Hiking Bolivia with AMC

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s “Bolivian Day Hiking Adventure” promised hiking and discovery in a country I’ve always wanted to visit. I arrived in La Paz, Bolivia (via Miami from Houston), on Jan. 23, 2017, but the official tour started on the evening of Jan. 25 and ended early on Feb. 6.

We were led by Ginette Beaudoin and Anna Panszcyk of Appalachian Mountain Club, or AMC (Boston, MA; 617/523-0655, ginetteandanna
amctrips.weebly.com), and Matt Butler of Adventurebug Worldwide (Estepona, Spain; www.facebook.com/Adventurebug-Worldwide-51304 102114).

They took us through La Paz and Valle de la Luna to Sorata — with views of the mountains Illampu (20,892 ft.) and Janq’u Uma (21,086 ft.) — then over Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna on Lake Titicaca and into the jungles and pampas of the Amazon Basin near Rurrenabaque.

We hiked almost 5 to 7 miles every day, ranging from softly undulating terrain to ascents from 11,500 feet to 13,800 feet in just 3 miles.

Our group of 20 (including leaders) ranged in age from 55 to 75, but almost no one missed a hike, although we could always opt out. The local guides were knowledgeable and the drivers, careful.

Except for two nights of “roughing it” on Lake Titicaca and another two nights of “roughing” it in the jungle, the accommodations were wonderful.

This trip was a lot of fun and the perfect mix of culture and activity. It was also a great value. The land package cost $3,025 for 12 nights plus $160 for a Bolivian visa. Most meals were included, as were tips. 

I spent only an additional $300 for my share of two additional nights in a hotel (plus meal costs and museum entry fees) before the trip to acclimatize. (La Paz is almost 12,000 feet above sea level.)

Ginette, Anna and Matt have a loyal following; most of the travelers on this adventure were repeat customers. If you like to combine culture and hiking, it’s worth exploring trips offered by the Appalachian Mountain Club. 

CARRIE GILLESPIE
Houston, TX