• Day 1

  We depart La Paz in the morning bound for trailhead at La Cumbre (literally, "the summit" elevation 4,660m/15,290-ft.). Weather conditions at this barren trailhead are quite variable and so don't be surprised if we begin our trek in a snowstorm. We soon reach the high mountain pass of Apacheta Chucura and begin our descent into the temperate Yungas Valley. We follow a well-built Pre-Columbian road as we dramatically descend down along the Rio Phajchiri. We make camp at Challapampa (elevation 2,987m/9,800-ft.) after losing more than mile's worth of elevation since trailhead. Clients typically sleep well, even at this altitude!

• Day 2

  After serving a hardy breakfast to our hungry clients, we move on enjoying the change in gradient that has noticeably slackened. Today is a transitional day, as we begin to see a change in the trailside vegetation which is now sub-tropical. After a couple of river crossings we find ourselves near the base of Cerro Pabellonani where we make camp (elevation 2,286m/7,500ft).

• Day 3

  After a leisurely breakfast, we begin working our way down the trail toward the village of Chairo (elevation 1,300m/4,264ft.). Although we continue to have the benefit of the Pre-Columbian road, the change from trailhead in geography, climate and temperature is dramatic. The temperature at this lower altitude can be quite hot, and so, we offer the option of transferring to a vehicle to finish our trek. After arriving in Coroico, we can either enjoy the evening at a local hotel or return to La Paz by public bus.

Tops

• 2 lightweight, long sleeve polypropylene shirts
• 1 medium weight fleece shirt or wool sweater
• 1 fleece jacket
• 1 expedition down parka with hood
• 1 outer shell jacket with hood

Bottoms

• 1 pair long underwear bottoms
• 1 pair wind pants
• 1 pair synthetic trekking or around camp pants

Footwear

• 1 pairs wool socks
• 1 pair light weight trekking

Boots

• 1 pair trekking boots
• 1 pair sandals for hanging around in camp

Hand wear

• 1 pair fleece mittens
• 1 pair overmitts

Head gear

• 1 wool hat
• 1 pair glacier glasses
• 1 sunhat

Sleeping gear

• 1 down or synthetic sleeping bag (rated to 15 F) *
• 1 full length closed cell foam pad

Pack

• 1 daypack for approach hike and possible use on summit day and carry-on bag
• 1 large (7,500+ cu.in.) duffle bag for gear, include small padlock

Misc

• 1 first-aid kit
• 1 headlamp, include extra batteries *
• 1 one quart water bottle
• Lip balm (spf 30) and sun screen (spf 40)
• Pocket knife
• Adjustable ski poles (highly recommended)*

( * ) Items can be rented from Bolivian Journeys