La Cumbre

Located only 1 hour from La Paz high up in the Andes is a beautiful, wend-swept mountain pass known for being the top-most point on the La Paz – Coroico highway.

Photo Credit: Nell Haynes

Traveling toward the Yungas, the road climbs to around 4,650 meters (15,260 ft) at La Cumbre, before gradually descending to 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) at the town of Coroico. The drop in altitude means travelers experience both chilly conditions in the Altiplano highlands and hot humid conditions in the rain-forests below.

Photo Credit: Erin Longstocking

Stunning views of snow-covered peaks and high-altitude lakes can be enjoyed from La Cumbre, making it the perfect place to stop for panoramic pics. The pass is also a popular weekend spot for paceños who make day trips to play in the snow, fish for trout and enjoy hiking the surrounding area.

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The starting point of the infamous Death Road tours, most tourists will visit La Cumbre when biking down the ‘World’s Most Dangerous Road‘. The pass is also the departure point of the Choro Trail, a multi-day trek which descends along a wide Inca Road toward the village of Chairo.

Considered sacred ground, La Cumbre is also a popular place to visit during the Aymara New Year when offerings are traditionally made to Pachamama in the hope of good fortunes. At the summit you will find metal and stone monuments by Swiss/Bolivian sculptor, Francine Secretan, which pay homage to the achachilas (mountain spirits) that protect La Cumbre and all the inhabitants of La Paz.