Robert Rauch - Bolivia Tours - Tour one: Cocoyo trail

P R E V I O U S P A G E / N E X T P A G E

B U I L D I N G B L O C K A / A N D E S

T O U R O N E
Cocoyo trail - a hike right through the heart of the Cordillera Real Norte

L e v e l : E a s y h i k e

We start our trip from the subtropical colonial village of Sorata. Palm trees at the market place, warm climate and excellent food. The afternoon before we leave we meet our native mule drivers who will accompany us.

F I R S T D A Y

Early in the morning we go up through green vegetation tunnels and then we pass cloud forests stepping up in steep turns until we reach an abandoned alpine pasture. Unique views steep down to the Sorata valley and high up to the ice capped peaks of Ancohuma and Illampu. Change of climate from subtropical to andine. Romantic campground with beautiful views.

S E C O N D D A Y

We go up to a glacier lake and reach a hidden small alpine pasture. Llamas, horses, sheep.

At first day we start our trip from the subtropical colonial village of Sorata. Palm trees at the market place, warm climate and excellent food. The afternoon before we leave we meet our native mule drivers who will accompany us.

Native girl who takes care of her llama herd.

Campground at an altitude of 4.400 meter/14.432 ft. high above the clouds which cover the valleys. Magnificent views.

Walking upwards to the pass Huila Khota.

T H I R D D A Y

Over a steep rocky path we reach the Huila Khota pass, 4.800 meter/15.744 ft. above sea level. For the tiring ascent in high altitude we get rewarded with an amazing view over the ice covered Andes giants Illampu (6.368 meter/20.800 ft.), Pico Norte (6.040 meter/19.811 ft.) and Pico Sur (6.060 meter/19.876 ft.). The mountains seem to be so close that we are tempted to throw a stone on their shining ice slopes.

Descent over a narrow path down into the lovely high valley Hacha Pasto. We set up our tents in front of a remote mountain scenery with wild glaciers and huge waterfalls which throw their waters from high above down into the green valley.

F O U R T H D A Y

We separate from our mule drivers and their animals, because they can`t follow us on the same way they have to make a detour. Through a labyrinth of big rock boulders to a small, almost invisible path. Sneaking up the path between rugged canyons and vertical rock faces. A strange and most exciting landscape.

Marvelous morning view from our camp beside Hacha Pasto.

The so called >Gate<. Over the >Gate<, a hidden pass, we get into the high valley Hocha Khota at the ends of the earth.

Directly above its alpine pastures wild glaciers and summits of the Andes seem to touch the sky. We can see animals like: Viscachia, Andes geese, ducks, eagles, condors, foxes, storks and others.

A small winding path through a breathtaking landscape is leading out of the valley and we reach the marvellous lake Subirana. Here is our campground (View downward to the Lake Subirana).

F I F T H D A Y

The Trip goes on.

If we get up early we can watch the amazing sunrise above the valleys of the Amazone basin far down. Unbelievable diversity of landscape and an unforgettable impression. After the breakfast we descend to to a wide path which is leading down to a valley with its small golddiggers village Cocoyo (3.500 meter/11.480 ft.). The inhabitants lead a simple and natural life far away from luxury. This picture shows the sunrise above the valleys.

S I X T H D A Y

We say goodbye to our mule drivers who will walk all the way back. An adventurous four wheel drive jeep ride is bringing us back to Sorata. Now we reach the end of our trip.