Ruta del Choro – La Paz to Coroico Pre-Columbian Path
Ancient Inca highway carved in living stone
The Ruta del Choro traces a 2,000-year-old trade route from the windswept altiplano down into the steamy Yungas valleys, dropping 10,000 feet over stone-paved sections that predate the Inca empire. Starting at La Cumbre Pass on the rim of the La Paz bowl, this route follows original pre-Columbian stone steps through the Cordillera Real’s eastern slopes, past Samana Pampa ruins and the notorious Chucura descent where ancient pavers carved switchbacks into near-vertical terrain.
This is expert-level territory requiring modified 4WD with rock sliders, winch, and experienced spotters – the original stone steps will punish stock vehicles and destroy oil pans. Best tackled April through October during dry season, though afternoon fog rolls up from the valleys year-round. Bring camping gear, extra fuel, and water purification since reliable resupply ends at La Cumbre. What you get is a journey through living archaeology, descending from barren altiplano through every climate zone to tropical Coroico, following paths that connected civilizations before Europeans knew the Americas existed.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Stone|Dirt|Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 40 mi / 64.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15420 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | La Paz, La Paz |
| Land manager | Bolivian National Parks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum build required — will a lightly lifted Tacoma cut it?
No. This trail demands a heavily modified 4WD with full skid plate armor, high-clearance suspension, and aggressive all-terrain or mud tires at minimum. The ancient stone paving is uneven and broken in sections, with exposed ledges and tight switchbacks that will destroy unprotected underbodies. A lightly lifted Tacoma is not the right tool here.
When does the trail become impassable and what does the wet season actually do to it?
November through March is wet season and the trail turns into a serious hazard — stone sections become slick, dirt sectors turn to deep mud, and water crossings can rise to vehicle-swallowing levels. Stick to April through October. Even in the dry season, early morning fog at altitude can reduce visibility to near zero at La Cumbre Pass.
Do you actually need a permit and who issues it?
Yes, a permit is required through Bolivian National Parks. Obtain it before you leave La Paz — there is no cell service on the trail and no way to sort paperwork once you're moving. Check current requirements directly with SERNAP (Bolivia's national parks authority) as fees and processes change.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The descent from La Cumbre Pass at 15,420 feet is the crux — steep, narrow stone track with exposure on one side, no guardrails, and broken Inca paving that redirects your tires unpredictably. Altitude affects driver judgment and vehicle performance simultaneously. One wrong line on a wet stone shelf and you're off the edge with no recovery option.
How serious are the water crossings and where do I gas up before starting?
Water crossings are real and route-dependent on recent rainfall — some are axle-deep in dry season and door-panel deep after rain, with no bypass options. Fuel up completely in La Paz before departure; there are no gas stations between La Paz and Coroico along this route, and the 40-mile distance with the technical terrain will burn more fuel than you expect.
Trail track
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