Along the way...

The pre-Colombian civilizations of the Altiplano had established commercial relationships with the low valleys and the Amazon Basin, which allowed them to improve their diet by trading their produce for corn and fruit.
In every place where it is possible to cross the Cordillera, there is a pre-Colombian trail descending to the Yungas, or low valleys. The Choro and the Yunga Cruz are the most well-known examples of such paths. The Takesi, with its magnificent paved portions, could be the best preserved of the Incas trails in this area.
This 2 to 3-day trek is ideal for exploring this incredible region of the Yungas and its rich fauna and flora. Progressively, we pass from the mountainous world of the Andes to lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls and old growth forest.

 

PROGRAM

DAY 1 : LA PAZ – TAKESI – KAKAPI (el. 2790 m.a.s.l.)

Meeting at 6 a.m. in the hotel lobby. Our private vehicle takes us to visit the San Francisco mine (el. 4220 m.a.s.l. / 2h30 trip). The road offers great views. Breakfast and meeting with our team of muleteers. The trek starts with a climb to the Apachetas Pass (el.4650 m.a.s.l.), at the base of peak Takesi. From there, we descend into the deep valleys of the Yungas. The beautiful paved trail takes us to the hamlet of Takesi, then to the small community of Kakapi, where we find our Refuge (shelter).
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (Basic comfort).
Hiking time: 9h; Elevation gain: +430m / -1860m

 

OPTION “A”: 2 DAYS

DAY 2 : KAKAPI – YANACACHI (2000 m alt.) – LA PAZ

Early departure. Ferns, orchids and all sorts of tropical plants, on which our local guide will inform us, now replace the pre-Columbian ruins and the isolated mountain villages. At around 1:00PM, we arrive at the charming village of Yanacachi, located on a promontory at an elevation of 2000m.
After lunch we return to La Paz with our private vehicle (3h trip). Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: -790m

 

OPTION “B”: 3 DAYS

DAY 2 : KAKAPI – YANACACHI (el.2000 m.a.s.l.)

Early departure. Ferns, orchids and all sorts of tropical plants, on which our local guide will inform us, now replace the pre-Columbian ruins and the isolated mountain villages. At around 1 p.m., we arrive at the charming village of Yanacachi, located on a promontory at 2000m of altitude. After lunch, someone from the community of Yanacachi will invite us to visit their coca plantation.
It is important to known that the coca cultivated in the Yungas is destined to the legal market, or to the millions of Bolivians that “chew” everyday. Lunch and diner included. Night in the hostel of San Carlos (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: -790m

DAY 3 : YANACACHI – PUENTE VILLA (el. 1200 m.a.s.l.) – LA PAZ

We keep trekking following the bed of Río Takesi. We pass through the mango plantations of Villa Aspiazu, before descending towards Puente Villa. We settle away from the village, in an oasis of tropical vegetation, at an altitude of only 1200 meters.
After lunch at the swimming pool, our private vehicle takes us back to La Paz (3 hour-trip).
Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: -800m

 

Included

- Trekking guide
- Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
- Private transport / Spanish - speaking driver
- Hotel in twin room including breakfast
- Meals mentioned
- Collective gear
- Portage of gear (mules)

Not included

- Individual equipment (for camping we can provide the sleeping pads)
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Drinks
- Tips
- Open meals mentioned, (from 3 to 8 € per person / meal)

General sales conditions

Your trip will be confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total amount on our Bolivian account or on our web site (Visa card icon on the top right; enter your name as the reference). The balance must be paid upon arrival in Bolivia in American dollars or Euros.

Prepare for your trip

Travel advice Bolivia
General Sales Conditions
Equipment

Emergencies

In case of major problem during your stay (delay, strike, traffic accident…), an emergency contact will be at your disposal to reach a member of our team:
(010) 712 57 378

Important

- As a security measure, each traveler needs to provide photocopies of passport and individual insurance documentation.
- If you are planning to travel to Brazil, please note that the Brazilian authorities request the yellow fever vaccine certificate to all travelers coming from Bolivia. If you do not leave the transit zone at the airport, it is not required.

Contact us to get the fares