Codo de los Andes Hike without Guide
The Codo de los Andes hike is an amazing trek right next to Samaipata in the majestic Andes Mountains, captivating visitors with its dramatic landscapes. Several tourist agencies in Samaipata offer this hike as a 1-day-tour but it can also be done without a guide (though there was a sign in the trailhead that said a guide is mandatory, but no one seemed to care….) While guided tours offer convenience, exploring this stunning destination on your own can provide a deeper connection to nature and the freedom to set your own pace. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know for a self-guided adventure at Codo de los Andes, including insights on the trail and also how to extend the trek to visit the Cuevas Waterfalls.
What is Codo de los Andes?
Codo de los Andes is a spectacular natural area in the Andes Mountains. Its name, which translates to “Elbow of the Andes,” comes from the striking bend in the Andes that creates a dramatic landscape. Here, next to Samaipata, the Andes Mountains take a sharp turn, forming an angle that resembles an elbow. This area is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
How to get to the trailhead
Reaching the trailhead for Codo de los Andes is relatively straightforward. From Samaipata, you have a couple of options:
- The most convenient option: Take a taxi to the trailhead. It should cost about 100 BOB. This is what we did as we were a group of 6. The drive is ~30 minutes from the main square of Samaipata.
- Cheapest option: Head out to the main road and try to hitchhike or stop one of the buses that are passing through in the direction of Santa Cruz. You have to go to Palermo (tell the driver “Codo de los Andes”). We haven’t done it, but the price is estimated to be 0-10 BOB. From here you will need to hike an additional 5km uphill on gravel road to the official trailhead.
- Another option: Take the Trufi from the main square with destination Santa Cruz but get out at Palermo – this is not recommended as you’ll be charged 30 BOB (the price of the entire way to Santa Cruz). Also here you will have to walk up the gravel road to the trailhead.
The Trail
The trail is easy to follow but it is not marked, so we recommend taking an offline app with the trek, like maps.me or Mapy.cz. We heard that it’s possible to do the trail as a loop and end where you started (in this case, you should organize a taxi to pick you up) or do what we did: Extend your journey to end at the Cuevas Waterfalls next to the main road where you can hitchhike back to Samaipata.
Note that the way to the waterfalls is full of ticks!!! Better wear long pants and do a full body scan after. One guy in our group, going with short pants, counted 20 ticks on his legs after the hike...What to pack for the Codo de los Andes Hike
- Enough water for drinking
- Long pants and closed shoes (against ticks)
- Swimsuit and towel for the waterfalls
- Sunscreen and hat – there is almost no shade
- Offline map
- Snacks
- There are some steep sections: Hiking poles could be nice
Interested in doing some multiday-hiking in Bolivia? Read our following posts:
- El Choro Trek Bolivia: How to do it Self-Guided (2024): Next to La Paz, this Inca trek descends from the altiplano to the green yungas.
- How to hike the Condoriri Trek and climb Pico Austria without a Guide: Visit the impressive Condoriri Massif close to La Paz and see Lake Titicaca from Pico Austria (5350m)
- How to do the Maragua Crater Hike without a Guide (2024): Visit the interesting and beautiful Maragua crater from Sucre, hike Inca build caminos and visit dinosaur footprints.
- Lagunas de Altura Hike – Sajama National Park Bolivia: Close to the border with Chile, visit the Sajama National Park and it's perfect snow-covered volcanos, lagunas and hot springs.Codo de los Andes Map
This is the trek on Mapy.cz:
And here is the trail on wikiloc.
Costs of the Codo de los Andes Hike
Entry to the codo track is 15 BOB per person, you’ll have to pay at the entrance and register. If you exit in the Cueves cascadas, they will ask for 10 BOB per person although it’s closed (September 2024) – you can skip the payment and exit through the hole on the left side of the fence.
Cascadas de Cuevas
The Cuevas waterfalls have been officially closed since January 2024 due to drowning. However, if you arrive from the Codo de los Andes hike, you can pass through the 3 waterfalls and enjoy them all for yourself.
Returning to Samaipata
From the Cuevas Waterfalls, return to Samaipata can be done in the following ways:
- Hitchhiking: We got really lucky, and after 2 minutes, a pickup truck stopped for us (6 people!).
- Trufi: You are right on the main road where Trufis from Santa Cruz to Samaipata pass. Try to stop one. The estimated price is 5-10 BOB.
- Taxi: Ask your driver from the way to the trailhead for his number and call for pickup.
Curious about Samaipata? Read our full guide here: Bolivia Samaipata – A guide to visit the hippie-townConclusion
Walking the Codo de los Andes Hike without a guide can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. With careful preparation and a spirit of adventure, you can explore this breathtaking landscape at your own pace. Whether you choose the loop trail or the route to Cuevas Waterfall, don’t miss the chance to witness the natural beauty and unique features of Codo de los Andes.
Plan your trip today, and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of Codo de los Andes!
