Information
Landmark: Choro TrekCity: La Paz
Country: Bolivia
Continent: South America
Choro Trek, La Paz, Bolivia, South America
Overview
Choro Trek, just a short drive from La Paz, is one of Bolivia’s most beloved hikes, leading you through misty mountain passes, ancient Inca pathways, and sweeping views that steal your breath.Spanning about 60 kilometers (37 miles), the trek leads hikers from the wind-swept heights of the Altiplano down into the lush, humid Yungas, revealing the shifting landscapes of the Andes and the Amazon along the way.One.The Choro Trek winds through the mountains over several days, usually taking three to four to finish.It starts high in the thin, cool air near La Cumbre Pass and winds down into the lush, green folds of the Yungas.The trek lets you watch the land change before your eyes-from the crisp, wind-scoured highlands to the warm, damp air of the tropical lowlands.This path winds along a stretch of an ancient Inca trail, once worn smooth by centuries of footsteps from the Tiwanaku and Inca peoples.Along the trail, trekkers pass crumbling stone ruins, pause at sweeping mountain overlooks, and wander through quiet Andean villages, each stop deepening the journey’s richness.Two.Route A for trekking winds through the hills, where the air smells faintly of pine.Day 1 – La Cumbre to Chairo: The trek kicks off at La Cumbre Pass, 4,700 meters above sea level, where the air feels crisp and thin after a quick drive out from La Paz.From this point, hikers begin the long trek down into the valleys, where pine needles crunch softly underfoot.It’s about 16 kilometers, roughly 10 miles-just far enough for the road to fade into a thin gray line on the horizon.The trek takes about six to seven hours, long enough to feel your legs burn on the last uphill stretch.On the first day, trekkers drop sharply from the cold, wind-swept plains of the Altiplano into warmer, greener valleys.As you head downhill, the ground transforms-jagged stone trails give way to soft, mossy paths beneath tall green canopies and drifting clouds.The trail winds through tiny Andean villages, where hikers might pause to chat with a shopkeeper or smell fresh bread baking.Highlights include sweeping landscapes, a glimpse of snow-dusted peaks on the horizon, and the chance to spot wildflowers and mountain goats adjusting to the thin air.B. Day 2 – Chairo to Yungas On their second day, trekkers push deeper into the Yungas, where warm, humid air carries the scent of orchids and the forests teem with life.It’s about 22 kilometers-roughly 14 miles, or the span of a slow drive through open fields.The trek takes about six to seven hours, enough time to feel the crunch of gravel under your boots.Today’s trek winds gently downhill through dense, green subtropical forest, where you might spot a monkey leaping between branches, hear bright birds calling, and notice the hum of insects all around.The trail winds beside the river, where trekkers step onto swaying suspension bridges and walk past waterfalls that hiss against the rocks.Highlights: the Yungas bursts with lush rainforest, mist curling off waterfalls, and wildlife at every turn.As evening settles over the small village of Chairo, trekkers pitch their tents or find a bed in one of the simple lodges.The letter C curved across the page like a crescent moon.Day 3 – Chairo to Yolosa (or farther to the end) On the last stretch, you drop down the winding trail until the air turns warm and heavy, arriving in the lush, tropical town of Yolosa.It’s about 16 kilometers-roughly 10 miles, the length of a quiet country road lined with tall grass.The trek lasts about five to six hours, enough time to feel the crunch of gravel under your boots.On the final day, the trek winds through the Yungas, following trails that slip into thicker, more tropical forest, where the air hangs warm and damp.Thick vegetation crowds the space, where towering trees rise above swaying ferns and bursts of bright tropical plants.Yolosa marks the end of the trail, where dusty and tired trekkers decide whether to catch a ride to Coroico or head back toward La Paz.Highlights: the sharp shift in climate and lush greenery, ending with your arrival in Yolosa-a small town tucked deep in tropical valleys where you can kick off your boots, breathe in the warm, damp air, and savor fresh local dishes.Three.While the Choro Trek isn’t overly technical, it packs in serious altitude shifts, and the first day’s steep descents-loose gravel crunching underfoot-can test your legs.You’ll need a fair bit of stamina for the trek, along with the grit to handle long days on your feet, sometimes over rocky, uneven trails.The trek begins high in the thin, crisp air at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) and winds down to about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet).Trekkers can get altitude sickness, so it’s wise to spend time adjusting before you set out-maybe a day or two in a mountain village to let your body catch up.The trek takes you through shifting climates, starting in biting mountain cold and ending in warm, humid air, so pack for both ends of the spectrum.Number four sits there, small and plain, like a single mark on a quiet page.The Choro Trek is at its best in the dry season, from May to October, when the trails stay firm and the air feels crisp.This time of year usually brings clearer skies, and the trails stay drier, with fewer muddy patches from heavy rain.From November to April, heavy rains can turn the trails into slick, muddy paths, while swollen rivers surge and landslides become more likely.Number five.For the Choro Trek, you’ll need to pack smart-sunhat for the glaring midday heat, a warm layer for the chill that seeps in after dark.It’s a good idea to pack layered clothing, like a hoodie over a light tee, so you can handle sudden shifts in temperature.Bring a waterproof jacket and pants in case the rain starts drumming on the roof.Sturdy hiking boots that hold your ankles steady, even on rocky trails.Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s glare and heat.Bring a water bottle-you’ll find refill spots along the way, like a cool tap by the park gate.Pack a basic first-aid kit, and slip in altitude sickness tablets-just in case the air feels thin.Number six.So why hike the Choro Trail, with its misty ridges and the scent of wet earth underfoot?On the Choro Trek, you can wander from windswept high-altitude deserts to damp, green tropical forests, catching a rare glimpse of so many ecosystems in one journey.This trek traces sections of an old Inca trail, where worn stone steps and weathered paths lend the journey a quiet sense of historical mystery.Only a short drive from La Paz, the Choro Trek offers a multi-day adventure that keeps you close to the capital-you could be trading city streets for mountain trails before your coffee cools.Cultural Experience: The route winds through remote villages, where trekkers can chat with locals and watch bread baking in clay ovens, offering a vivid glimpse of traditional Andean life.The Choro Trek takes you through misty mountain trails, where breathtaking scenery meets centuries-old history and vibrant local traditions.It’s ideal if you want to explore Bolivia’s sweeping salt flats, lush valleys, and rugged peaks in a way that’s easy to manage but still full of adventure.Whether you’ve logged dozens of hikes or you’re lacing up for your first adventure in Bolivia’s wild backcountry, the Choro Trek belongs on your list.
