Franz Tamayo: Apolobamba, Landscape and Ayllu Culture

In the northwest of Franz Tamayo Province, in the Department of La Paz, lies the Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla, in the municipality of Pelechuco. It covers about 40,000 hectares and lies entirely within the Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Nacional Apolobamba. The area can therefore be understood on two levels: as part of the municipality of Pelechuco and as a region within a larger protected area. The landscape, wildlife and Ayllu culture shape the character of this region.

Glaciers, grasslands and bofedales

Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, grasslands and inter-Andean valleys shape the Marka. Grasslands, pajonales—areas dominated by grasses—and shrubland are widespread. The landscape is therefore defined by more than snow and ice: open grasslands and shrublands are also among its central features. To understand this natural environment, it is worth considering the peaks and glaciers alongside the grasslands and shrublands.

The landscape also includes numerous lagoons and bofedales. They provide a food source for wildlife and domesticated camelids. Their importance directly connects the landscape with the Marka’s wildlife. The area also contributes to the preservation of keñua forests and Andean fauna. The animal species mentioned include vicuñas, tarukas, foxes, Andean cats, condors, huallatas and flamingos. For nature enthusiasts, two aspects come together here: the animals’ habitats and food sources, and the preservation of the forests and Andean fauna.

Ayllus, identity and inherited practices

The Marka’s cultural identity also has several facets. The Ayllus identify as Indigenous Puquina-Colla people and are strongly influenced by Kallawaya, Quechua and Aymara culture. The Indigenous communal land of Marka Cololo Copacabana de Antaquilla overlaps with the Apolobamba protected area and consists of eight Ayllus. The communities preserve inherited traditions as well as ritual and ceremonial practices. Traditional camelid herding and trade with the inter-Andean valleys are also among the activities described. Together, these elements offer insight into identity, inherited practices, herding and exchange.

Apolobamba in the wider context of La Paz

In the Department of La Paz, the Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Nacional Apolobamba extends across the provinces of Bautista Saavedra, Franz Tamayo and Larecaja and borders Peru. The protected area includes high-Andean ecosystems as well as inter-Andean dry forests and montane forests across various elevations and climatic zones. The Marka lies entirely within this protected area; however, ANMIN Apolobamba covers a larger region than the Marka itself.

The protected area’s historical milestones differ in year and significance. In 1972, it was established as the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Ulla Ulla to protect the vicuña. In 1977, UNESCO recognized it as a biosphere reserve; in 2000, it was recategorized, renamed and redefined. This sequence runs from its establishment for a specific conservation purpose, through its recognition as a biosphere reserve, to its subsequent reorganization.

Keep the geographic scale in mind when planning your trip

When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the geographic scales: the Marka is specifically located in Pelechuco, while the Apolobamba protected area spans a larger region across three provinces. If you are looking for hotels in Franz Tamayo, choose your location based on the places and themes that matter most to your trip. The landscape, wildlife and Ayllu culture offer different points of interest. The municipality, province and protected area remain clearly distinct geographic levels.

Discover more destinations: Ucumari, Omasuyos, Caranavi Province, Larecaja, Cercado, Nor Yungas, Pacajes

Return to the main travel overview: La Paz.