Cordillera Central (Bolivia)

Mountains Bolivian central mountain range forming part of Andes

Through Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia’s Cordillera Central includes Andean ridges and high puna plateaus; travellers use local trails for trekking and to visit rural mountain communities.

Main image

The Cordillera Central in Bolivia is a section of the Andes mountain system located in the Chuquisaca Department. It forms part of the highland backbone of central-southern Bolivia.

This mountainous area comprises high ridges, intermontane valleys and rural highland communities; activities include trekking, pastoralism and local trade. The landscape reflects typical Andean terrain with elevation-driven ecosystems.

The range is part of the Andes formed by tectonic uplift and long-term geological processes and has been inhabited by indigenous Andean communities for centuries.

Situated in southern-central Bolivia within Chuquisaca Department, the Cordillera Central forms part of the broader Andean chain running through the country.

Cordillera Central (Bolivia)
Cordillera Central, Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia
-18.5000, -64.9167
Access year-round (weather-dependent)
No formal fee for the mountain range; guided treks and permits for certain areas may apply

How to Get to Cordillera Central (Bolivia) #

Access depends on the intended sector; regional roads and small towns (such as Sucre for Chuquisaca) serve as bases. Overland travel with local guides is common for remote routes.

Tips for Visiting Cordillera Central (Bolivia) #

  • Permit and route requirements vary - hire local guides for high passes and remote routes.
  • Altitude acclimatization is essential if undertaking long treks in the Cordillera Central area.
  • Plan for remote conditions: limited lodgings, variable trails, and basic rescue services in some sectors.

Best Time to Visit Cordillera Central (Bolivia) #

The dry season (May-October) is preferable for trekking and travel in the Cordillera Central.

Dry season
May-Oct · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Better trail conditions and clearer skies for trekking.
Wet season
Nov-Apr · 10-22°C (50-72°F)
Heavier rains can make trails slippery and river crossings hazardous.

Weather & Climate near Cordillera Central (Bolivia) #

Climate

Cordillera Central (Bolivia)'s climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 27°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 26°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 25°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 26°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 28°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

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