Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba

Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in La Paz and Hot Springs

Welcome to Bolivia! You’ll be picked up from the airport in La Paz or at your downtown hotel to begin the drive into the Cordillera Apolobamba. Along the way, you’ll twist and turn as you gain elevation, passing beautiful Lake Titicaca. When you make it to Charazani, take a break to enjoy the nearby hot springs. Then, it’s onwards to Lagunillas for a lunch break and then to Kanisaya, where you’ll be spending the night.
Overnight Location: Refuge in Kanisaya (3,870m)
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Trek to Laguna Chuchuja

Ready to get trekking in the Bolivian Andes? Enjoy breakfast and then head up to a tiny hamlet with great stone houses. You’ll hike up along a steep slope to an overlook atop a plateau that holds Laguna Chuchuja. What a view! Set up camp at the base of Akamani, an unforgettable spot.
Overnight Location: Camping near Akamani (4,230m)
Distance: 3.5 hours, 360m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Trek to Laguna Kanuhuma

Today, you’ll enjoy breakfast under the mountains before packing up your tent and heading northwest to a high pass above the lake. You’ll follow a contour to a huge valley where a stream rushes through the bottom. Follow the stream to a high plateau where you can start to see the tall peak of Ullakaya in the distance. Descend into the valley once more to set up camp at Lake Kanuhuma for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping near Laguna Kanuhuma (4,720m)
Distance: 8 hours, 900m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Trek to Laguna Pujo

How are the legs feeling so far? Today, you’ll continue your trek in the Bolivian Andes as you trek across a plateau in a swampy glen. It overlooks a unique geological feature called a “bofedal”, or a humid elevated land. Keep your feet dry as you pick your way across to a glacial pass that divides two mountains. Beautiful! Then, head up to a pass at 5110m that enjoys views of Condoriri and Ullakaya. You’ll descend briefly to a sandy area that leads to Lake Pujo, where you can spend the evening relaxing.
Overnight Location: Camping near Laguna Pujo (4,655m)
Distance: 7 hours, 470m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Trek to Cololo Camp

You’re halfway through your trek into the Cordillera Apolobamba! Today, begin with an easy hike north that leads to a high pass that offers fabulous views of the Huanacuni and Cololo glaciers and surrounding range. You’ll head down into a wide valley, cross the stream, and head up the other side towards two large lakes. This is camp for the night, and you’re in luck because it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Apolobambas. Before the day is done, you have the option to head up to a glacial lake at the base of Cololo. It’s not a tough hike, but it’s certainly rewarding.
Overnight Location: Camping near Cololo (4,680m)
Distance: 8 hours, 480m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Trek to Huanacuni Camp

You’ll sadly have to leave your beautiful camping spot this morning, but it’ll be worth it! Trek along to the foot of the Huanacuni glacier, and then take an easy descent into a valley of ashy soil. There are some exciting technical parts are you climb up to a plateau that sits at the foot of the glaciers around Huanacani. It’s a beautiful spot, and you’ll make camp next to three green lakes with the mountain in sight.
Overnight Location: Camping at Huanacuni (4,750m)
Distance: 7 hours, 580m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Trek to Pelechuco Pass and Palomani Grande

Today, begin your Apolobamba adventure with a trek up to a pass at 5120m. It’s not very difficult, so you can fully enjoy the amazing views that surround you. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a herd of local llamas! Head down to the lakes near Pelechuco Pass, where you have a great view of the Cerro Presidente, Palomani Grande, and Azucarani peaks. Enjoy a lakeshore picnic before heading upwards to a rocky tower where the surrounding peaks seem close enough to touch. You’ll be able to see the Chaupi Orco summit, the highest peak in the region. Andean deer, or venado, may keep you company as you hike down to camp. The descent is stunning all the way to the valley where you’ll spend the evening.
Overnight Location: Camping near Palomani Grande (4,730m)
Distance: 9 hours, 770m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Trek to Chaupi Orco Viewpoint

Enjoy breakfast before setting out to follow a meandering stream to a stunning turquoise lake, which marks the start of your climb. You’ll head up and over a rocky barrier, and the view of the stunning Chucuyo Grande that you’ll be treated to is unforgettable. It’s a series of peaks leading up to the highest in the Cordillera on the far left. Perfection! Then, head back to Palomani Grande camp for another evening under the stars.
Overnight Location: Camping near Palomani Grande (4,730m)
Distance: 4.5 hours, 260m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Departure from Bolivia

Sadly, the end of your trek through the Cordillera Apolobamba has come. Enjoy breakfast before a private transfer to La Paz and the airport comes to pick you up.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch