The pre-Colombian civilizations of the Altiplano had established commercial relationships with the low valleys and the Amazon Basin, which allowed them to improve their diet by trading their produce for corn and fruit.
In every place where it is possible to cross the Cordillera, there is a pre-Colombian trail descending to the Yungas, or low valleys. The Choro and the Yunga Cruz are the most well-known examples of such paths. The Takesi, with its magnificent paved portions, could be the best preserved of the Incas trails in this area.
This 2 to 3-day trek is ideal for exploring this incredible region of the Yungas and its rich fauna and flora. Progressively, we pass from the mountainous world of the Andes to lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls and old growth forest.

Meeting at 6 a.m. in the hotel lobby. Our private vehicle takes us to visit the San Francisco mine (el. 4220 m.a.s.l. / 2h30 trip). The road offers great views. Breakfast and meeting with our team of muleteers. The trek starts with a climb to the Apachetas Pass (el.4650 m.a.s.l.), at the base of peak Takesi. From there, we descend into the deep valleys of the Yungas. The beautiful paved trail takes us to the hamlet of Takesi, then to the small community of Kakapi, where we find our Refuge (shelter).
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter (Basic comfort).
Hiking time: 9h; Elevation gain: +430m / -1860m

Early departure. Ferns, orchids and all sorts of tropical plants, on which our local guide will inform us, now replace the pre-Columbian ruins and the isolated mountain villages. At around 1:00PM, we arrive at the charming village of Yanacachi, located on a promontory at an elevation of 2000m.
After lunch we return to La Paz with our private vehicle (3h trip).
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel ***
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: -790m

Early departure. Ferns, orchids and all sorts of tropical plants, on which our local guide will inform us, now replace the pre-Columbian ruins and the isolated mountain villages. At around 1 p.m., we arrive at the charming village of Yanacachi, located on a promontory at 2000m of altitude. After lunch, someone from the community of Yanacachi will invite us to visit their coca plantation. It is important to known that the coca cultivated in the Yungas is destined to the legal market, or to the millions of Bolivians that “chew” everyday.
Lunch and diner included. Night in the hostel of San Carlos (basic comfort).
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: -790m

We keep trekking following the bed of Río Takesi. We pass through the mango plantations of Villa Aspiazu, before descending towards Puente Villa. We settle away from the village, in an oasis of tropical vegetation, at an altitude of only 1200 meters.
After lunch at the swimming pool, our private vehicle takes us back to La Paz (3 hour-trip).
Lunch and dinner included. Hotel ***.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: -800m