Peru is known for its Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But did you know that Bolivia also has an Inca Trail? The famous Inca network of roads runs through Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and is almost 30,000 kilometers long. Since this road plays an important role in the history of Latin America and pre-Columbian cultures, I was able to visit this area plenty of times to produce reports about this fascinating topic. Curious? In this article I will tell you more about the Inca Trail, including tips for hiking the Bolivian part.
In my teenage years, nobody would have thought I would become a hiker. I disliked hiking and preferred doing other things. But times have changed. Nowadays, I am not only first in line for a short walk, but also ready for multi-day hikes and mountain treks. In this article we focus on a day hike, the Bolivian part of the famous Inca Trail.
But first things first, what is the Inca Trail? The Inca Trail, Qhapaq Ñan in the language of the Incas (Quechua), was an extensive network of roads and paths that connected the Inca empire in South America. It served as an important communication and trade network. The so-called chasquis, or couriers, brought messages from one place to another via this route. And all this according to a well-organized relay system. It is said that within a day everyone knew what was happening at a distance of 300 kilometers.
The construction and location of the Inca trail is still unique. The trail in Bolivia connects the high peaks of the Andes with the coast and runs through rainforests, valleys and deserts. It is unbelievable to think that this road was built thousands of years ago, with the very limited resources of that time.
The entire Inca Trail is on the UNESCO World Heritage List today. This listing is extra special, because the different countries worked together for the first time to get it on the list as a whole. In several places in South America, remains of the former paths can be found and you can still follow in the footsteps of the Incas by walking sections.
Most people know the Inca Trail from Peru, with an included visit of the magical city of Machu Picchu. This journey takes a few days, during which you spend the night in tents along the way. A beautiful and challenging route that will really test your endurance. It takes you past ceremonial centers, ancient cities and special crop circles, ending at Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail in Bolivia, on the other hand, is easier and can be done in one day.
Do you want to walk the Inca Trail in Bolivia? During this tour, you will not only walk the Inca Trail but also visit the Maragua Crater and get to know the traditions of the Jalqa culture.
Altitude, rain, wind, bright sun, I have learned the hard way and am now prepared for everything. And whether you are walking the Inca Trail in Peru or Bolivia, good preparation is essential to get the most out of your trip. Comfortable walking shoes, a small daypack, lots of water, enough food, sunglasses, in some cases hiking stickss and lots of layers of clothing are the must-haves during trips in the Andes mountain range.
In the Andes it is freezing cold in the mornings. As soon as the sun comes out it becomes pleasant, then very warm, after which it cools down again at the end of the day and you walk around with your gloves and hat in the evening.
We drive from the Bolivian city Sucre in buses to Chataquila, where there is a small church. This is the place where the Inca Trail starts, and the views are already breathtaking. Think about a clear blue sky, different colors of brown and green around you and the peaks of the Andes in the distance. These mountains make you realize how overwhelming nature can be.
The road consists for the most part of original Inca paths, known for its large boulders and stones. We walk 5.5 kilometers to the village of Chaunaca and the road is completely downhill. Where the Peruvian part of the Inca Trail can be a physical battle with yourself, because of the altitude (varying from 3000 to 4200 meters) and the countless stairs, the Bolivian hike is very relaxed.
On top of that, along the way you only meet few people. In Peru there are countless people who live and work along the Inca Trail, making it together with the amount of hikers sometimes an overcrowded trail. As a hiker on the Inca Trail in Bolivia you will have the entire trail almost all to yourself.
It is recommended to hike the Inca Trail in this area of Bolivia with a guide. There are several tour operators in Sucre that offer the Inca Trail. During this tour, you will hike the Inca Trail, visit the Maragua Crater and disciver the traditions of the Jalqa culture. No availability? You can can always send me a message so that I can put you in contact with a local guide on site.
You start your trip in Sucre (2800 m altitude) and drive in about an hour and a half to the village of Chataquila (3650 m altitude). Here you will visit the small church and get a short explanation about the Virgen Guadalupe, who plays an important role in Sucre and surroundings, and the associated traditions. It is also a good way to get used to the altitude, since the trip goes up a few hundred meters in short amount of time.
The Inca Trail route from Chataquila to Chaunaca in Bolivia is 5.5 km long. Depending on your pace, it will take you 2 to 3 hours. The trail is flat, downhill and easy to do for anyone who has a normal condition. Since it is an old and original Inca path with boulders, it can sometimes be a bit difficult to walk. It is therefore important to wear good shoes. The path runs along steep slopes in a number of places, so if you have a fear of heights, it is good to be aware of this.
The route ends in the village of Chaunaca where a bus is ready to take you back to Sucre. It is also possible to continue your trail from Chaunaca to the next village. This is something you can discuss with your guide.
Because you will find yourself at altitudes of around 3650 meters during the Inca Trail in Bolivia, it is recommended to acclimatize before you start hiking. Do not go on this trail on the first day of arrival, but take some time to get used to the altitude in Sucre, located at 2800 meters. This is especially important if you come from lower located areas.
Good preparation is important, so what to bring if you want to hike the Inca trail in Bolivia? Here are my tips for useful items to take with you on your trek in Bolivia.
Here you will find a map with a good overview of the network of Inca roads, running through Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina in South America.
I have been fascinated by pre-Columbian cultures and especially by the Incas. I always love being taken along in the ancient worlds. These cultures have been widely researched and by now, we already know a lot about them. Yet many things are still a mystery and that makes it so incredibly interesting. It would be my dream to travel the entire 30,000 kilometers.
Ready for your hiking adventure in Bolivia? Book your Inca Trail tour in Bolivia here.
Sucre is one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia. You can stroll for hours through the colonial center and visit the many churches, white houses, courtyards, monasteries and museums. You should also not miss the beautiful surroundings, with local markets, viewpoints, villages and the mighty Andes mountain range. I have been visiting Sucre many times and always love being there. In the next city guide you will discover the best things to do in Sucre Bolivia, including tips for restaurants, hotels and tours in the surroundings.
Did you enjoy reading this article about the Inca Trail in Bolivia? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Bolivia. In the next articles you will find my Bolivia travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
