Earth Porn: Stunning Photos of Tarija’s Inca Trail

Last updated on 22nd January 2019 - This article may contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission for purchases made at no extra cost to you.

If you’ve only ever heard of the Inca Trail in Peru then you’re in for a treat. Bolivia also boasts a number of Inca Trails set in incredible high-altitude landscapes and with stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife to match.

Check out my photographs below from the three days I spent hiking the Inca Trail in Reserva Biologica de Sama near Tarija, Bolivia.

If they inspire you to visit this incredible, yet rarely visited part of South America, then check out my guide to Walking the Inca Trail in Tarija, Bolivia, which includes a complete itinerary and advice for walking the route.

Laguna Pujzara Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Laguna Pujzara at the beginning of the walk. The first of the Tajzara Lakes when you get dropped off to start the walk at Pujzara.

Llamas Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Llamas are abundant in the grasslands surrounding the various Tajzara Lakes.

Laguna Patances Reserva Biologica de SamaTarija Bolivia — Laguna Patances, just after the turn off for the Inca Trail if you don’t choose to walk around Laguna Grande.

Llamas Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — More llamas, ready to pose for photographs!

Laguna GrandeReserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — This is the track that you take to walk around Laguna Grande.

Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — The paths are often waterlogged in the rainy season, but not an issue to cross.

Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Beautiful views of Laguna Grande and the surrounding mountains

Laguna Grande Llamas Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — More llamas; less willing to pose for photographs!

Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Life and death in Reserva Biologica de Sama

Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama — Laguna Grande

Adobe Churches Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — One of the adobe churches that you pass on on the shores of Laguna Grande

Churches Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Church from the front

Adobe ruins Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Adobe ruins in Reserva Biologica de Sama

Cattle Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Cattle enjoying the waters of Laguna Grande

Sunset Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Sunset across Laguna Grande

Camping Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Camping on the shores of Laguna Grande

Sunrise Laguna Grande Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Sunrise from our camping spot on the shores of Laguna Grande

Spider webs Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Spider webs in the dew the following morning

Llamas in mist Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Llamas in the mist

Inca Trail Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Cows grazing just before the beginning of the Inca Trail

Local bus Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — The local bus passes along the dirt road

The beginning of the Inca Trail

Inca Trail Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Views from the beginning of the Inca Trail

Woodpecker Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — A woodpecker watches us from a wall in the valley below the initial section of the Inca Trail

Inca Trail Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — The valley after the initial section of the Inca Trail

Wildlife Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — More beautiful wildlife that we spotted on our walk

Inca TrailReserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Another valley that forms part of the descent from the initial section of the Inca Trail

Valle de ConcepcionReserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Sunset above the Valle de Concepcion

Valle de Concepcion Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Camping above the Valle de Concepcion

Valle de Concepcion Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Sunrise the following morning

Pinos Sud Reserva Biologica de Sama Tarija Bolivia — Local houses and land before reaching the final destination, Pino Sud

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About Steph Dyson

Steph Dyson is a bilingual freelance travel writer, guidebook author and blogger originally from the UK who now spends a lot of her time in Santiago, Chile. Having travelled and volunteered across South America since 2014, she now writes about beyond-the-beaten-trail adventures, using her extensive experience of exploring (and getting lost in) this continent. A former teacher, avid cheese eater, and famous Bolivian TV personality (well, almost), she never says no to an adventure.

Guide to Walking the Inca Trail in Tarija, Bolivia

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Worldly Adventurer is a website that gives you the tools to travel in a different way through South America: to have a deeper connection with countries and their people; to go beyond the beaten trail; and to have more meaningful, responsible experiences along the way.

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