Trekking in the Cordillera Apolobamba

Apolobamba South trek

This four- to six-day mountain trek from Charazani or Curva/Lagunillas to Pelechuco is probably the best in Bolivia, passing through traditional villages and then up into the mountains of the southern Cordillera Apolobamba. The trek may also be done in the opposite direction, starting in Pelechuco, which allows you to enjoy the thermal baths outside Charazani at the end of the walk.

There is a local population between Charazani, Curva and Cañisaya, but further north you are unlikely to see more than a few people a day, often miners on route to and from their camps. For the few people there are, their first language is usually Quechua followed by Aymara and then Spanish.

The usual route is as follows. Day 1: Charazani to beyond Curva. Day 2: to Incacancha. Day 3: to Sunchuli. Day 4: to above Hilo Hilo. Day 5: to Pelechuco. This is is described in detail in Trekking in Boliviaby Yossi Brain .

Pacha Trek

This four-day trek is offered as part of a community ecotourism project between three indigenous communities, of both Aymara and Quechua origin, with a focus on both the cultural and natural attractions of Apolobamba. Starting in Qutapampa, on the road from Charazani to Pelechuco, the route descends to Kaluyo before continuing on to Chacarapi, and finally to Charazani.

A walk of three to four hours each morning through spectacular scenery, accompanied by local guides, is followed by an afternoon of activities in the host community. Each village has an interpretive centre highlighting a different aspect of the area, from the national park and the vicuña protection program, to the Kallawaya, the herbal medicine men of the Andes and their natural remedies. There are opportunities to experience the music and dance of the area as well to take part in Kallawaya ceremonies, visit local alpaca farmers, village schools and handicraft centres where traditional weavings can be purchased.

Other treks

The Apolobamba regions offers a great many other opportunities for independent self-sufficient trekkers. Two other routes, from Pelechuco down to Apolo and from Pelechuco to Peru and back, are described in Trekking in Bolivia. Areas near the border are shown on the Peruvian IGN sheet 30-Y 'La Rinconada' (available only in Lima), but note that it may be best not to cross the border. In addition to the above, there is virtually unlimited scope for exploration.