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Bolivia🇧🇴 | hikesChoro TrailInca cobbles, 3,000 m descent, cloud forest to Yungas | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Choro Trail
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Somewhere below the pass, a llama bell clanks and gravel crunches under your boots, and the old Inca stone paving suddenly runs out from under the fog. I still connect this trail with that metallic clank echoing across the valley. Choro Trail runs from La Cumbre, on the road northeast of La Paz in Bolivia, down from the high Andes to the humid Yungas, dropping roughly 3,000 meters of altitude over about 60 kilometers. The scenery shifts from bare puna and glacial lakes to cloud forest, waterfalls and jungle, and the stone-paved sections are a thrill. The downside is that the trail is long, the final days are steamy, and bugs are fierce. Start early, since the minibus from La Paz leaves from the Villa Fátima area and the trailhead is cold and windy. Carry cash in bolivianos, because the small villages along the way have no ATMs, and bring your own water treatment. Book a return ride from Chairo or Yolosa ahead to avoid overpaying. Begin at La Cumbre by mid-morning at the latest.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Bolivia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 60 kilometers
Total ascent: 400 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 hike in BoliviaWhy visitors keep coming back

Choro Trail packs a full change of climate into a hike that starts less than two hours from La Paz. You leave La Cumbre at 4,650 meters, where llamas graze among rocky slopes, and finish in warm jungle around 1,200 meters, so you cross several ecological zones without a single flight or transfer. That drop is why people call it the “trail from the sky to the jungle.”
The trail also follows pre-Columbian stone paving built by the Inca or earlier peoples, still intact in long stretches, so you walk on history rather than just dirt. Because it is mostly downhill, it suits first-time trekkers who want a real multi-day route without brutal climbs. Village hostels and campsites with meals along the way mean you can carry a lighter pack than on most Andean treks.
It also fits neatly into a longer Bolivia … read more 👉
Choro Trail packs a full change of climate into a hike that starts less than two hours from La Paz. You leave La Cumbre at 4,650 meters, where llamas graze among rocky slopes, and finish in warm jungle around 1,200 meters, so you cross several ecological zones without a single flight or transfer. That drop is why people call it the “trail from the sky to the jungle.”
The trail also follows pre-Columbian stone paving built by the Inca or earlier peoples, still intact in long stretches, so you walk on history rather than just dirt. Because it is mostly downhill, it suits first-time trekkers who want a real multi-day route without brutal climbs. Village hostels and campsites with meals along the way mean you can carry a lighter pack than on most Andean treks.
It also fits neatly into a longer Bolivia route: acclimatize in La Paz, hike down for three days, then continue to Coroico for hostel pools and hammocks, or head on into the lowlands.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Stone-paved Inca road: Long sections of tightly fitted cobbles survive between the pass and the first villages, and they are the trail’s signature. Walking them in mist feels like a genuine step into the past.
  2. Abra Chucura Pass: The high point, near 4,900 meters, sits just after La Cumbre. A small cairn marks it, and the views back toward snowy peaks are enormous on clear mornings.
  3. Chucura and Samana Pampa: The upper valley holds old stone ruins, grazing llamas and a few simple campsites. The terrain is open, quiet and wide, good for a first night.
  4. Cloud forest around Choro Village: Moss, ferns and orchids appear as the trail turns damp and green. Birds are loud here, and waterfalls drop beside the path.
  5. Chairo and the lower Yungas: Coca terraces, banana trees and warm air mark the final stretch.
… read more 👉
  1. Stone-paved Inca road: Long sections of tightly fitted cobbles survive between the pass and the first villages, and they are the trail’s signature. Walking them in mist feels like a genuine step into the past.
  2. Abra Chucura Pass: The high point, near 4,900 meters, sits just after La Cumbre. A small cairn marks it, and the views back toward snowy peaks are enormous on clear mornings.
  3. Chucura and Samana Pampa: The upper valley holds old stone ruins, grazing llamas and a few simple campsites. The terrain is open, quiet and wide, good for a first night.
  4. Cloud forest around Choro Village: Moss, ferns and orchids appear as the trail turns damp and green. Birds are loud here, and waterfalls drop beside the path.
  5. Chairo and the lower Yungas: Coca terraces, banana trees and warm air mark the final stretch. Small shops sell cold drinks, which will feel like a prize after the long descent.
For a first visit, the stone-paved Inca road is the one to prioritize, since it gives the trail its character.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (May to September): May through September is the window for Choro Trail, with mostly sunny days and little rain. Highs on the Abra Chucura pass (4,859 m) sit near 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) and nights drop below freezing, while the lower Yungas valleys reach 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F). Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours, so start early.
  • Peak Crowds (June to August): Weekends fill the campsites and La Paz agencies raise group prices a little. Weekdays stay quiet.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Daily downpours turn the stone path slick, landslides hit the lower sections, and cloud hides the views. Leech-free but muddy, it suits only experienced hikers.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October, November): Fewer people, greener valleys, and afternoon showers become more likely. Prices are the lowest
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (May to September): May through September is the window for Choro Trail, with mostly sunny days and little rain. Highs on the Abra Chucura pass (4,859 m) sit near 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) and nights drop below freezing, while the lower Yungas valleys reach 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F). Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours, so start early.
  • Peak Crowds (June to August): Weekends fill the campsites and La Paz agencies raise group prices a little. Weekdays stay quiet.
  • Wet Season (December to March): Daily downpours turn the stone path slick, landslides hit the lower sections, and cloud hides the views. Leech-free but muddy, it suits only experienced hikers.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October, November): Fewer people, greener valleys, and afternoon showers become more likely. Prices are the lowest of the dry months.
Book a guide or transport a few days ahead in July, and aim to cross the pass before midday, when cloud often rolls in.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

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🥾 Hike detailsA practical overview of the hike

Total Distance: About 55 to 65 kilometers from La Cumbre to Chairo or Yolosa, depending on the finish point.
Estimated Duration: 3 to 4 days at a steady pace, though strong hikers sometimes do it in 2.
Difficulty: Moderate. It is mostly downhill, but the altitude at the start, steep stone steps and heat at the end make it tiring.
Starting Point: La Cumbre, reached by minibus or shared taxi heading toward Coroico from La Paz. Ask for La Cumbre and pay in bolivianos.
Major Landmarks:
  • Abra Apacheta: The highest point, with a small shrine of stones left by travelers.
  • Chucura: A village with a basic campsite
… read more 👉
Total Distance: About 55 to 65 kilometers from La Cumbre to Chairo or Yolosa, depending on the finish point.
Estimated Duration: 3 to 4 days at a steady pace, though strong hikers sometimes do it in 2.
Difficulty: Moderate. It is mostly downhill, but the altitude at the start, steep stone steps and heat at the end make it tiring.
Starting Point: La Cumbre, reached by minibus or shared taxi heading toward Coroico from La Paz. Ask for La Cumbre and pay in bolivianos.
Major Landmarks:
  • Abra Apacheta: The highest point, with a small shrine of stones left by travelers.
  • Chucura: A village with a basic campsite and meals.
  • Challapampa: A small settlement partway down with camping and a simple store.
  • Choro Village: A common overnight stop in the cloud forest.
  • Sandillani and Chairo: Lower villages with accommodation and food.
Terrain and Scenery: Stone paving, narrow ledges, stream crossings and steep switchbacks. The views begin with glacial valleys and finish in forested ravines.
Vegetation: High grassland first, then dense cloud forest with ferns and mosses, and finally subtropical plants such as bananas and citrus near the end.
Wildlife: Llamas on the upper slopes, many birds including hummingbirds, butterflies in the lowlands, and plenty of biting insects. Bring repellent for the last day.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Choro Trail

Choro Trail is a well-trodden, mostly stone-paved route, and most problems come from altitude and the sudden shift in climate. You start at about 4,700 m and cross a 4,859 m pass, so spend a couple of days in La Paz first, walk slowly on the first climb, drink plenty, and turn back if headaches or nausea worsen. Cold wind and freezing temperatures near the pass call for a warm hat, gloves and a windproof shell, but the lower valleys turn hot and humid, so carry light clothes too. Rain makes the descending stones slippery and trekking poles help knees on the long drop. Mosquitoes and biting flies are common below 2,000 m, so bring repellent and cover your legs. Several river crossings are bridged, though high water in the wet season can wash out sections. Wildlife rarely troubles hikers, but … read more 👉
Choro Trail is a well-trodden, mostly stone-paved route, and most problems come from altitude and the sudden shift in climate. You start at about 4,700 m and cross a 4,859 m pass, so spend a couple of days in La Paz first, walk slowly on the first climb, drink plenty, and turn back if headaches or nausea worsen. Cold wind and freezing temperatures near the pass call for a warm hat, gloves and a windproof shell, but the lower valleys turn hot and humid, so carry light clothes too. Rain makes the descending stones slippery and trekking poles help knees on the long drop. Mosquitoes and biting flies are common below 2,000 m, so bring repellent and cover your legs. Several river crossings are bridged, though high water in the wet season can wash out sections. Wildlife rarely troubles hikers, but keep food sealed at camp. Carry cash for community campsites and water purification tablets or a filter, since the shops along the route are basic.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Most hikers finish Choro Trail in 3 to 4 days, covering about 70 km from La Cumbre (about 4,700 m) to Chairo or Yolosa in the Yungas. Fast groups manage it in 2 days, while a slower pace gives time for side trips and hot springs. Add a day in La Paz beforehand to adjust to the altitude, and the drive to the start takes about 1 hour.
Choro Trail is moderate and mainly demanding because of altitude, distance and a 3,500 m descent, not technical climbing. The path is mostly well-built stone and dirt, but days are long, at around 15 to 25 km, with steep knee-pounding stretches. Reasonable fitness and good boots are enough, and the first climb to the 4,900 m high point is the toughest part.
No permit is required for Choro Trail, but there is a small fee to pay at checkpoints and community campsites, usually a few US$ per person. A guide is optional because the route is clearly marked, though many hikers book a La Paz agency for about US$120 to 250 for 3 days including transport, food and porters. Independent hikers can take a taxi to La Cumbre for roughly US$10 to 15 and carry a map or offline GPS.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian hikes near Choro Trail

Explore more nearby:

  • Laguna Glaciar—Glacial lake at 5,038 m, Illampu and Janko Uma, mule-supported trek, Laguna Chillata camp| 77 km away
  • Sorata to San Pedro—Cave lake, downhill dirt road, coffee and citrus slopes, 15 km one way| 88 km away
  • Isla del Sol—Island ridge walk, Titikala rock, Inca stairway| 125 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Choro Trail works best as the opener to a bigger Bolivia loop. Spend two or three days in La Paz first to adjust to the altitude, then finish in Coroico and rest in a hammock before moving on toward the lowlands. I would bring good boots and insect repellent.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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