Takesi Trail

The Takesi is shorter than El Choro and its paving is better: long continuous stretches of stone road, in places several metres wide with kerbs and drainage, climbing from Ventilla to a pass at around 4,650 metres below Mount Mururata and then dropping into the Yungas over two days. Sections of the surface are pre-Inca, later incorporated into the imperial road network, and the engineering of the drainage is what walkers remember, since it is why the road has lasted. The route passes mining settlements, high lakes and the village of Takesi itself before descending through cloud forest to Yanacachi. It is the standard alternative to El Choro and is often described as the more interesting of the two for the stonework.

What you actually see

• The paved road - long intact stretches with kerbs and drainage.
• The high pass - the crossing at around 4,650 metres below Mururata.
• Takesi village - the settlement the route is named for.
• Cloud forest descent - the drop into the Yungas on the second day.

When to go

May to September for firm ground and clear passes. The wet season brings snow at the top, mud below and poor visibility. Nights near the pass are well below freezing.

Honest expectations

The first day climbs to 4,650 metres and altitude matters; acclimatisation in La Paz first is necessary. Camping equipment is needed. Mining activity near the route has affected some sections. Transport at the far end must be arranged.

Nearby

Yanacachi lies at the end; La Paz is northwest of the start.