Jaunted

Adventure travel junkies always seem to go on about plans to see the Himalayas or scurry up the side of Kilimanjaro. But we don't ever seem to hear about the massive massifs of South America: the Cordillera Real.

East of La Paz--the world's highest capital--the mountain range continues higher and higher, with peaks topping out around 20,000 feet. That makes for dream-like trekking for travelers who are willing to schlep across the moonscape. The hardy souls that make it happen usually go out for a four-day tour, striking a good balance between getting out there and straying too, too far from a working shower.

But if you want to get serious, that can happen too. Tour company Bolivian Mountains specializes in exactly what you'd think. The 13-day Transcordillera trek will take you past mountain villages and cover more than 125 miles. We'd suggest driving instead, but you know, maybe walking is a better idea.

[Photo: Craig Searle]

Related Stories:
· Bolivian Mountains [Official Site]
· World's Most Dangerous Roads: Bolivia's Road of Death [Jaunted]