Mountaineering
The high altitude and varied landscape of Bolivia make it one of the world's best terrains for mountaineering suitable for all abilities. There are four ranges in Bolivia for climbing, with almost 1000 peaks over 5,000m. The most popular range is the Cordillera Real thanks to its accessibility from La Paz and its favourable weather conditions. The Cordillera Occidental is a volcanic area on the border with Chile which also offers some taxing climbs, whilst the Apolobamba in the northwest and the Quimza Cruz to the southeast are more remote. Huayana Potosí in the Cordillera Real is the most popular peak. It is rarely affected by bad weather and the two-day climb to the peak is a challenging experience. The five peaks of Illimani overlook the country's capital and offer a less demanding route although the altitude makes the climb difficult. The best time for mountaineering in Bolivia is between June and August when the conditions are most favourable, although the season actually runs from May to September.


Trekking
Again, the Cordillera Real is the most popular area for trekking. Paths have been worn into the mountainside by the local people providing fantastic routes through the mountains. Some of the most popular routes, which begin near La Paz, follow Inca trails across the Cordillera Real down to the tropical valleys of the Yungas. Away from the capital, there are further possibilities for excellent trekking around Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Apolobamba. These trails often pass through isolated mountain villages providing an insight into the seclusion of indigenous life.


Nature tourism
Bolivia is unparalleled in its diversity of flora and fauna. With more than 40 defined ecological regions, it is home to some of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the Andes and the Amazon. There are a number of National parks such as the Parque Nacional Amboró and the Madidi whose geographies fluctuate from the freezing Andean peaks, to the steaming tropical forest. These parks contain more species of wildlife than anywhere else on earth and their principal role is to provide protection for these species.


Mountain biking
Bolivia is home to some of the world's most exciting mountain biking. Seven months of dry weather and the incredibly varied terrain make it exhilarating riding and, as with trekking and mountaineering, the possibilities are endless. One of the most popular rides runs from La Combre to Coroico. This incredibly scenic route descends 3600m from the mountains to the jungle, dramatically passing along what has been described as the world's most dangerous road. For less adventurous cyclists, the Zongo Valley provides a fun ride finishing by the river in the Yungas jungle. Many of the cycle routes can easily be done as a day trip from La Paz and experienced guides offer tours of the area.