NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION The trail runs through several towns in the south of Bolivia’s Santa Cruz province
VISITORS PER YEAR
An estimated 1,000–4,000 travelers pass through parts of this trail every year
CLIMATE The area is generally hot and humid, with sub-tropical temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C) for most of the year
A challenging trekking route with a political twist, the Che Guevara Trail cuts through subtropical valleys and rocky hills while retracing the footsteps of the revolutionary leader Che Guevara during his final days. The route is generally considered to start in the beautiful highland village of Samaipata, the site of an important Inca ruin, and ends in the equally picturesque town of Vallegrande. The long trail measures 93 miles (150 km), and most visitors opt for a 4WD to cover the more difficult stretches.
To make the most of your trip, you should allow at least a week to complete the route and book into one of the rustic campsites along the way.
Practical Information
Getting There The trailhead at Samaipata is reached by road from the city of Santa Cruz, in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz province. All but a few experienced trekkers require a 4WD to cover parts of this long trail.
When to Go The best time to visit the normally humid and hot central valleys is between April and September, when the temperatures are cooler and the rains are still a month or two away.