Old Pelechuco ruins to the town of Pelechuco, a misty rocky mountain village.
Drive to La Paz
Start early and make the long return to La Paz. Follow the road that zig-zag up the 4,853 m mountain pass Katantica, drive across the plains of Ulla Ulla and back to the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca and the hotel in La Paz.
Type
Trekking, 4x4
Grade
Altitude range
3,594 - 5,245 m
Total duration
14
Accommodation
Min - Max people
4 - 12
Countries
Bolivia
Region
Lake Titicaca, Apolobamba
Ask availability
Every adventure starts with a plan
Our adventures are subject to Dynamic Andean Availability — shaped by weather conditions, seasonal windows, and minimum group size. Reach out to us to find the best time to embark on your journey.
FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How is the current political situation in Bolivia?
Even though there is constant political unrest in Bolivia, normally the situation is limited to road blocks and manifestations in the city. During our 30 years of experience, we always find ways to complete our itineraries or if needed, propose changes to overcome different situations.
Think about it as an adventure experience but nothing really dangerous to worry about.
What is the most common reaction to high altitude environments?
The physical responses to the reduced oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, are quite common. Many visitors experience shortness of breath, mild headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue can set in quickly as the body uses more energy to function. Some individuals may feel nausea, lose their appetite, or experience disturbed sleep.
These are typical signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually resolves with rest, acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and ascending gradually can help minimize these effects.
What is the minimum acclimatization process to climb a 6000m mountain?
At least 7 days of sleeping and doing mild exercise between 3000m and 5000m. An average itinerary can include:
- Flight or bus to La Paz at 3600m
- Drive to Lake Titicaca and hike 5 km in Isla del Sol at 3840m
- Hike 8 km in Copacabana or the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Drive to Condoriri and hike 4 km to ChiarKota at 4670m
- Hike 9 km and ascend Pico Austria at 5350m
- Drive to Huayna Potosí and hike to Glaciar Viejo to do glacier practices at 5100m
If you complete this you are ready to climb a 6000m mountain like Huayna Potosi, Chachacomani, Chearoko, Illampu, Ancohuma, Illimani, Cololo, Chaupi Orko, Acotango, Parinacota, Pomarape or Sajama.
What is included in our trips?
As an all-inclusive company that wants to take care of everything so you don’t worry about anything but enjoying your adventure. Depending the type of trip you choose, the average trip includes:
Included services:
- All land transportation included buses, 4x4 and boat rides
- Hotel accommodation in La Paz, Sajama, Uyuni, Lake Titicaca
- Common climbing equipment: ropes, carabiners, slings, ice screws
- English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guide
- English speaking UIMLA certified trekking guide
- Meals during the itinerary
- Cook and assistant during camping stages
- Luggage transportation and pack animals up to 15 kg per person in trekking and Base Camp, 10 kg to High Camp with porters
- National Park and Community Land entrance fees
Not included:
- Transfer In/Out from La Paz
- International and local flights
- Soft drinks and spirits
- Personal equipment: sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, headlamps
- Personal climbing equipment: ice axe, helmet, boots, harnesses, crampons
- Insurance of any kind
- Rescue operations, rescuers fees, transportation or medical treatment
How does Andean Summits ensure safety on our trips?
Since our establishment in 1994, we design our trips and procedures to ensure safety and enjoyment for your adventures.
- Working only with certified UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides and UIMLA certified trekking guides
- Employing trustful drivers, cooks, muleteers and porters some of which we work up to 15 years with
- Constantly monitoring political unrest or social problems
- Permanent weather tracking
- Constant communication between hiking party and base camp in trekking trips
How do I reserve and confirm services with Andean Summits?
Pay a predefined deposit around 10% of the total cost. And then make the full payment one month before departure. Payments are accepted via bank transfer, wire or electronic wallets.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Submit cancellations in writing via email. Refunds depend on timing:
- 60+ days before departure: Full refund (minus $100 fee).
- 31-59 days: 50%.
- 15-30 days: 25%.
- 14 days or less: No refund.
Can Andean Summits cancel a trip?
Yes, trips may be canceled due to insufficient participants, extreme weather, or safety/logistical issues. Refunds or rescheduling options are provided case-by-case.
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