Biking from the Titicaca lake to the Real Cordillera

Pick-up, meeting point in La Paz in the early morning (Meeting point to be determined). Approximately 3 hours of tarmac road before arriving in Huarina, from where you will begin your short cycling trip. Your driver will give you some directions and you'll agree on some meeting points, for a picnic for example. First of all, you'll have to follow the main road, passing through small lakeside villages like Huatajata. When you reach the village of Janko Amaya, leave the main road and turn off onto a small, hilly country road. You can meet the driver at the top of the first climb for a picnic with a magnificent view of the lake. Next, a descent, a second climb and then a long descent to the community of Tajo Kachi, from where a small dirt track will take you to Sunata Island. Make the most of the time you spend visiting this pretty little island; in fine weather, you'll have an exceptional view of the Cordillera Real. Then return along the dirt track to the community of Chuquiñapi, where you will spend the night.

Departing in the morning after breakfast from the community of Chuquiñapi, you will continue your journey on the same pleasant road as yesterday, with virtually no traffic and magnificent views. You will drive for almost 40 kilometres on this road until you reach the town of Achacachi. You could meet your driver in the main square and enjoy a picnic, or wait until you're out of town before eating. Next, head for the village of Peñas, at the foot of the Cordillera Real, another 30 kilometres or so, where you will spend the night.

In the morning, after breakfast, it's off up the mythical Cordillera Royale. You and your driver can decide how far you want to climb. You can choose between 3 lagoons or, for the more adventurous, as far as the Mullu pass, at an altitude of 5,000 metres. For example, picnic at the first lagoon and continue by bike to the second or third lagoon, or even to the pass, bearing in mind that the climb to the pass is long and difficult. At the agreed point, you will return to La Paz by vehicle, about 4 hours' drive.