How difficult is the El Choro Trek and what altitude does it reach?

The El Choro Trek begins at 4,859 meters at Apacheta Chukura pass and descends over 3,500 meters to 1,300 meters at Chairo village. The trek covers three days of walking with the highest point being nearly 4,860 meters, requiring good physical fitness and altitude acclimatization.

What ecosystems will I experience on the El Choro Trek?

The trek traverses five distinct ecosystems in just three days, from alpine paramo at the high pass down through cloud forest to subtropical valleys. You'll walk through Cotapata National Park's 40,000-hectare protected area, which harbors over 800 documented plant species and some of the most biodiverse cloud-forest sections on the continent.

Do I need to carry my own camping gear on the El Choro Trek?

No, the trek is fully supported by a muleteer team that carries all tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and kitchen equipment. Guests only carry a daypack with water, layers, and personal items while mules transport all the heavy gear.

What is Casa Tamiji Hanamura and why is it significant on the trek?

Casa Tamiji Hanamura is a meticulous Japanese garden at Sandillani, built by Japanese settler Tamiji Hanamura who arrived in the Yungas in the 1960s. It serves as the cultural high point of the final descent and is maintained today by his descendants and the Sandillani community.

Where do you stay on the El Choro Trek?

The trek includes two nights of tent camping at Challapampa (2,520m) and Buena Vista (2,270m), with all camping equipment provided. The final night is spent at UMA Experience, an architect-designed boutique lodge of six individual cabins in the cloud forest above Coroico.

What wildlife might I see in Cotapata National Park during the trek?

The trail traverses Cotapata National Park, which is home to spectacled bears and Andean condors. The park's 40,000 hectares of protected cloud forest contain over 800 documented plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse areas on the continent.

How many people can join the El Choro Trek?

The El Choro Trek is limited to a maximum of 10 guests to ensure an intimate experience. This small group size allows for better interaction with the bilingual guide and more personalized attention throughout the four-day journey.

What is the historical significance of the El Choro trail?

The Choro trail follows original pre-Inca paving stones that predate the Inca empire, built from cut stone that has carried foot traffic for more than five centuries. This ancestral route connected the Altiplano to tropical valleys, and long sections of the original paving remain in use today.

What Aymara communities will I visit on the El Choro Trek?

The trek passes through several Aymara villages including Samaña Pampa, Chukura, Choro, and Sandillani. Each community manages its own section of the trail and collects community-direct fees that go to families rather than government parks, with a briefing on this social structure included on Day 1.

What meals are included on the El Choro Trek?

All meals are included except dinner on the final night at UMA Experience. A dedicated cook prepares meals over a wood fire at each camp during the trekking days, and breakfast is provided at UMA Experience on the final morning before returning to La Paz.

Bolivia

Into the Yungas: The El Choro Trek

Duration

4 Days

From

$435

Group Size

Max 10 Guests

A four-day pre-Inca traverse from the high Andes at 4,859 meters down through five ecosystems to the cloud forest of the Yungas, finishing at UMA Experience above Coroico

Book This Expedition

View Itinerary See Pricing

Bolivia Tour Overview

Into the Yungas: The El Choro Trek

A four-day pre-Inca traverse from the high Andes at 4,859 meters down through five ecosystems to the cloud forest of the Yungas, finishing at UMA Experience above Coroico

Duration

4 Days

Price

$435

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

May – September

This four-day trek follows the original pre-Inca paving stones from Apacheta Chukura at 4,859 meters down to the cloud forests of the Yungas, descending more than 3,500 meters through five distinct ecosystems in three trekking days. The route is fully supported by a muleteer team carrying tents and equipment, a cook preparing meals over a wood fire each evening, and a bilingual mountain guide. Camps are set in the historic villages of Challapampa and Buena Vista, with the Casa Tamiji Hanamura Japanese garden as the cultural high point of the final descent. The trek finishes at UMA Experience above Coroico, an architect-designed property of six cabins in the cloud forest. Maximum 10 guests.

Route Overview 4 Days · Bolivia

View Itinerary

Into the Yungas: The El Choro Trek

Your Bolivia Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 4 Days · Bolivia

Day 1

La Paz to Challapampa: Choro Trek Day 1

Pickup from your La Paz hotel after breakfast. The drive to La Cumbre at 4,650 meters takes around an hour, climbing out of the city and onto the high plain where the muleteer team is waiting with the loads. The first task is the climb to Apacheta Chukura at 4,859 meters, the high point of the trek and the marker stone where pre-Inca travelers added a stone to the cairn as an offering to the mountain. From the pass the trail begins its descent on original Inca paving through the Aymara communities of Samaña Pampa and Chukura, where the community fee is collected in exchange for trail maintenance. The path drops steadily for the rest of the afternoon, the alpine grasslands giving way to the first scrub of the cloud forest. Camp is set at Challapampa at 2,520 meters after approximately seven hours of walking. Tents and sleeping bags are provided by the trek team and dinner is prepared by the cook on a wood fire under the stars. Meals: L / D

Hiker with yellow backpack overlooking El Choro Trek valley in Bolivia's cloud forest mountains

Hiker in orange jacket walking El Choro Trek trail through misty Bolivian mountains and green valleys

Eco-friendly camping setup with tent on El Choro Trek Bolivia, hiker overlooking Andean valley at sunset

Day 2

Challapampa to Buena Vista: Choro Trek Day 2

The longest and most varied day of the trek. Vegetation thickens steadily as the trail drops into cloud forest and the temperature climbs. The Inca paving reappears in long sections through the village of Choro and across the Coscapa River on a suspension bridge. After Choro the trail climbs back up around 900 meters of elevation gain to Buena Vista, the undulating ridgeline that gives the camp its name. The view back to the snow line of the Cordillera Real and forward across an ocean of green Yungas is the visual signature of the trek and the reason this is where the second night is spent rather than further down. Approximately five to six hours of walking. Camp at 2,270 meters with dinner prepared at the campsite by the trek team. Meals: B / L / D

Hiker with backpack on El Choro Trek mountain trail with snow-capped Andes peaks and volcanic steam vents

Hiker crossing suspension bridge over rocky river during El Choro Trek Bolivia eco-adventure

Lush cloud forest valley with red tropical plant on El Choro Trek Bolivia mountain hiking trail

Day 3

Buena Vista to Coroico: Choro Trek Day 3

The final descent of the trek passes through Sandillani, where Casa Tamiji Hanamura, the meticulous Japanese garden built by a Japanese settler who arrived in the 1960s, is the cultural high point of the descent. The garden is maintained today by his descendants and the Sandillani community. From Sandillani the trail drops 1,100 meters through dense cloud forest to the village of Chairo at 1,300 meters where the vehicle is waiting. Approximately five hours of walking. A short drive brings the group to UMA Experience above Coroico, an architect-designed property of six individual cabins in the cloud forest with an infinity pool and birdsong as the only soundtrack. The afternoon is free for the pool, the gardens, or rest. Dinner is available a la carte on site or in town and is not included in the trek rate. Meals: B / L

Female hiker crossing wooden log bridge over rushing mountain stream on El Choro Trek Bolivia adventure

Rocky mountain stream flowing through lush cloud forest valley on El Choro Trek Bolivia with mist-covered peaks

Infinity pool overlooking lush mountain valleys and cloud forest canopy at eco-luxury lodge in Bolivia

Day 4

Coroico to La Paz

Late breakfast at UMA before the transfer back to La Paz on the new Cotapata-Santa Bárbara highway. The drive takes approximately three hours, climbing back through the cloud forest and over the Andes for a final view of the trail descended over the previous three days. Drop off at the La Paz hotel of choice or at Plaza Murillo in the city center. Meals: B

Bolivia Tour Details

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

What's Included

All accommodation: 3 nights based on double occupancy (tent camp Challapampa x1, tent camp Buena Vista x1, UMA Experience Coroico x1)
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, prepared by the trek cook on the trail and served at UMA Experience on Day 3 breakfast
Pickup from your La Paz hotel on Day 1 and drop-off at your La Paz hotel on Day 4
Private vehicle La Paz to La Cumbre on Day 1
Private vehicle Chairo to Coroico on Day 3
Private vehicle Coroico to La Paz on the Cotapata-Santa Bárbara highway on Day 4
Bilingual English-speaking trekking guide for the full 4-day trek
Cook and trek support team for the three trekking days
Muleteer team and pack mules to carry tents, sleeping bags, kitchen equipment, and group gear
Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats for the two trek nights
Cotapata National Park community fee at Chukura
Campsite fees at Challapampa and Buena Vista
Bridge cable crossing fee on Day 2
All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
Assistance 24/7 during your stay

Not Included

International airfare
Travel insurance (required: must cover trekking, altitudes to 4,870 meters, and remote evacuation)
Hotel accommodation in La Paz before and after the trek
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beyond those included)
Gratuities for the guide, cook, muleteers, and driver (recommended)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Bank charges and currency exchange fees
Visa fees (if applicable)
Single supplement ($130)
Dinner at UMA Experience on Day 3 (available a la carte on site or in town, not included in the trek rate)
Medical evacuation costs

Bolivia Tour Details

Tour Pricing

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

Per Person

$435

From, based on group of 10

Single Supplement$130

Deposit$110

CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
2 travelers	$895	Per personDouble occupancy
3 travelers	$765	Per personGroup rate
4 travelers	$625	Per personGroup rate
5 travelers	$565	Per personGroup rate
6 travelers	$510	Per personGroup rate
7 travelers	$485	Per personGroup rate
8 travelers	$465	Per personGroup rate
9 travelers	$445	Per personGroup rate
10 travelers	$435	Per personBest value

Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.

Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this trek? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

Book This Trek

JavaScript required. This booking form requires JavaScript to submit. Please enable JavaScript or email contact@ecovoyager.com to book directly.

Ecovoyager Adventures

Book Your Adventure

Complete your booking request and our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your journey.

No payment required to request a booking

Response within 24 hours guaranteed

Flexible dates and custom itineraries available

Thank you! Your booking request has been received. We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your adventure.

Oops! There was an issue submitting your request. Please try again or contact us directly.

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Preferred Date

Adults (18+)

Children (0-17)

Total: 2 travelers

Special Requests or Questions

Traveler Stories

What Our Adventurers Say

View Us on Trustpilot

Norway

"Watching the northern lights from that coastal overlook was one of those moments you carry with you. EcoVoyager's team knew exactly where to take us and when."

Chile

"They made my trip to Chile super smooth. I had nothing to worry about, they connected me with local guides and took me to some super cool places."

Madagascar

"My kids are still talking about the lemurs months later. EcoVoyager handled every detail so we could actually be present together."

Mongolia

"Absolutely loved our Mongolia trip in July 2025! Ecovoyager put together the best itinerary possible that combined adventure and comfort. We would 100% recommend Ecovoyager to our friends and family!"

Guyana

"The Rupununi was fabulous. Even if there weren't any animals, it would've been a great experience. The only negative was leaving."

Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

Duration

11 Days

From

From $4,200

All Bolivia Tours See All Experiences

Destination

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Each stop on this journey through Bolivia, and the country that ties them together.

Bolivia

From the world's largest salt flat to endless reflections that mirror the sky, discover South America's most extraordinary landscapes where ancient cultures thrive in impossible places

Explore Bolivia

La Paz

Explore

North Yungas Road

Explore

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your journey. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and we'll help.

Booking, Dates & Group Size

How departures, pricing, and group size work on this trek.

It runs in the dry season, May to September, when the high pass has the best footing and the weather is clearest. The cloud forest lower down stays humid year round, but these months give the most reliable conditions on the trail. Dates are set with you when you book, and the trek can also be arranged as a private departure.

The trek is capped at ten guests. Small numbers keep the camps manageable, tread lightly on the community-managed trail, and let the guide keep the group together on the long descent.

The rate covers transfers from and to your La Paz hotel, the private vehicle to La Cumbre, a bilingual mountain guide for all four days, a cook and support team, the muleteer team and pack mules, tents, sleeping bags and mats for the two camping nights, all meals as listed, the park and community fees, and the final night at UMA Experience above Coroico.

Travel insurance, your La Paz hotel before and after the trek, drinks beyond those included, the a la carte dinner at UMA on Day 3, tips for the crew, and the single supplement of $130. Full details are in the inclusions and exclusions on the tour page.

Fitness & How Hard It Is

What the three trekking days actually ask of you.

It rates as moderate to demanding. There are three full trekking days of roughly six to eight hours on foot, and although the route descends overall, the long drop of more than 3,500 meters is hard on the knees, and the old stone paving is uneven. Day 2 is the longest and most varied, with a climb back up after the Coscapa River.

No technical skills are needed, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours over consecutive days on rough ground and sleeping in a tent for two nights. A good base of fitness and some downhill conditioning make a real difference.

Only a daypack with water, layers, sun protection, and your camera and personal items. The muleteer team carries the tents, sleeping bags, mats, kitchen, and all group gear, so you walk light for the whole trek.

Yes, strongly recommended. The sustained descent on stone steps puts a lot of load on the knees, and poles take much of the strain. Well broken-in boots with good grip are equally important.

Altitude & Health

Preparing for a very high start and a long descent.

The high point is the Apacheta Chukura pass at 4,859 meters on the first day, reached after a drive to La Cumbre at 4,650 meters. From there the trek descends steadily, so altitude eases with each day, and the first day is the one to take slowly. If you have a heart or respiratory condition, discuss the altitude with your doctor before booking.

Arrive in La Paz, at around 3,600 meters, at least two days before the trek to adjust. Hydrate well, take it easy on arrival, and keep a steady pace over the pass on Day 1. Many trekkers find coca tea helps, and you can ask your doctor about preventative altitude medication.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must cover trekking at altitudes to around 4,870 meters and remote medical evacuation, since parts of the trail are far from road access. Evacuation costs are not included in the trek rate.

The descent ends in the warm, humid subtropical Yungas, so the lower sections are hot and can have biting insects, a sharp contrast to the cold start. Pack light long sleeves, sun protection, and repellent alongside your warm layers for the high pass.

On the Trail: Camping, Weather & Packing

Where you sleep, the conditions, and what to bring.

Two nights are spent in supported tent camps in the trail villages of Challapampa and Buena Vista, with tents, sleeping bags, and mats provided and meals cooked fresh in camp. The final night is at UMA Experience, an architect-designed lodge of individual cabins with an infinity pool above Coroico, a comfortable end to the descent.

Expect cold, possibly freezing conditions at the high pass, then steadily warmer air as you drop into the cloud forest. Rain is possible in the Yungas even in the dry season, so a good rain jacket and layers that cover both extremes are essential.

Well broken-in walking boots, layers including a warm hat and gloves for the top, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, trekking poles, a daypack, a refillable water bottle, and personal items. The mules carry everything else, so keep your daypack light.

Coverage on the trail is patchy to none, while La Paz, Coroico, and UMA Experience have signal. Treat the three trekking days as a genuine disconnection and let people know your schedule in advance.

Into the Yungas: The El Choro Trek

Into the Yungas: The El Choro Trek