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Comanche and its Puya raimondii

La Paz Department · Nature and hiking

Comanche and its Puya raimondii, photo 1
Photo: Carlillasa, CC BY-SA 4.0

Near the village of Comanche, on the Altiplano hills, grows a forest of Puya raimondii, the "queen of the Andes". This giant plant can grow over 10 m tall when it flowers, just once, after several decades. A unique landscape, half a day from La Paz.

3,950 maltitude
0 to 1 dayto spend there
High altitude. Above 3,500 m, altitude sickness (soroche) is common. Arrive gradually, drink plenty and take it slow on the first day.

Things to do

  • Puya raimondii forest
  • Comanche village and its stone quarries
  • Views over the Altiplano and the peaks

What to eat

  • ChuñoPotatoes freeze-dried in the sun, an Andean technique thousands of years old. A surprising taste, worth trying at least once.
Tip. No convenient direct transport: by car with a driver or on a tour from La Paz.

How to get to Comanche

  • La Paz Road (bus, car) · 2 to 3 h

    Car with driver or tour from La Paz.

Photos of Comanche and its Puya raimondii

Comanche and its Puya raimondii, photo 2
Photo: Carlillasa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Comanche and its Puya raimondii, photo 3
Photo: Carlillasa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Comanche and its Puya raimondii, photo 4
Photo: Carlillasa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Comanche and its Puya raimondii, photo 5
Photo: Carlillasa, CC BY-SA 4.0

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