Hiking in Bolivia
Including Cordillera Real (Condoriri Trek), Madidi National Park, and Sajama National Park. On the map.
The vibe
High-altitude trails give a sense of isolation and thin air, unlike lowland hikes elsewhere. The dry season from May to October offers clear paths and stable weather. Travelers find a mix of organized trekking groups and solo wanderers, with some remote routes remaining quiet.
park ticket
Cordillera Real (Condoriri Trek)
La Paz
Albert Backer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This high-altitude trek takes hikers through the heart of the Andes, featuring jagged, snow-capped peaks and pristine glacial lakes. It is a challenging, multi-day expedition that rewards trekkers with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in South America.
Access. The trek typically begins a few hours' drive from La Paz; hiring a local guide is highly recommended for navigation and safety.
Notes. Extreme altitude (often exceeding 4,500m) requires proper acclimatization; best visited between May and September.
Madidi National Park
La Paz
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Traverse one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, where dense rainforest trails lead to remote jungle camps and hidden waterfalls. This is an immersive trekking experience for those looking to explore the Amazon basin's deep wilderness.
Access. Accessible via boat from the town of Rurrenabaque, where numerous eco-lodges and tour operators organize guided jungle treks.
Notes. Requires a guide due to the remote nature of the terrain; expect high humidity and insect activity.
Sajama National Park
Oruro
JYB Devot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Home to Bolivia's highest peak, this park offers incredible hiking around dormant volcanic cones and high-altitude geyser fields. The landscape is stark and otherworldly, dominated by the iconic Nevado Sajama volcano.
Access. Located near the border with Chile, accessible by private transport or organized tours from La Paz or Oruro.
Notes. High altitude and cold temperatures; the volcanic terrain is rugged and requires good physical fitness.
Torotoro National Park
Potosí
Gaumut / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Explore deep limestone canyons, dinosaur footprints, and massive cavern systems in this unique geological park. The trails lead hikers through dramatic gorge landscapes and to spectacular waterfalls hidden within the canyon walls.
Access. Accessible via a scenic, rugged drive from Cochabamba; local guides are mandatory for entering the canyon areas.
Notes. The park is famous for its paleontological sites and cave systems; some trails require scrambling.
Tunupa Volcano
Oruro
PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Hike the slopes of this dormant volcano overlooking the vast Salar de Uyuni salt flats. The trail offers an incredible vantage point to see the scale of the salt desert from above, with the summit providing a panoramic view of the Andes.
Access. Located near the village of Coquesa on the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni; usually visited as part of a multi-day salt flat tour.
Notes. The hike is steep and at high elevation; the weather can change rapidly.