Pacajes: Rivers and the Cóndor Jipiña Rock Monument

Pacajes lies in the southwest of the Department of La Paz. The Río Mauri, Río Desaguadero and Río Achieta flow through the province. There is also Cóndor Jipiña, a natural rock formation on Cerro Cóndor Jipiña in the municipality of Corocoro. It was declared a National Natural and Cultural Monument. Jacha Suyu Pakajaqi is another name for Provincia Pacajes.

When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between regional orientation and a specific natural site: the river names locate the province, while Cóndor Jipiña refers to a particular rock formation in Corocoro. This lets you decide whether to first explore Pacajes as a geographical area or focus specifically on the named Natural and Cultural Monument.

More highlights in the wider destination of La Paz

The wider destination of La Paz also includes Tiwanaku. The site is near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca in the Altiplano, at an elevation of 3,850 metres, in the province of Ingavi in the Department of La Paz. Most of the ancient city, which was built mainly of adobe bricks, is covered by the modern town. The ancient city and modern development are therefore both part of the character of this place.

Another highlight in the wider destination of La Paz is Parque Nacional y Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Cotapata. Its ecological, scenic and archaeological features make the protected area suitable for environmental education and tourism. By land, it can be reached via the La Paz–Coroico road or through the Río Huarinilla valley; a private vehicle is recommended for the journey.

You can travel by bus as far as Coroico or La Cumbre; from there, a trekking route continues to the village of El Chairo. The pre-Columbian El Choro trail can also be used as a walking route to access the protected area. These are different ways of getting there that can be considered separately when planning. Before travelling, check the timetable, current trail conditions and access arrangements.

The Camino Chairo–Socosani is another of the routes described in the wider destination of La Paz. It continues from Puente Inca en Chairo and runs along the lower slope of Cerro Nogalani to the ruins of Socosani. Along the way, you can see old agricultural terraces, retaining walls and paved paths. These specific traces give the route its distinctive archaeological and scenic character.

When choosing your destination and holiday rental, the first consideration is therefore the focus you want: Pacajes, with its rivers and Cóndor Jipiña, or other attractions in the wider destination of La Paz, such as Tiwanaku and the trails around Cotapata.

Discover more destinations: Cercado, Larecaja, Omasuyos, Nor Yungas, Caranavi Province, Franz Tamayo.

Go to the wider travel overview: La Paz.