Plizio Visual Lab

Cerro Tunari

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Cerro Tunari is the highest peak in central Bolivia, reaching an elevation of 5,035 meters. Located just north of the city of Cochabamba, it serves as the centerpiece of the Tunari National Park and the wider Cordillera del Tunari range. The mountain is primarily composed of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and plays a vital hydrological role, as its runoff provides essential water for irrigation and consumption in the fertile Cochabamba valley. The slopes of Cerro Tunari are home to unique high-altitude ecosystems, including rare Polylepis forests, which grow at elevations where most other trees cannot survive. For hikers, the mountain is a popular goal because it gives a non-technical route to exceed 5,000 meters in altitude. The summit provides panoramic views of the entire valley and, on very clear days, distant peaks of the Cordillera Real. Cultural and religious festivals are often tied to the mountain, reflecting its importance to the local Quechua-speaking population.

Location: Bolivia
Top sights: Yana Qaqa · Qiñwani · Phullu Punchu

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	14	14	13	12	11	11	12	13	15	16	15
Rain mm	104	97	55	20	6	44	5	8	12	25	36	86

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The peak is accessed primarily from the city of Cochabamba, with the standard approach starting in the nearby town of Quillacollo. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are generally hired to navigate the rough track to the high-altitude trailhead.

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Best season

The optimal window for hiking is the dry winter season from May to September, offering the highest chances of clear views over the Cochabamba valley and minimal precipitation on the trails.

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Terrain & paths

The trek involves navigating steep, rocky paths and scree slopes that become increasingly barren and exposed at higher elevations. The final ascent requires a physically demanding scramble without technical climbing.

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What to bring

Hikers need robust trekking boots, multiple clothing layers for extreme temperature shifts, windproof jackets, plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and adequate sun protection for the intense high-altitude rays.

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Parking

Private vehicles can usually be parked at the lower trailheads or in Cochabamba, as reaching the uppermost access points requires high-clearance 4x4 transport arranged with local guides or specialized agencies.

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Safety

Rapid altitude gain from the valley floor presents a significant risk of acute mountain sickness; climbers should acclimatize in Cochabamba beforehand. Weather can change unexpectedly, bringing sudden drops in temperature.

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Time needed

The actual hike to the summit and back from the high-altitude trailhead takes around 5 to 7 hours, making it a full-day expedition when factoring in the long drive from Cochabamba.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.28800, -66.38800

Facts

Cerro Tunari stands at an elevation of 5,035 meters (16,519 feet).
The mountain is the highest point of the Cordillera Oriental in central Bolivia.
It was officially declared part of a National Park in 1962.
The climb usually begins at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters.
The mountain is a critical watershed for the agricultural region below.
Indigenous communities consider the peak a sacred 'Apu' or spirit.