Experience high-altitude trekking on this 16-day expedition, while enjoying ever-changing scenery that will take you on a journey back through time.
This is an ideal adventure for people who enjoy multi-day tramping and "bushwalking".
Located in the heart of the Andes mountains, this old commercial road is surrounded by 5,000 metre+ peaks.
As well as one or two AGL guides in your party, we are fully supported by our local guiding operator, Bolivia Expe.
Based in La Paz, Bolivia Expe is a leader in assisting international mountaineering trips in Bolivia.
Trekking Condoriri – "El Choro"
Starting and ending in La Paz, Bolivia, we've designed this 16-day expedition for a cultural immersion into the Bolivian Andes. We begin at Lake Titicaca, adjusting to the 4,000-metre altitude before gradually climbing into the Condoriri Valley, where you'll be surrounded by massive 5,000-metre peaks.
Following "El Choro," the famous pre-Inca stone road which once linked the high Andes to the Amazon, we descend 3,500 vertical metres, travelling through a stunning range of landscapes—from high alpine tundra to lush rainforest.
Along the way, you’ll discover ancient Aymara ritual sites and "Apachetas," sacred stone offerings built by locals to ensure safe passage. The main part of the trail is on the outskirts of Lake Titicaca and crosses important ritual sites that remain, to this day, an active part of the local Aymara people’s traditions.
This journey offers a unique look at Bolivia’s living history, blending the landscapes of the past with the cultures of today.
2027 Prices and Dates
To Be Confirmed
This is an ideal adventure for healthy people who regularly enjoy multi-day hiking and "bushwalking". Although Bolivian trekking is not in technical terrain, you will be at high elevations. It is a strenuous endeavour, and not to be underestimated.
The Altitude Game
Altitude can, and does, affect everyone differently.
While we will be trying to give each other the best chance for optimal acclimation, everyone will need to pay attention to what their own body is telling them - and let the guide know! We can help with your successful ascents and acclimation, but only if we know what is going on.
We use pulse oximeters right through the expedition. These are small medical instruments that measure the oxygen saturation level of your blood - an indication of how you are acclimatising.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip.
• Visas: NZ citizens are allowed 30 days without a Visa, along with Canadian and Australian citizens. UK citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Most other visitors do not need a visa for stays under one month.
• Stamps: Ensure you get an entry stamp (especially if arriving by land). You will be fined if it is missing when you leave.
• Departure Tax: There is a $25 USD fee when leaving Bolivia. Check if this is already included in your plane ticket.
• Flights: Routes usually go through Santiago, Chile. We recommend booking "flexible" tickets and using a travel agent to handle any sudden itinerary changes or emergencies.
• Pre-Trip Info: You will receive a final logistical packet (hotels, contacts, etc.) 30 days before the expedition starts.
• Insurance: You must arrange your own travel and emergency insurance. Standard policies often exclude "expeditions," so use specialised providers like Global Rescue or Ripcord.
• Medical Check: We require a medical questionnaire and a GP physical before departure. This also assists in arranging your travel Insurance. Ensure all personal prescriptions are up to date.
• Vaccines: Consult your doctor; Typhoid and Hepatitis A are common recommendations for Bolivia.
• Weather: The dry season (April - October) offers stable snow and clear skies. Expect sunny days (12ºC to 18ºC)and cold nights (-5ºC to ‑15ºC).
• Language: While our crew speaks some English, most locals do not. Learning basic Spanish phrases for food, water, and toilets is highly recommended.
• Food: Expect plentiful, "Central European" style meals with lots of meat. Vegetarians must notify us before the trip.
• Living: You will stay in a mix of hotels, mountain huts, and 2–3 person tents. Large mess tents are provided for dining.
• Support: To help you acclimatise, we provide cooks, porters, and mules to carry the heavy loads.
• Communication: Your AGL guide(s) have VHF radio support and a satellite phone for emergencies.
• Currency: The local currency is Bolivianos. Bring US Dollars in cash for easy exchange in La Paz, or pre-order Bolivianos from your bank.
• Tipping: There is no prerequisite tipping culture; it is appreciated by the locals to receive a token of gratitude for their efforts.
• Equipment: Bring all items on the gear list. Alpine Guides does not rent gear, but you can reserve equipment in advance at "Andean Basecamp" in La Paz; their prices are similar to $NZD after calculating the exchange rate.
• Customs (NZ/AU Travellers): When returning home, clean your gear (boots, tents, etc.) thoroughly. Present a written list of these items to customs to speed up your clearance.
Alpine Guides and Bolivia Expe.
The trip will be led by our bilingual IFMGA Expedition Leader: Pablo Borjas. Pablo has led multiple expeditions in Bolivia and completed his IFMGA guide training there. If group numbers allow, there will be additional AGL guides.
Bolivia Expe
We have assistance from local guides at Bolivia Expe. They provide support through ground transport and logistics, mules, porters, base camp services, and VHF radio support. Porters will be employed for load carrying at higher elevations.
Bolivia Expe offers high-level services in the field of "Sustainable" Adventure Tourism in Bolivia, and beyond its borders. Founded by Sergio Gomez, they have led many international groups through their beautiful country.
