| Along the way… |
This altitude trek (entirely comprised between 4500 and 5000 meters above sea level) requires a good acclimatization.
It takes us to the exploration of the nicest part of the Cordillera Real, across the sumptuous landscapes mountain ranges of Condoriri (el. 5648 m.a.s.l.), Maria Lloco (el. 5522 m.a.s.l.) and Huayna Potosi (el. 6088 m.a.s.l.). The path following the hillsides is dotted with lagunas where the llamas accompanying us on this short Andean crossing will quench their thirst.
Nothing can be better than to finish our adventure by the ascent of Huayna Potosi. From the summit, the view embraces the altiplano from La Paz to Lake Titicaca.
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| PROGRAM |
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Day 1 : LA PAZ – LAGUNA TUNI – LAGUNA JURIKHOTA (el. 4700 m.a.s.l.) |
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Difficulty: 4 to 6-hour hike a day. Good physical condition required.
Departure from La Paz at 8 a.m. in our private vehicle for the village of Tuni, starting point of our trek (a 3-hour trip).
After skirting the lake of the same name, we go over a pass at an elevation of 4900 meters above sea level, before descending to Laguna Juri Khota (a 4-hour walk). From there we have a very beautiful view of the “Cabeza de Condor”, or the Condor’s Head also known as El Condoriri, dominating the scenery (el.5648 m.a.s.l.). It forms, with the two adjacent summits, the Condoriri range, in the shape of a condor with tucked wings.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 4h; Elevation gain: +400m / -200m
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Day 2 : LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – LAGUNA CONGELADA – PASO AUSTRIA - LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (el. 4670 m.a.s.l.) |
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From Laguna Jurikhota we begin by ascending up a steep slope to reach Laguna Congelada, (two glaciers literally fall into its icy waters), a jewel nested at an altitude of 4900 meters at the foot of El Condoriri (el. 5650 m.a.s.l.).
From there we keep climbing to a second pass (Paso Austria, 5200 m.a.s.l.) before descending on the other side towards El Condoriri and El Pequeño Alpamayo base camp, at the edge of Laguna Chiarkhota (el. 4670 m.a.s.l.).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +460m / -490m
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Day 3 : LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA (el.4680 m.a.s.l.) |
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We leave the Condoriri behind us, pass at the base of the Black Needle and eventually reach the Jallayko Pass (el. 5025 m.a.s.l.). We then drop into the very beautiful and steep Jistaña Valley, before ascending Tillipata Pass (el. 5000 m.a.s.l.). The spectacular scenery over the myriad of lagunas down below is ample reward for our efforts. Later on, another downhill takes us to Laguna Wichu Khota, where we set up our camp, at the foot of María Lloco (el. 5522 m.a.s.l.).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac
Hiking time: 7h; Elevation gain: +645m / -635m
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Day 4 : LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA – LAGUNA GLACIAL - CAMPO CANAL (el. 4800 m.a.s.l.) |
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We progress amongst the lagunas, until the ancient camp for mine Santa Fe. A short detour to a small nearby summit dominating the camp allows us to get a nice view over all the lagunas. We then climb up to our camp, surrounded by the summits of Imilla Apachita, Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosi (el. 6088 m.a.s.l.). The view is superb (4/5-walk).
The most courageous will be able to hike over to Laguna Glacial del Huayna Potosi. The trail, an ancient dried out stone canal on the hillside, offers wonderful scenery (2-hour round trip).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +320m / -200m
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Day 5 : CAMPO CANAL – HUAYNA POTOSI SHELTER |
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After loading the gear on our llamas, we head for the Milluni pass that we reach in the middle of the morning (el. 5000 m.a.s.l). From there, we overlook the Milluni Valley. We keep on going towards our shelter by passing Huayna Potosi on our left. At this point the Andes abruptly drop into the Yungas, a green and tropical area. This is the end of our trek
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: +200m / -300m
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| OPTION 1: RETURN TO LA PAZ |
A 4WD private vehicle takes us back to La Paz in the afternoon. End of day open.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: +200m / -300m
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| OPTION 2: ASCENT OF HUAYNA POTOSÍ / DAY 1 (el. 5100 m.a.s.l.) |
Grade II/AD, Max 50° - with mountain guide
We climb to the “Rocks Camp” (base camp – el. 5100 m.a.s.l.) on the edge of the glacier. Approximately a 2-hour walk to reach the glacier.
Cold lunch. All included. Night in shelter.
Ascent time: 2h; Elevation gain: +400m
Note: team of porters for the two-day climb.
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Day 6: ASCENT OF HUAYNA POTOSÍ / DAY 2 (el. 6088 m.a.s.l.) – LA PAZ |
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Departure at 2 a.m. for a tentative ascent of the summit. Later on, we descend to the shelter (approximately 10h total). Return to La Paz with private vehicle.
Lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel***.
Ascent time: 10h; Elevation gain: +1000m / -1400m
PHOTO ITINERARY, CLICK : Click here |
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