Ruta del Choro – La Paz to Coroico Pre-Columbian Path

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.