Trekking in Bolivia

These departures will operate for a minimum of 2 clients using a local Bolivian guide.

Bolivia’s Cordillera Real (Royal Mountains) rise out of the Andean Altiplano to the east of the fabled Lake Titicaca. Six shapely 6000m summits soar more than 2200m above the plateau to the summit of Illimani at 6462m. Our venture through the Cordillera provides a serious challenge to even the fittest walker. Flying in to La Paz (3650m) means that before you even start walking you are at a significantly high altitude. Rest and relaxation, usually offered at the end of a trek, is actually enjoyed before you start with time spent acclimatising on the shores and islands of Lake Titicaca.

The trek takes you right through the heart of the mountains, passing many lakes, crossing numerous passes from where close up views of the major summits and extended views across the range reward your efforts. You come face to face with Condoriri (the Condor’s Head), and the mighty Huayna Potosi (6094m). After eleven days at high altitude, we finally descend from mountain to rainforest, dropping down following one of Bolivia’s ‘Inca Trails’ to finish, in the tropical village of Chairo at 1300m.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK.

Day 2 On arrival in La Paz you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration of the city, taking things slowly to get used to the altitude.

Day 3 A couple of hours drive after breakfast takes us across the altiplano to the pilgrimage town of Copacabana on the southern shores of Lake Titicaca. Here there are plenty of rural and lakeside walks to enjoy.

Day 4 After breakfast we take a boat across to the Isla del Sol. Here we will walk from the south to the north of the island, visiting Inca and pre-Inca sites and the museum, all the while enjoying the delightful tranquillity of this traffic free island whose 800 inhabitants make a living from fishing, farming and us (tourism). 3 to 4 hours walking.

Day 5 We take a boat back to the 'mainland' and transfer to Khotia Lake, the start point of our trek into the heart of the Cordillera.

Day 6 We ascend gently to cross a pass at 4720m and descend the other side to have our lunch in the valley below near on old tin mine. We then ascend up the valley to delightful camping spot next to the small Ajwani Lagoon. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 7 From Ajwani Lagoon continue trekking to Laguna Janchallani. There are fabulous views of Condoriri´s head and left wing, as well as Huayna Potosi´s west face from the trail.  5 to 7 hours walking.

Day 8 Trek to Condoriri base camp today (ChiarKhota). Today the team will have the opportunity to attempt to climb to the summit of Pico Austria (5200m).6 to 8 hours walking.

Day 9 A spare day, rest day or a day to get close up to the glaciers tumbling down from the summit of Condoriri.

Day 10 Trek to Livinosa Lagoon via two passes of over 5000m, from where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Cordillera Real.5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 11 Continue trekking down to Chacapampa and then on down to Botijaca. Your journey will continue from here towards the Zongo pass and very close to the base of Huayna Potosi Mountain (6088m), where it will join the 'Uma Palka' trail and you can continue to Rinconada.

Day 12 Trek up to the Telatapass (5000m) and then continue on down to Sanja village.

Day 13 Trek up to the Wakakunka pass (4300m) then descend for many hours down to Challapampa (2800m). This is where you join the classic Inca trail - The Choro trail.  During this beautiful trek you will have the opportunity to view some excellent sections of stone work which were reputedly built by the Incas.

Day 14 The change in air temperature will be felt today as you drop down into the sub-tropical lowlands known as the Yungas and the vegetation will also become denser. You pass through a few villages today to finally reach the campsite.6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 15 You continue following the Inca paved path, making a final descent to the village Chairo (1300m). Here you will meet your transport to take you to the picturesque town of Coroico, where you can celebrate the end of your trek! 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 16 A free day at Coroico town, with an option to walk to the nearby waterfalls or you may choose to simply relax beside a nice swimming pool before returning to La Paz.

Day 17 Early transfer to the airport for the flight to Miami.

Day 18 Arrive UK.

Photos

Insurance

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