This itinerary combines three summits of increasing altitude and technical challenge, together with some acclimatisation trekking and touring beforehand. Prices quoted include all hotels, tours, transfers, activities (and equipment required) as well as meals except in La Paz and Coroico. The programme is a base from which we can extend or reduce days, depending on preference and time available.
| Price per person (USD) | |
|---|---|
| Groups of 2 | $2895 |
| Groups of 3 | $2700 |
| Groups of 4 | $2600 |
| Groups of 5+ | $2500 |
| What's included? | |
Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive into La Paz, transfer to your hotel and meet with Bolivian Mountains staff to check equipment and discuss the itinerary. Afternoon to relax and/or explore the city of La Paz a little. Sleep in La Paz (3,600m)
DAY TWO
Depart La Paz by vehicle for the city of Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Your 4 hour drive will give you your first glimpse of the Cordillera Real mountain range with the peaks to be tackled in full view. After lunch, visit the cathedral of Copacabana and test your lungs on a short walk up the “calvario” hill overlooking the lake. Sleep in Copacabana (3,800m)
DAY THREE
After breakfast, board the lake ferry for a 1 hour cruise to the Island of the Sun, a beautifully peaceful community in the centre of Lake Titicaca. Trek to the high point of the island (1-2 hours) before descending to the shore for a traditional lunch. Return to the mainland and return to La Paz. Sleep in La Paz (3,600m)
DAY FOUR
Continue the acclimatisation schedule with a visit to Chacaltaya, once the highest ski resort in the world (now disused). With vehicles able to reach 5,300m, and a non-technical walk to 5,450m will give you an excellent view of the summit route of Huayna Potosi. Return to La Paz early afternoon to prepare for departure into the wilderness the next day. Sleep in La Paz
DAY FIVE
Depart La Paz for the Cordillera Real range. A 3 hour drive takes you to the community of Ajuani, where mules and staff will be waiting to load up gear and start the trek over two mountain passes (starting at 4,300m, up to 4,900m), before descending to your camp spot on the shores of Lake Juri Khota. Camp at Juri Khota (4,350m)
DAY SIX
Continuing the trek, today takes you over the Austria pass at 5,100m, with the imposing Condoriri mountains to your left. Depending on time and weather, there may the the chance to take a 1 hour detour to the Austria summit at 5,200m. Descend into the Condoriri valley and camp at 4,600m
DAY SEVEN
A relatively relaxing day today (relatively…). Just a 1 hour trek to the base of the glacier where you will be guided through basic and more advanced techniques with crampons, ice axes and ropes. Return to basecamp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon, in preparation for an early alpine summit tomorrow. Camp at 4,600m
DAY EIGHT
Your first glacial summit – Pequeno Alpamayo at 5,350m. Departing around 3.30am, the first hour is on solid land before reaching the glacier, where it’s time to put on the technical equipment. An average gradient of 20-30 degrees for 3 hours approximately takes you to the first summit of Pico Tarija. From there, the route becomes a little more exposed and a little steeper (up to 45 degrees) following the ridge for 1 hour until you reach the summit of Pequeno Alpamayo. Returning via the same route, and rest at basecamp. Camp at 4,600m
DAY NINE
A short trek out to the road head late morning, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you the 3 hour drive to Huayna Potosi basecamp, at 4,700m. Checking into the basecamp refuge, you can then take time to explore the area, or take it easy for the afternoon. Sleep at 4,700m
DAY TEN
Trek to high camp. Mainly trekking on rock, with maybe some frozen snow sections, you will reach high camp after 3-4 hours at 5,250m. Check into the hut, after which there is the chance to check out the conditions at the start of the route. Early rest in time for a night time start the following morning.
DAY ELEVEN
Departing the hut around 2am, you will start the ascent to the summit of Huayna Potosi. The route starts as a gentle trek on the ice, with some steeper sections as you get higher. The final 200m section has parts up to 50 degrees, with a beautiful apex summit awaiting you at the top, arriving in time for sunrise. Return to high camp via the same route, then after a brief rest, continue onto basecamp and meet with your vehicle to return to La Paz. Sleep in La Paz
DAY TWELVE
Rest day in La Paz, free to explore the city, or relax and rest. Sleep in La Paz.
DAY THIRTEEN
Depart La Paz by vehicle for a 4 hour drive to Illimani basecamp. Meet with mules and staff where we will load up at 4,200m. Three hour trek to basecamp at 4,400m. Camp
DAY FOURTEEN
Trek to high camp – the Condor’s Nest at 5,400m – 5 hours approx. Camp.
DAY FIFTEEN
Summit attempt of Illimani, at 6,400m altitude. The ascent can be slow going, with smooth, steep ice in many parts. The summit opens up to a beautiful plateau overlooking the city of La Paz however. Return to high camp, then continue onto basecamp. Camp.
DAY SIXTEEN
Short trek back to the road head, and drive back to La Paz, arriving mid-afternoon. Sleep in La Paz
DAY SEVENTEEN
Mountain biking down the “Worlds Most Dangerous Road” from La Cumbre at 4,700m, to Yolosa at 1,200m. A combination of paved roads and dirt roads, this is not technical downhill biking, but does require a certain level of confidence on a mountain bike. At the end of the biking, transfer to the cloud forest town of Coroico, for a relaxing night of warm weather, beautiful views and swimming pool time. Sleep in Coroico.
DAY EIGHTEEN
A relaxing morning in Coroico, possibility to visit coffee or coca plantations. Return after lunch to La Paz. Sleep in La Paz.
DAY NINETEEN
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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