Did you know that Bolivia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world for trekking ? With its peaks touching the sky and majestic landscapes, Bolivia is a perfect vacation destination for nature lovers ! Meeting a smiling and authentic people, you can go hiking with family, technical trekking and even mountaineering : climbing, glacier walking, summits... In unspoiled and wild nature, discover incredible sites in the Royal Cordillera.

The sacred mountains of the Royal Cordillera

The Cordillera Real, or "the royal mountain range", is a magnificent mountain massif that separates the Bolivian Altiplano from the Amazon rainforest, south of Lake Titicaca. With its numerous glaciers and green mountains, its dizzying peaks and emerald lakes, the Royal Cordillera captivates many travelers.

Moreover, this is nothing new, as the ancient local Aymara civilization venerated these peaks ! At the foot of Lake Titicaca, these snow giants that rise beyond 6,000m altitude in perfect alignment formed a true rampart. And for the Aymaras, these sacred mountains were nothing less than an intermediary between them and the divine.

The Royal Cordillera offers a few rare passages between the Altiplano and the Yungas, a verdant oasis at the entrance to the Amazon. The melting of snow and ice gives rise to thousands of streams that intertwine to create a breathtaking spectacle. Here, life is in full bloom, while the rocky peaks of the Andes above seem threatening. The summits take the names of gods from ancient civilizations and stand as a blend of creation and destruction. Through passes and valleys, one finds traces of Incan and Tiwanaku civilizations.

Dominated by Illimani at 6,439m altitude, this multicolored mountain chain is a true terrain for adventure for a sporty and authentic trek.

Preparing your trek in the Royal Cordillera

Bolivia's landscape leaves no one indifferent. Between its green steppes populated with llamas, its rocky volcanoes, its snow-capped mountains touching the clouds, its dizzying waterfalls, its endless lakes, its multicolored rivers and its virgin forests, Bolivia offers truly exceptional nature !

The Royal Cordillera with its peaks beyond 6,000m altitude is an ideal place for trekking, provided you are in good physical condition. The elevation and significant elevation changes do indeed require good preparation. The capital La Paz is already at 3,600m altitude, so you will easily climb beyond 5,000m altitude during your hike. Take time to acclimatize properly, walk slowly, gain some altitude before nightfall, and descend if you have any problems.

During a trek in the Royal Cordillera, you will often find yourself alone, in landscapes little explored by locals. You must therefore take time to prepare your backpack well and indicate your itinerary to others. The best approach is of course to trek with local guides ; besides, for an authentic experience, you can ask to have your luggage carried...by llamas !

For great explorers, nothing beats a crossing of the Royal Cordillera, a 15-day circuit discovering wonderful landscapes, on paths of earth, stone and ice. Long in duration, this trek requires certain physical preparation, as you will have to cross many passes at 4,000 and 5,000m altitude. If you are experienced mountaineers, you can even attempt the ascent of Pic Illimani !

The most beautiful sites of the Royal Cordillera

Whatever itinerary you choose, keep your eyes open to spot some of these natural wonders :

Lake Titicaca

A true wonder of nature, the immense Lake Titicaca lies right at the foot of the Royal Cordillera. During your trek in this part of the Andes, you will therefore have several opportunities to enjoy a breathtaking plunging view of this legendary lake, cradle of Incan civilization, and the world's highest navigable lake.

Illampu

The Nevada Illampu is Bolivia's fourth highest peak, with an impressive altitude of 6,368m. Rising beautifully over this part of Bolivia, it offers the finest views of Lake Titicaca and remains a true challenge for mountaineers.

Illimani

Among Bolivia's highest peaks, Illimani (6,439m) is the king of the Andean Cordillera. It is called the sentinel of La Paz because it guards the capital with its four steep and snow-capped summits.

Laguna Glaciar

Glacier Lake is one of the most beautiful you will see during your trek in Bolivia's Royal Cordillera. A magnificent blue, its waters reflect the immense snow-capped peaks surrounding it. Laguna Glaciar is located at 5,038m altitude and dominated by a glacier that ranks among the world's highest.

Laguna San Francisco

At 4,520m altitude, Laguna San Francisco is another beautiful lake to see during your journey through Bolivia. It is moreover one of the most pleasant camping sites on the trek, because despite the altitude and the dizzying landscape of this place, there are natural hot springs to relax at the end of the day.

Laguna Chiscacalliuani

Though small, this high-altitude lake fascinates with its dark green color, which resembles no other in the Andean landscape ! A true natural curiosity nestled at 4,820m altitude.

The Wara Warani glacier

The Wara Warani glacier makes the lake of the same name a true mystery of Bolivia. Located at 4,620m altitude, Wara Warani lake displays two distinct colors : a milky blue where the glacier flows into it, and a deep blue on the other side.

The Condoriri glacier

The Condoriri glacier is one of the most beautiful in the Royal Cordillera of the Andes. An immaculate white, it stands in contrast with the dark walls surrounding it and flows into a magnificent turquoise lake.