Raices Andinas
Day 1. Sorata-Chillcani
We leave La Paz heading to the town of Sorata aboard our vehicle crossing the highlands to the warm lands of this valley, our mules arriving and the muleteers waiting for us to start the journey through trails that allow us to pass from the warm climate of the valleys, to icy high mountain temperatures. This day we observe inter-mountain crops, in the afternoon we arrive at the community of Chillcani 3450m, to camp at 3650m.
Day 2. Approach to Condoriri 3 days of trekking
This walk is really interesting because it climbs completely lonely mountains, whose silence is only broken by the noise of some llamas that break the ice under their hooves, creating a small trickle that the wind carries on its way to Lake Titicaca. From these heights you can see the silver shine that reflects the majestic highest navigable lake, while we walk in the company of numerous llamas, we see some alpacas (they are shy) and other typical animals of the highland climate, such as vizcachas, lizards, ibis and seagulls. .
To reach this magical place, we must first travel to a small town called “Plaza de las llamas”. It is located approximately one hour and forty-five minutes by car from La Paz. Here we will meet our porters who will carry all our equipment in the flames.
The trek begins at an altitude of 4,300 masl and gradually ascends to 4,600 masl until we reach our first camp, on the shores of the beautiful Chiara-Khota lagoon (3 hours of trekking).
Day 3. Hike from the Chiara – Khota lagoon to the María Lloco glacier
An early awakening is well compensated by the views of the sunrise behind the snow-capped mountains (from which spectacular photos can be taken). This day we will reach two mountain passes, we will observe part of the majestic Huayna Potosí and we will start our climb to reach the first pass at 4850 masl, and then we begin to descend very slowly and enjoy the landscape. After a short rest we will prepare to reach the second pass at 4759 masl. From this point we begin to climb to find the camping area near María Lloco at 4650 masl.
Day 4. From the María Lloco Glacier to the base camp of Huayna Potosí
This day we will be able to observe lakes with beautiful inexplicable colors. Around 12:30 we arrive at the base camp of Huayna Potosí. After a good lunch, in the afternoon we start our practice on the old glacier with the help of our mountain guide (all our guides with extensive experience with all kinds of groups), so this afternoon we will get to familiarize ourselves with the equipment. and practice on the glacier. It should be noted that you do not need previous experience. After approximately 3 hours, we will return to the refuge to warm up and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 5. From the base camp to the high camp of Huayna Potosí
After a good breakfast we will begin our ascent to "Campo Alto" at 5000 masl. The route is well marked and leads us to an obvious clearing where we will set up our tents and after a short rest we will begin to check and verify our mountain equipment. We will eat early and rest in order to recover energy to begin our ascent to the summit.
Day 6. Challenge to the Summit
After a very early breakfast (around midnight) we will begin to climb the glacier following the east face until we reach the "Pala". Next, we will continue walking until we reach the top of the Huayna Potosí summit. They are about six hours of ascent. Once at the top we can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the sun to the east. After a rest we will begin to descend, arriving once more at “Campo Alto”, and then at the base camp, where our vehicles will be waiting to take us back to La Paz. Transfer and accommodation in a hotel.
The tour includes:
Accommodation:
2 nights accommodation in a hotel (3* or similar).
Feeding:
All meals during the tour. Welcome dinner.
Guide:
Experienced guide/driver, in Spanish.
One qualified mountain guide for every 3 climbers.
Vehicle:
Minibus (van) with oxygen equipment.
4×4 vehicle to travel around Bolivia (Toyota Land Cruiser).
Others:
Camping equipment.
Entrance to the Condoriri National Park.
Llamas or mules to transport most of the equipment during the trekking; porters for the mountain team, during the climb up to the high camp and back.
Cook and kitchen utensils.
Not Included:
Medical and/or evacuation expenses.
Sleeping bag (optional rental).
Front lamp (optional rental).