La Susana mine is a network of abandoned mining galleries located on the western slope of Ancohuma, at 4,000 m altitude. A key stop on the trekking route that leads to Laguna Glaciar and the heart of the Cordillera Real, this site combines Andean industrial heritage with high mountain landscapes. Access is on foot only, after several days of hiking from Sorata, north of La Paz.

Why visit La Susana mine

The site's appeal lies in its dual nature. First, it bears witness to the region's historic mining activity, whose remnants (gallery entrances, wooden structures, extraction debris) remain visible along the trail. Second, it serves as a privileged passage point for hikers heading to Laguna Glaciar or continuing toward the high peaks of the Cordillera Real. The contrast between mineral slopes, the glacial tongues of Ancohuma, and human remains at 4,000 m gives the place a singular character, halfway between high-altitude hiking and heritage exploration.

History and mining activity

Bolivia has long drawn a significant portion of its resources from Andean mining operations. At La Susana mine, work focused primarily on silver and later on tin, two metals that shaped the Bolivian economy from colonial times through the twentieth century. Like many small high-altitude operations, the site was gradually abandoned when the veins ceased to be profitable or when working conditions at over 4,000 m became incompatible with modern requirements.

To place this heritage in a broader context, it is useful to compare it to the mines of Cerro Rico, in Potosí, which remain the most emblematic example of Andean silver mining.

What you see on site

• Gallery entrances carved into the rocky slope, some still accessible near the immediate path;
• Remnants of mining installations (beams, rails, tool debris) scattered across the area;
• A clear view of the glacial valley and the slopes of Ancohuma;
• The trail connecting the site to Laguna Glaciar, approximately 5 hours of hiking away.

The site is not equipped for visits: there is no signage, reception area, or facilities. Caution is advised near the galleries, whose structural stability is not guaranteed.

The Cordillera Real, setting for the trek

La Susana mine is part of a traverse of the Cordillera Real, a mountain range in the Andes located east of La Paz and southeast of Lake Titicaca. Nicknamed "the Himalayas of the New World," this chain features several peaks over 6,000 m above the altiplano. A full traverse requires approximately 15 days of hiking, but shorter itineraries (3, 6, or 10 days) allow you to cover accessible sections. From La Susana mine, the first leg southward can reach the base of Huayna Potosi (6,088 m).

Practical information

Access is exclusively on foot, as part of a guided trek. Given the altitude (4,000 m and above), good prior acclimatization is essential, ideally spent several days in La Paz or around Lake Titicaca. The terrain is demanding: steep slopes, off-trail passages, changing weather conditions. Hiring a local agency and a Bolivian mountain guide is the safest solution.

• Physical fitness required: good to excellent, depending on the circuit duration;
• Equipment: technical layered clothing, warm jacket for nights, high-ankle hiking boots, sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen;
• Accommodation: tent camping, with the Venado camp serving as a stopping point on the classic itinerary.

When to go

The dry season, from April to November, offers the most stable conditions for high-altitude trekking: clear skies, passable trails, negative night temperatures but manageable. May through September are generally the driest months. Outside the season, snowfall and rain make routes difficult or impassable.

How to get there

The usual starting point is the village of Sorata, accessible by bus from La Paz in approximately 4 hours of travel. From Sorata, the classic four-day itinerary follows Lake Chilata, reaches Laguna Glaciar, then descends off-trail toward Venado camp before climbing back toward La Susana mine. Logistics (mules, guides, supplies) are organized from Sorata or directly from La Paz through a specialized agency.

Things to see nearby

• Laguna Glaciar: a high-altitude lake at the foot of Ancohuma, approximately 5 hours of hiking from La Susana mine;
• Ancohuma (6,427 m): a peak reserved for experienced mountaineers;
• Huayna Potosi (6,088 m): a classic climbing objective in the southern part of the range;
• Valle de la Luna, near La Paz, for an acclimatization excursion at lower altitude;
• La Paz, the logistics base for preparing the trek.

To include La Susana mine in a broader itinerary, consult our trips to Bolivia and work with our advisors to build a journey tailored to your level and the season.