Bolivia offers a thrilling variety of landscapes for hikers. Visitors can lace up their boots and take to trails that cut through the white mountains of the Andes, follow surreal rock formations and tracks that lead to caves, and watch the sun rise from one of the deepest canyons in the world.
The country has a number of highly popular hiking routes, making it one of the best places to visit in Bolivia. Here are the seven best hikes to try in Bolivia.
Traverse the Bolivian Inca trail via El Choro
60km (37 miles); 2–3 days; easy/moderate
Practically downhill the entire way, this pre-Hispanic route descends from the very top of La Cumbre into the valley of Los Yungas. Beginning in a landscape of snow-capped mountains at more than 4900m (16,076ft), the trek concludes in a lush rainforest at 1300m (4265 ft). Easy to complete without a guide, the route passes through communities that serve local food, with both covered and open-air campgrounds available for overnight stays.
During the hike, you’ll encounter hot springs, hanging bridges, and traces of pre-Columbian roads to provide historical context for your journey. Moreover, the range of ecosystems makes this route a dream for bird-watching. Note that as most of the route is downhill, hiking poles can help ease the load on the knees.
Ascend Huayna Potosí, a difficult climb that’s still suitable for beginners
5km (3.1 miles); 2 days; moderate
The snow-cloaked Huayna Potosí is the most-visited mountain near La Paz. From its summit, there are stunning views of ice-blue glaciers, the humps of the Cordillera Real mountains, and the watery sprawl of Lake Titicaca. Despite a number of steep ascents and unpredictable weather, the trek to the top is considered a non-technical climb, making it suitable for beginners. Nevertheless, it is essential to hire an experienced mountaineering guide.
There are two base camps for overnight stays. While neither has extensive amenities, you’ll find everything you need to eat, sleep, and keep warm. On the second day, hikers climb to the peak in the early morning hours to witness the sunrise above the clouds—it’s truly a magical moment. However, be mindful of the altitude.
Torotoro National Park offers canyons, dinosaur footprints, and rock art in one journey
33km (20.5 miles); 4 days; easy
Three hours from Cochabamba lies the 165,000-sq-km (63,700-sq-mi) Torotoro National Park, Bolivia’s most stunning archaeological site. With a diverse range of trails running from a 4-hour walk to a four-day adventure, visitors can explore rocky valleys, gushing waterfalls, echoing canyons, and well-preserved dinosaur footprints—all in an area considered a petrified jungle.
All Torotoro treks require a certified guide. Prices depend on both the length of the trail and the number of travelers in your hiking party. Guides can be booked in either Cochabamba or Torotoro, with better deals often found in the latter.
Hit the Illampu circuit for high passes that bring you closer to the stars
110km (68.3 miles); 7 days; difficult
One of Bolivia’s top hiking trails, the Illampu circuit begins in the village of Sorata. Along this challenging route, hikers traverse through the massifs of the Cordillera de Los Andes, including the peaks of Ancohuma and Illampu. This hike is challenging, with several high passes at altitudes between 4000m (13,325ft) and 5000m (16,404ft), and night temperatures often dropping below -10°C.
On your journey, expect to see lagoons, hot springs, condors, llamas, and alpacas. There may also be opportunities to visit remote valley villages, where the ancient Aymara culture has persisted over the centuries. Additionally, this trail offers incredible stargazing potential, making it perfect for night sky photography.
Expect a mystical experience just an hour from La Paz at Valle de las Ánimas
7.5km (4.6 miles); 4 hours; moderate
The Valle de las Ánimas, or Valley of the Souls, derives its name from the towering forest of rock formations that resemble the departed. This sacred site makes visitors feel as though they are in a special place. Spanning approximately 25 sq km (9.6 sq mi), the valley features various hiking trails of different distances and difficulty levels; a moderate 4-hour hike happens to be the most popular. Nonetheless, at an altitude of 4000m (13,325ft), even the easiest walk can pose challenges.
Beyond the impressive rocks, expect breathtaking views of Illimani, the highest cloud-covered mountain in the Cordillera Real, along with the distinctive shape of Mt Mururata. At the top, take a moment to breathe deeply as you listen to the wind whispering through the rocks—a perfect opportunity for relaxation and meditation before descending back into the lively city.
Descend into the sixth deepest canyon in the world at Cañón del Pilaya
6km (3.7 miles); 1 hour; easy
This little-known and highly underrated hiking trail is almost entirely free of tourists, making it more likely to encounter roaming jucumari bears and soaring condors rather than fellow hikers. The trailhead begins at the small and windy town of Yumasa, located about a 2-hour private bus ride from Tarija in southern Bolivia.
From Yumasa, it’s approximately an hour’s hike to Cañón del Pilaya, the sixth deepest canyon in the world. With hulking mountains on one side and the river Pilaya approximately 3030m (9940ft) below on the other, the views are astonishing. Hikers can camp here overnight—catching the sunrise from up high is highly recommended—but because there’s no tourist infrastructure, ensure you carry everything you might need. Additionally, as there are no tourist agencies in the region, it’s necessary to arrange for a guide in Yumasa, such as Adhemar Muñoz (+591 6767 7119), who provides guiding services to the canyon.
Head to Bosque de los helechos gigantes for giant ferns and mist in a cloudy forest
7km (4.3 miles); 5 hours; moderate
Thirty minutes from the charming town of Samaipata lies Amboró National Park, known for its giant ferns that can grow taller than 10m (33ft). The park offers a variety of hikes, ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Regardless of the hike length, visitors can expect to see around 17 different fern species as they traverse from one viewpoint to another.
At the highest altitude of 2400m (7874ft), hikers can enjoy views of the dense vegetation as mist swirls through the trees—truly a magical moment to embrace nature’s splendor.
Tips for hiking in Bolivia
Hiking independently in Bolivia can be challenging due to poorly signposted trails. For help in researching routes, hiring qualified guides, and organizing your hiking adventure, consider reaching out to a local hiking club.
As the Andean zone is located at high altitudes, it’s crucial to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at altitude before your trek. While hiking, take it easy, drink plenty of water, and pay attention to any symptoms of acute mountain sickness such as tiredness, nausea, light-headedness, rapid heartbeat, headaches, or shortness of breath. In case of any symptoms, it’s advisable to descend to a lower altitude immediately. Furthermore, it’s wise to avoid alcohol while hiking.
