After lunch we return along the Altiplano back to La Paz, however we bypass the centre of the city by one of the roads that follow the contour of the large valley. There are some spectacular views from this road of the city below. This road eventually joins the main road to Coroico and it leaves La Paz, and after passing the toll both it steadily climbs towards the Cumbre Pass at 4660 m (15289 f). The countryside here has a pretty desolate look. There are only llamas in evidence and begging dogs along the road.
As we keep climbing, snow-capped mountains will come into a view. Just before arriving to the Cumbre pass we will pass several artificial lakes that supply drinking water to La Paz. Arriving at the pass we will turn off the main road entering into the Cotapata National Park and continue climbing through a moon-like landscape to the beginning of the Choro Inca Trail. The pass Apacheta Chucura, where the trail starts is at 4880 m (16010 f). The views from the pass are unforgettable. For those who feel well in this altitude and want to have some truly amazing view we can follow the ridgeline for a while and climb up to 4990 m (16371 f), from where we will have truly amazing view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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