Cotapata National Park Circuit
Andes to Amazon through cloud forest
Starting from the highland town of La Cumbre at 4,650 meters, this circuit drops through every ecosystem Bolivia offers — from páramo grasslands through cloud forest to subtropical jungle. The old Inca trail parallels your route as you navigate hairpin turns carved into cliff faces, ford rushing streams, and push through sections where the jungle tries to reclaim the road. Coroico serves as the traditional endpoint, but the full circuit loops back through hidden valleys most tourists never see.
A capable high-clearance vehicle is essential — preferably with low-range for the steep descents and muddy jungle sections. Dry season (May through October) is mandatory; the wet season turns this into an impassable mud trap. Pack for extreme temperature swings, from freezing at altitude to sweltering in the valleys. The reward is extraordinary biodiversity, Inca ruins, and some of the most dramatic elevation changes you’ll experience behind a steering wheel.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 120 mi / 193 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 15256 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Coroico, La Paz |
| Land manager | Cotapata National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle this route without a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will manage most of it, but aggressive mud ruts and loose rocky descents from 15,000+ ft down into the cloud forest will stress your skid plates and suspension. A locker helps on the wet sections — mud tires are not optional here.
Is the trail accessible outside of May–October?
November through April is Bolivia's wet season and this route turns into a serious mud trap — landslides regularly close sections entirely. Don't attempt it in the rainy season unless you enjoy being stuck for days with no cell service and no easy exit.
Do you need a permit to drive through Cotapata National Park?
Yes, a park entry permit is required. You'll typically pay at a ranger checkpoint near the park boundary — fees are modest but enforcement is real, so don't skip it. Carry cash in bolivianos; no card readers out here.
What's the hardest section of the route and what makes it sketchy?
The descent from the Andean altiplano into the cloud forest is the crux — narrow shelf road, sheer drops, and surface that goes from loose gravel to slick clay with zero warning. Oncoming traffic is unpredictable and passing room is basically nonexistent in spots.
How far is the nearest reliable fuel stop and should I carry extra?
Coroico has fuel but supply can be inconsistent — fill up completely in La Paz before you head out. Carry at least 20 liters of extra fuel; the 120-mile route has no gas on trail and detours can add significant distance if the road is blocked.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.