La Paz Hiking Trails Trail Map
La Paz department covers 133,985 km² and had 3,022,566 residents in the 2024 census. The Cordillera Real runs about 125 km along its eastern side; its highest peaks are Illimani (6,438 m), Illampu (6,368 m) and Huayna Potosí (6,088 m). East of the range the land falls steeply into the Yungas: El Choro drops from about 4,870 m to about 1,250 m. El Alto, above the city, holds the international airport at 4,061 m.
Explore the Best Trails in La Paz Hiking Trails
La Paz hiking trails in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real: El Choro (about 50 km over 3 days, from a pass of about 4,870 m down to Chairo at about 1,250 m), Takesi (about 40 km, pass about 4,640 m) and the glacier climb of Huayna Potosí (6,088 m). La Paz sits at about 3,640 m, so acclimatisation comes first. Checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/bolivia/
Geographic Overview
La Paz department covers 133,985 km² and had 3,022,566 residents in the 2024 census. The Cordillera Real runs about 125 km along its eastern side; its highest peaks are Illimani (6,438 m), Illampu (6,368 m) and Huayna Potosí (6,088 m). East of the range the land falls steeply into the Yungas: El Choro drops from about 4,870 m to about 1,250 m. El Alto, above the city, holds the international airport at 4,061 m.
Cultural Context
El Choro and Takesi are old paved routes between the Altiplano and the Yungas valleys. They are often called Inca trails, but that attribution is not confirmed for Takesi, and El Choro is not part of the section of the Qhapaq Ñan that UNESCO lists in Bolivia (Desaguadero-Viacha). Communities along El Choro collect a trail fee and run the campsites.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season, roughly May to September for the treks; May to November for Huayna Potosí.
Getting There: La Paz Hiking Trails
- El Alto International Airport (Airport): La Paz's international airport, on the plateau above the city at 4,061 m. Expect to feel the altitude on arrival.
- Villa Fátima (La Paz) (Minibus stop): District where Yungas and Coroico minibuses leave; ask for La Cumbre (about an hour, 20-30 Bs) for El Choro.
- La Cumbre (Trailhead): Pass on the La Paz-Coroico road with the SERNAP ranger post where El Choro starts.
- Zongo refugios (Mountain base): Refugios below the Zongo pass, 1.5-2 hours from La Paz; base for Huayna Potosí and its glacier practice day.
- Chairo (Trail end): End of El Choro in the Yungas. No public transport onward; hikers take a taxi to Coroico or Yolosita (100-180 Bs reported).
Huayna Potosí Climb: Route, Camps, Elevation & Season
Huayna Potosí (6,088 m) near La Paz: the 3-day normal route via Campo Alto Roca at 5,130 m, glacier risks,…
El Choro Trek: Route, Distance, Elevation & Safety
El Choro trek data: about 50 km over 3 days from La Cumbre via Abra Chucura (4,870 m) to Chairo,…
Frequently Asked Questions about La Paz Hiking Trails
Plan several days. La Paz is at about 3,640 m and El Choro starts at about 4,650 m; CDC advice is not to raise sleeping altitude by more than about 500 m a day above 2,750 m.
Yes. It is a paved path and many people walk it independently. Register at La Cumbre and Samaña Pampa, and walk in a group for security.
Robberies have been reported on the lower trail past Choro village. Walk in a group, camp near others and check road-blockade news before travelling.
Beginners do climb it with a guide after a day of glacier practice, but you need good fitness, time above 4,500 m beforehand and a night at 5,130 m before a 1 am start to 6,088 m.
About 20 Bs community fee at Chucura, about 10-25 Bs per campsite, 20-30 Bs for the minibus to La Cumbre and 100-180 Bs reported for a taxi from Chairo.
The dry season, roughly May to September for the treks; Huayna Potosí’s main climbing season runs May to November.