In this new adventure, you will find something completely new. You will live the history of Bolivia, the legends, the drama and the melancholy of traveling this wonderful route that will surprise you as you advance. You can admire the beauty of the origins of the Inca dynasty, walk, feel the cold weather, rivers, and lakes. You will definitely be amazed.
Takesi trail is an ancient trade route that will take you from the high Andes to the entrance of the Amazon; about 43 km long. Startinging at the highest capital in the world, La Paz, at 4058 meters, this place will make your head turn because of the height and the change of climate, so take your time to adapt and continue to higher ground, the Takesi trail. Here you can learn about the Inca culture and its history.
The next stop, just two hours away by car, is Lake Titicaca, which is actually two lakes joined by the Strait of Tiquina,has quite accessible walking paths and gives you the opportunity to admire its beautiful and striking blue waters. Following this straight path, you will leave the capital of Bolivia side by side whit a impressive mass that sticks out: the Cordillera Real.
The road continues to the north, on Isla del Sol, the place of Inca origin, where everything began. There are many legends and myths about the creation of this site that will leave you impressed. In this place, you can find the largest lake, known as Lake Maggiore. The island has a sacred rock, the Puma Stone (Tiki kaka), the name given to Lake Titicaca.
The pilgrims made a path across the island, from Pilcocaina, passing through the Chincana temple to the sacred source, also known as the fountain of youth, as it is said to take away 10 years of age and to drink from it can help climate adaptation. It is worth spending a full day traveling that trail, you will be filled with history and culture.
Surrounding La Paz, there are 4 Inca roads that connect the spectacular Andes Altos with the Yungas. This is a region where you can find coffee, citrus, and coca trees. The Takesi trail is the easiest of all and it will only take you 3 days to complete.
You will arrive at the Valle de las Almas (Valley of the Souls), which will show you beautiful views of a mountain at the horizon of La Paz, at 6439 meters: the Illimani. You can enjoy the tranquility and the flames while you admire how the snowflakes fall on both sides of the mountain.
You will start climbing a valley after Mina San Francisco, a very old silver mine, then you will reach the Takesi pass, where you will get to know one of the best examples of traditional Inca paving stones. By going up and reaching the top, it is very common or traditional to make an offering to Pachamama, the Inca mother earth and goddess of fertility, just add a stone and throw a few drops of alcohol on the ground.
Now the road continues downhill, through mountains and Lake Warani. As you pass the small village of Takesi you will find more Inca pavements and it is common to camp a little further down in the waters of the Takesi River. Then comes a radical change in the path, takingyou into a cloud forest, where there are bamboo plants and the Jukumarini, a rare Andean bear.
The next day you will be able to camp when you arrive at the Kakapi village, having as gifts the hanging vines, the clouds, and that jungle feeling. Then the last day of walking will take you to the fallen river Chojlla, incredible white waters with a rock garden that flows quickly, which gives you the signal that you are reaching the end. After passing the town of Chojlla and a difficult road in the jungle, the trail will take you back to La Paz.
If you want to take this adventure, you have to consider that the recommended season is generally between May and September, although there is a slightly more stable climate between June and September. Nor should you forget that the process of acclimatization is essential before starting the trail. If you want to have a guide, the travel specialist Tim Best Travel will provide the necessary advice with tourist guides in Spanish and English.
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