Bolivia > To the top of the Takesi trail

Eduardo, our guide for the Takesi Trail, comes to pick us up along with the porters at half past eight. The bus takes us to the starting point of the Takesi Trail, which in itself is a three-hour journey. We leave La Paz via the lower, wealthier part of the city, then start ascending the pass.

Bolivia - Beaten by the donkeys... on the way to the top. They clearly suffer less from the thin air

Along narrow roads, past sometimes deep ravines, and over a very rough, bumpy final stretch, we arrive at the trailhead at 4,200 meters. The mules are already waiting to carry the luggage. The first section is a climb to the summit at 4,650 meters—a significant ascent, made even more challenging by the altitude. The group soon splits into the faster climbers and the slower walkers. The key when ascending is to pay attention to your breathing, especially at this height. By inhaling with each left step and exhaling with each right step, you can steadily make your way up. While climbing, a condor flies high above us—a beautiful sight, though only a tiny speck on the horizon. Before we reach the top, the inevitable happens… we are overtaken by the mules! The animals pass us at a slow, steady pace. After an hour and a half, we reach the summit. It is cold at the top, and I have already put on all the clothing I brought with me.

Bolivia - The path follows the old Inca trail along beautiful lakes

We quickly take a photo at the top, then begin the descent. Going down is much easier. We stop by a lake for lunch (chicken with vegetables). The leaders have been waiting here for some time. The rest of the trail is mostly downhill. However, it becomes increasingly cloudy and misty along the way. Passing through the small village of Takesi, with only two families, the mist creates an almost surreal scene. How would it look in the sun? After leaving Takesi, we continue descending, and the vegetation becomes denser. By the river, we reach the first campsite. This time we arrive before the mules, which means the porters start setting up the tents later. We are absolutely not allowed to help. I quickly place my belongings in the tent and set it up before darkness falls. Dinner is served at half past seven. We sit together in a circle on small folding chairs. It has become quite chilly, and the fleece blanket is very welcome. Around half past eight, everyone crawls into their tents. With the borrowed liner, sleeping bag, and fleece blanket, it’s cozy inside the tent.