Bolivia : Destinations : Cordillera Apolobamba

Cordillera Apolobamba

The Apolobamba Mountain Chain begins close to the Peruvian border on the northern end of Lake Titicaca, more specifically at the Nevado de Chaupi Orci and the three Palomanis: Cunka grande and Tranca, entering deeper into Bolivian territory through the northeast district of La Paz and ending in the highlands of Guarayos. It is one of the most precious geographic regions of Bolivia. The tall snow-capped peaks release a series of rivers, whose waters flow towards the large channels of the Amazon Basin. From its high altitudes, almost exempt of vegetation, to the lower levels of the mountain range an infinite spectrum of landscapes is displayed, in which all of a sudden you can see natural grass ample for raising cattle or trees of very fine wood. The most significant peaks of the Apolobamba Mountain Chain are: Cololo (5915 m or 19,401 ft high); Huila Kollo (5816 m or 19076 ft); and Chaupi Orko (6040 m/198,811 ft). Located here is the town of Curva (situated at 3,800 m. or 12,464 ft high), considered the capital of the Andean ethnic group, the Kallawayas. They are an admirable race that take on the role of traveling doctors with a broad knowledge of nature and its power. With their medicine and wisdom on their shoulders, so to speak, they walk long journeys to take aid to the inhabitants of "roof of America".    

The mountainous chain of Apolobamba, was explored for the first time during the year 1911, by an expedition organized by the Royal Geographic Society. The region contains very isolated areas that were rarely visited and just recently in the 60's, some of the peaks were conquered after three international expeditions. However, it is a region that possesses strong cultural traditions and is not prepared for tourism, due to the lack of services. Its inhabitants continue preserving the old fashioned way of life. Each town maintains an annual festival celebration, which takes place during the period between June and September.