Trekking Circuit - M7: Details

Andes Heritage Expeditions, designing customized trekking experiences for every level of trekker, taking care of every detail from the moment you land to the moment you depart Bolivia.

Destination
MSanFrancisco-TotoraPata_ (94)

San FRancisco Mine / "Reconquistada" Mine / TOTORAPATA / Picho

Tour Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Medium-High

Group Size

4-10 Guests

Height

4200 / 5200 / 2200 M

About the trekking

The San Francisco Mine – Totorapata – Reconquistada Mine route is a two-day trek, an alternative and less crowded option than the Takeshi Trail, designed for travelers seeking adventure in an area with little tourist activity. It begins at the abandoned San Francisco mine (starting point at 4,200 m), located southeast of the Cordillera Real, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks such as Illimani and Mururata. After a three-hour drive from La Paz, the route ascends to a pass near 5,100–5,200 m and then gradually descends into the Yungas valleys, ending in the community of Picho, located on the road to Sud Yungas.

Technically, it is of medium to high difficulty: maximum altitude around 5,100–5,200 m and minimum approximately 2,200 m. Temperatures vary depending on the season (summer: min. 5–10 °C, max. 15–20 °C; winter: min. 0–5 °C, max. 5–15 °C). The route combines high Andean passes, high-altitude lakes, deep valleys, cloud forests, and sections of Yungas rainforest. It traverses areas of dense vegetation where the trail may not be clearly marked, so an experienced guide is recommended.

Highlights: contrasting landscapes (snowy puna and subtropical rainforest), Andean fauna (llamas, alpacas, birds, and even condors), old mining camps and tunnels (San Francisco and Reconquistada), and small villages of shepherds and miners. The experience offers a historical and adventure component—crossing abandoned mines, old bridges, and nearly untouched nature—aimed at adventure and ecotourism tourists seeking authentic and less crowded routes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure / Start of Trekking

  • Leaving hotel in La Paz by 7am
  • Two hours transportation to the start of the trek, near San Francisco mine.
  • Three hours uphill hike following a pre-Columbian trail.
  • Two hours downhill to Totorapampa village or beyond, to the Qhasiri/Totorapampa river.
  • Camp in the Totorapata valley by day end (5-6pm).
  • Stay overnight at campsite set up with tents.

Day 2: Hike to Mina Reconquistada.

  • Departure from campsite at 8:00 AM
  • Descent to the Qhasiri River – 2 hours.
  • Ascent to Reconquistada Mine – 2 hours.
  • Crossing the mine shaft – 30 minutes.
  • Descent via a disused road – 3 hours.
  • Transportation picks us up from the road leading to Picho.
  • Return to La Paz by day end (9-10pm).

Gallery Of Our Tour

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