Bolivia

This hike could be done on your own if you can find transportation to the trailhead (about three hours outside of La Paz). However,  there are many guiding companies in La Paz that will organize transportation, a guide, and food for you starting at about 450 bolivianos (around $65 USD).  The trail is fairly straightforward, however it was extremely nice having a guide to assist us with any alti...

The Takesi trail is a 40km section of the Inca trail that covers some of the most diverse landscapes in the region, and has significant pre-columbian history that will keep you engaged the entire time.  Although the trek is not too difficult, there is a fairly significant climb in the beginning of the hike and over 2,500m of descent down to “Los Yungas” (the jungles), after the 4,700m pass at “...

Just a short drive from La Paz, Chacaltaya makes for a perfect short day hike if you are visiting Bolivia’s high altitude capital.  At 17,700’, Chacaltaya was once the highest elevation ski run in the world, with a rudimentary lodge and rope lift at the top of the mountain.  Unfortunately, due to climate change there is no glacier left to ski on since 2005, and the lodge and ski lift have been ...

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,507 feet, which is spread across the Bolivian and Peruvian altiplano (high plains).  On the Bolivian side of the lake lies one of the most beautiful places in the entire country, Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun).  The small island is a home to several native communities, and boasts exquisite natural beauty and fascinating history.  ...

The Getting There: While there are many things in Bolivia you can do without a tour company, this is not one of them. When you arrive in La Paz, shop around for the best deal. There's a million places, just look around to make sure you don't get ripped off. The Trail The drop-off point is on a main road, which may seem a bit daunting at first. From here you go about 12km, winding through the va...