Bolivia Guide
Lago Titicaca, the Cordillera Real and the Yungas
Cordillera Real
Stretching for about 160km along the northeastern edge of the Altiplano, the Cordillera Real – the "Royal Range" – is the loftiest and most dramatic section of the Cordillera Oriental in Bolivia. With six peaks over 6000m high and many more over 5000m, it forms a jagged wall of soaring, ice-bound peaks that separates the Altiplano from the tropical lowlands of the Amazon basin. Easily accessible from La Paz, the mountains are perfect for climbing and trekking – indeed, spending a few days walking above the tree line amongst the lofty peaks or down the steep eastern slopes into the tropical valleys of the Yungas is the only way to really appreciate the overwhelming splendour of the Andean landscape. Populated by isolated Aymara communities who cultivate the lower slopes and valleys and raise llamas and alpacas on the high pastures, the cordillera is a largely pristine natural environment. The mighty Andean condor is still a common sight, circling on thermal currents above deep ravines or nesting amongst lonely mountain spires, and other birds like eagles, caracaras and hawks are also frequently seen. Though rarely spotted, pumas still prowl the upper reaches, while the elusive Andean spectacled bear roams the high cloudforest that fringes the mountains' upper eastern slopes.
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