Itinerary

Bolivia Expedition Itinerary

The program is a solid next step for many climbers into higher altitude, bigger mountains, and longer days. Couldn’t have asked for more in terms of my progression as a climber.

Pequeño Alpamayo and Chachacomani

Day 1

Depart country of origin.

Day 2

Arrive La Paz, Bolivia. We’ll travel from the dizzying heights of the El Alto Airport (13,323 ft./4061 m) on the altiplano (high altitude plateau) and drop into the city of La Paz. La Paz, with an average elevation of 11,975 ft./3650 m, is the highest capitol city in the world. The city was founded in a bowl like depression beside the altiplano and has grown expanding upward in spectacular form with buildings clinging to the rugged canyon walls. We’ll spend the day acclimatizing and taking in views of the Cordillera Real (Royal Range) by riding the longest and highest urban cable car network in the world and with a city tour. We’ll also have a thorough equipment check and orientation at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft./3600 m).

Day 3

We’ll visit Tiwanaku, an ancient ceremonial center and the greatest megalithic architectural undertaking of South American pre-Incan civilizations. The site is known for its stone figures carved out of megalithic blocks, temple ruins, and the impressive Gate of the Sun, believed to have functioned as a solar calendar dating back to 600 BC. The site gives a fascinating glimpse into this pre-Inca culture and provides a base for understanding local modern altiplano Aymara culture. From Tiwanaku, we’ll travel across the altiplano, eventually following the winding shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s largest high altitude lake and the mythical birthplace of the Incas. We’ll cross the Strait of Tiquina by boat and shortly thereafter arrive at Copacabana, a religious pilgrimage town set on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Overnight at hotel in Copacabana (12,602 ft./3841 m).

Day 4

We will begin our day with a hike to a scenic overlook of the town of Copacabana, followed by a boat trip to the Isla del Sol (Sun Island), with a stop at the small Incan ruins of Pilko Kaina, before arriving at the village of Cha’llapampa on the northern end. We’ll begin a four hour trek across the island, stopping at the archaeological sites of the Chincana Ruins and its surrounding features. Our hike will follow the crest of the island, affording stunning views of both coasts and of the Cordillera Real across Lake Titicaca in the distance. In the afternoon, we’ll reach our lodge at the southern end of the island. Overnight at ecolodge in Yumani (13,030 ft / 3972 m).

Hiking time (Copacabana and Sun Island combined) with breaks: 5.5 hours
Distance: 8.2 miles / 13.2 km
High point: 13,200 ft / 4020 m
Total elevation gain and loss: + 2130 / -1700 ft (+ 630 / – 520 m)

Day 5

After a short walk down to the lake’s edge, our private boat will transport us from the Isla del Sol back to the town of Copacabana. From there we will continue by road to Rinconada, the gateway to the Condoriri group of mountains. Donkeys will be loaded with our gear and we’ll trek about an hour and a half to two hours to reach Laguna Chiar Khota (Black Lake) and its beautiful views of the cluster of thirteen peaks known as the Condoriri group. This will be where we will establish our base camp for the next several days of acclimatizing, skills review, and climbing. Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft./ 4700 m).

Hiking time with breaks (Sun Island and Condoriri combined): 3 hours
Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km
High point: 15,420 ft / 4700 m
Total elevation gain and loss: + 800 ft / – 590 ft (+ 245 m / – 180 m)

Day 6

We’ll climb Pico Austria (17,454 ft./5320 m). Pico Austria is a trekking peak and combines acclimatization with stunning views of the Cordillera Real, the Condoriri group, the altiplano, and even Lake Titicaca. Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft./4700 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 7 hours
Distance: 4.4 miles / 7 km
High point: 17,454 ft / 5320 m
Total elevation gain: + 2,000 ft (+ 610 m)

Day 7

We’ll hike to the glacier terminus (15,900 ft / 4850 m). This is designed to be a full day of review of cramponing techniques, glacier travel, and other skills necessary for the ascent of the peaks on our itinerary. Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft / 4700 m).

Hiking time with breaks to and from glacier: 2.5 hrs
Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
Approx. high point on glacier: 16,200 ft / 4940 m
Total elevation gain on approach to glacier: + 500 ft (+ 150 m)

Day 8

This is a rest day in preparation for the attempt of Pequeño Alpamayo the following day. Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft / 4700 m).

Day 9

We will attempt the climb of Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 ft / 5370 m); named for its resemblance to the famed Alpamayo of Peru. This climb follows one of the most aesthetic lines in Bolivia. We will climb the same glacier we visited for skills review and continue up to the rounded subsidiary Pico Tarija (17,520 ft / 5340 m) before taking in the awesome view of our final objective, a striking sharp rock and snow pyramid. In the final portions of the route, we will navigate sections of 3rd and 4th class rock and steeper snow up to the summit. Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft / 4700 m).

Climbing/hiking time with breaks: 12 -13 hrs
Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.6 km
High point: 17,618 ft / 5370 m
Total elevation gain: + 2500 ft (+ 760 m)

Day 10

A leisurely morning hike from the Condoriri Base Camp will bring us back to Rinconada. Donkeys will carry our duffels and camp gear. From there, our transport will take us back to La Paz for a well deserved rest. Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft / 3600 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 1.5 hrs
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.6 km
Total elevation loss: – 800 ft (- 244 m)

Day 11

We’ll travel from La Paz to Alto Cruz Pampa (14,600 ft./4450 m), our point of departure to the base camp of our second objective, Chachacomani. Today’s trek is around three hours following an impressive glacial valley to its terminus, where we will set up camp. Donkeys will transport our equipment and food. Overnight at Chachacomani Base Camp (14,665 ft./4470 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 3 hrs
Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
High point: 14,665 ft / 4470 m
Total elevation gain: + 140 ft (+ 43 m)

Day 12

The move from base camp to high camp is a hike of about four hours. Donkeys will carry our equipment and duffels to the high camp. We will camp at the bouldery base of the glacier and the upper mountain will remain hidden behind the wall of the glacier terminus. Overnight at Chachacomani High Camp (16,831 ft / 5130 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 4 – 4.5 hrs
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
High point: 16,831 ft / 5130 m
Total elevation gain: + 2166 (+ 660 m)

Day 13

We’ll attempt the summit of Chachacomani (19,928 ft./6074 m). Relatively recently opened to tourism, Chachacomani rises from the center of the Cordillera Real and is easily notable from afar for its massive glacial mass. We will traverse across this glacier, gradually drawing closer to the main summit structure, where the final ascent will require steeper climbing to navigate the bergschrund before we reach the final tiny exposed summit pyramid. The view from the summit spans the barren altiplano, neighboring imposing Chearoco and the Cordillera Real, and across the subtropics to the Amazon Basin. Overnight at Chachacomani Base Camp (14,665 ft./4470 m).

Climbing/hiking time with breaks: Aprox. 11 hrs to summit and return to high camp + 2 hours high camp to base camp
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9 km high camp to summit and return plus 2.5 miles / 4 km return high camp to base camp
High point: 19,928 ft / 6074 m
Total elevation gain and loss: + 3,100 ft / – 5260 ft (+ 945 / – 1600 m)

Day 14

We’ll retrace our steps from the Chachacomani Base Camp to Alto Cruz Pampa and return to La Paz. Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft./3600 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 3 hrs
Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
High point: 14,665 ft / 4470 m
Total elevation loss: – 140 ft (- 43 m)

Day 15

A rest day in La Paz which serves as a contingency day and as a transition day for those continuing on to climb Illimani. Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft / 3600 m).

Day 16

Depart for home country.

Illimani Extension

Day 16

We’ll make the scenic drive through varied agricultural zones from La Paz to the village of Pinaya and further up to Puente Roto, the base camp of Illimani. Overnight at Puente Roto Camp (14750 ft / 4495 m).

Day 17

From Puente Roto, we’ll climb around five to six hours traversing gradually across the lower slopes of the mountain until a climb of the final exposed rocky ridge brings us to Nido de Condores (Condor’s Nest), our high camp. Porters will carry our gear and food, lightening our loads. Overnight at Nido de Condores Camp (18,045 ft / 5500 m).

Hiking time with breaks: 5- 6 hours
Distance: 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
High point: 18,045 ft / 5500 m
Total elevation gain: + 3,295 (+1004 m)

Day 18

We’ll attempt the summit of Illimani (21,125 ft./6439 m). After threading our way along a spectacular airy snow ridge, we climb moderately steep slopes for several hours before reaching the scenic summit ridge, which we will follow to the highest point. The view from the summit of one of South America’s finest peaks is outstanding and a great reward to a strenuous and fantastic day of climbing. Overnight at Puente Roto Camp (14,750 ft / 4495 m).

Hiking time with breaks: Aprox 11 hours to summit and return to high camp plus 3 hours high camp to base camp
Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.6 km high camp to summit and return plus 2.4 miles / 3.9 km return from high camp to base camp
High point: 21,125 ft / 6439 m
Total elevation gain and loss: + 3,080 ft / -6,375 ft (+ 940 m / – 1943 m)

Day 19

We’ll descend by vehicle from Puente Roto to the village of Pinaya and back to La Paz. Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft./3600 m).

Day 20

Fly back to your country of origin.