An increasing number of local and international tour operators offer customized adventure tours to Bolivia, with a strong focus on trekking, mountaineering, ecotourism, and wildlife and jungle tours. For further information, contact the Viceministerio de Turismo (see
General Info section).
TrekkingBolivia’s large range of geographical regions and climates makes for an exceptional variety of ecosystems, flora and fauna. There are currently 10 national parks and eight protected areas, as well as another dozen or so areas that are being re-evaluated for park or protected
area status. La Paz is the most popular starting point for trekking excursions, many of which follow ancient Inca routes through the
Cordillera Real and end up in the
Yungas - an area of deep valleys that separates the high Andes from the Amazon basin. Well-known trekking routes include the
La Cumbre to
Coroico trail (three days); the
Taquesi route through the Cordillera Real (two days), also known as the
Inca Trail; and the
El Camino de Oro route (six days), starting at Sorata and ending at the
Río Tipuani gold fields. Good maps of Bolivia can be obtained from the
Instituto Geográfico Militar in La Paz and other major cities.
Jungle toursMost treks to the Amazon jungle start from
Rurrenabaque (235km/145 miles northeast of La Paz). Typical jungle trips include a motorized canoe trip up the rivers
Beni and
Tuichi, with rainforest walks and camping en route. Most tours are led by local guides who have an intimate knowledge of the indigenous plants and wildlife (which includes hundreds of species of tropical birds). Further popular itineraries for treks in the Amazon region include expeditions to the
pampas (good for wildlife viewing); the remote
Parque Nacional Noel Kempff; and river trips along the
Río Mamoré.
MountaineeringThe best opportunities are in the
Cordillera Real, which has several peaks above 5000m (14,500ft). Climbing excursions (complete with mules, porters and guides) can also be booked in Sorata, which is set in a beautiful valley with an abundance of trees and flowers. Mountain bike tours are also available (website:
www.hoodoobiketours.com).
SkiingAt an altitude of 5486m (18,000ft),
Mount Chacaltaya (55km/35 miles from La Paz) is reputedly the world’s highest ski resort. Visitors should note, however, that lift and accommodation facilities are fairly basic and that low oxygen levels and icy snow often make for difficult conditions. The best time to attempt skiing here is from April to June.
FishingBolivia is reputed to offer some of the best lake fishing in the world, especially for trout.
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