Join this guided trekking tour in Bolivia’s stunning Cordillera Apolobamba
The Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour is an exciting opportunity to call the Andes home for 9 days, exploring all that makes this mountain range so special. If you like stunning scenery, Bolivian culture and great trekking, then this is the trekking tour for you!
The Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour is all about the elevation. You’ll reside above 4000m for the duration of the tour, hiking from one stunning pass to another.
Cross under Chaupi Orco, the highest peak in the region, while you find your perfect camping spot for the night. Pass fields of llamas and sheep while you follow flowing streams and ascend valley walls. Skirt around massive glaciers hugging imposing summits. Picnic at the shores of Laguna Chuchuja while you admire the tall peak of Condoriri. Then, local Andean deer hop past you while you circle Palomani Grande. Everywhere you go on the Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour, the mountains envelop you.
Adventurous travellers, this once in a lifetime hiking tour of the Cordillera Apolobamba is calling you!
Highlights of the Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba
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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
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Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Price and Dates
This guided tour of the Andean region of Bolivia is always run as a custom tour for your group only, therefore the price depends on your group size.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 4: $3,310 USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on your group size.
Book NowAccommodation on the Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour
This tour is based in campsites and hostels. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodations listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hostel (please enquire to find out the prices). Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Refuge in Kanisaya
This remote refuge is full of Andean mountain spirit and surrounded by the stunning views.
Camping along the route
Enjoy sleeping under the stars! You’ll camp next to several alpine lakes, where all necessary equipment will be provided.
What’s Included in the Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Tour
Meals
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 8 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
All required private and luggage transfers are included. Mule or llama carrier for equipment during trekking is included too.
Also Included
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to national parks and museums
- Cook for trekking part
- Entrance fees to national parks, historical sites, museums, etc.
- Camping equipment
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Any required medical expenses
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Flights to and from La Paz
- Visa if required
- Domestic airport tax ($3 USD per person)
Optional Extras
- Extra night before or after the tour
- Tips for local guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba
Thaki Travel is a boutique tour operator based in Bolivia. Thaki aims to show you the best of Bolivian landscape, cuisine, and adventure. They are known for their professionalism, reactivity, and deep knowledge of each corner of Bolivia.
Thaki Travels aims to go the extra mile and surprise their guests with unexpected experiences and places. They use high-quality equipment to make mountain trips as safe and enjoyable as possible.
They offer exciting alpine adventures and vibrant city tours, providing an unforgettable journey through Bolivia with a serious dose of adventure.
Learn MoreTrekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba Map
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Local Guide
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Hugo is an IFMGA certified mountain guide and a well-known cultural guide. He has 11 years of experience and, born at the foot of the Illimani mountain, has been fascinated by the mountains since he was a child. He started preparing for the IFMGA curriculum at the age of 23, and passed the exam in 2009. Ever since, he’s been leading groups in his beloved native Bolivia.
- Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting Bolivia?
- A: When we pass through the more remote villages in the mountain regions of Bolivia, they are very surprised to see how the local communities live in these places. They’re surprised by the difficulty of the seasons, how they cook, and all the traditional methods they have for different aspects of their lives.
- Q: Where do you like to travel on holidays?
- A: To the beach of Mexico! Bolivia is a landlocked country.
- Q: What do your guests say they like best about the tours you lead?
- A: What my guests say cannot really be measured in words. My biggest satisfaction is when they make it to the summit. The tears of pride, happiness, and amazement speak volumes. I love when they hug me and thank me for helping them get there.