Bolivia: Trekking Absolutely Huayna Potosi and Ilimani

La Paz lies at an altitude of 3,200 – 4,100 m and is the highest seat of government on earth. At the foot of the Illimani, the city spreads out like a gigantic amphitheater, the sights of which we will get to know today. We stroll through the street market of Calle Rodriguez, visit the Church of San Francisco, Plaza Murillo, and the famous Calle Jaen, which shows the city’s colonial past.

Accommodation: Hostal Naira

Overnight 
Hotel
Drive
1 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
1 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-

Today we make our way to Lake Titicaca, at 3,850 m the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake is also the birthplace of one of South America’s most advanced cultures: the Incas. According to legend, the first Inca Manco Cápac, the son of the sun, and his sister Mama Ocllo were sent to earth by the sun god Inti to improve it. They then entered our world on the island of the sun in Lake Titicaca. Arrived in Copacabana, we change to a boat and cross over to the island of the sun. A beautiful donkey path then takes us to our destination for the day – a small hotel idyllically situated on the crest of the sunny island with a magnificent view over the lake. You can end the evening with a short walk to the viewpoint “Mirador del Inka” at sunset.

Walking time: approx. 1 hour.
Ascent: 200 m

Accommodation: Hotel Imperio del Sol

Overnight 
Hotel
Drive
6 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-

Early risers, on the other hand, should not miss the spectacular sunrise over the lake. But after breakfast we continue with a varied hike in the southern part of the island. A short climb brings us to the Palla Khasa viewpoint, from where we can enjoy the magnificent view of the deep blue Lake Titicaca in front of us and the glaciated Andean peaks in the background. We also pay a visit to the Inca Staircase and the Sacred Well of the Incas in Yumani before returning to Copacabana by boat.

Walking time: approx. 3 hours
ascent: 200 m
descent: 400 m 

Accommodation: Hostal La Cupula

Overnight
Hotel
Drive
5 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-

After a three-hour drive we reach the small village of Tuni, the starting point of our trekking tour. From here we start with pack animals first along Lake Tuni, which serves as a water reservoir for the capital. Our hike takes us in about three hours up to Laguna Chiarkhota, where we set up our first camp. The camp is at an altitude of almost 4,670 m and is the starting point for numerous summit ascents in the Condoriri Group, such as Cerro Austria and Pequeño Alpamayo.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours.
Ascent: 200 m

Accommodation: tent

Overnight 
Camping
Drive
6 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

Today’s goal is our first summit tour to the 5,300 m high, even rock pyramid of Cerro Austria. Yesterday we were able to see the imposing rocky peak of Lake Tunisee, which lies in front of the highest peaks of the Condoriri. Nevertheless, we are surprised by the relatively simple paths with which Cerro Austria can be climbed without any problems. It goes on a fairly good path over wide areas of scree and green pastureland into a small saddle. Here the view suddenly becomes clear of the huge ice surfaces under the Condoriri and the awe-inspiring ice wall of “Ala Izquierda” (left wing of the condor). Over the wide ridge and steep scree, but still with trail tracks, we continue to climb. At the top we will be greeted with fantastic views over the numerous sea eyes, spoils almost the entire Cordilliera Real and on clear days also Lake Titicaca. We descend the same way and spend the night at the lake again.

Walking time: approx. 5 hours
ascent: 650 m
descent: 650 m

Accommodation: tent

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Climbing
 3 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D

We leave the Condoriri group behind us and cross a pass that is more than 5,000 m high and, depending on the weather conditions and time, take the 5,250 m high Mirador with us. We hike across wonderfully green mountain meadows past the Laguna Esperanza and on to our current camp site, Maria Lloco. This is located directly under the 5,522 m high mountain of the same name, which is particularly impressive due to a small but very steep ice wall.

Walking time: approx. 7-8 hours
ascent: 800 m
descent: 900 m

Accommodation: tent

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 5 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

Today’s stage is all about the Huayna Potosi. Its perfect summit pyramid made of shiny firn is not one of the most sought-after mountaineering destinations in the country for nothing. From all sides it clearly stands out from the mass of the Andean mountains and our eyes keep getting stuck on it. We hike around the mountain on its west face, cross a (optionally two) 5000m pass to the start of our ascent – the Zongopass. The cozy mountain hut Casa Blanca awaits us there, where we spend the night under the mighty ice flanks of the Huayna Potosi.

Walking time: approx. 5-6 hours
ascent: 500 m
descent: 400 m 

Accommodation: mountain hut
shared room (dormitory)

Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 7 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

Of course, the Huayna Potosi also accompanies us today – its ice-covered summit triangle towers almost evenly over the Zongo Pass. In two daily stages we will now approach the summit of the ice-covered Andean giant, whose ascent should not be underestimated, contrary to announcements that often say otherwise. We start with a hike of about 40 minutes to the glacier of Huayna Potosí, where we will practice some ice climbing. Then a steep hike awaits us with our luggage, but the paths are clearly visible and walkable, so that we soon reach the base camp and the simple mountain hut. Dinner and a cold night await us here, but also an unforgettable panorama of the Andes as compensation.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours.
Ascent: 500 m

Accommodation: mountain hut
shared room (dormitory)

Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

In the night we set off to conquer the summit. The crampons can be put on directly in front of the hut and after the division into 2-3 rope teams we start the ascent. This leads over glaciated snow areas and short, steep ice passages of 60-70° and about 50 m. After this is overcome, it continues over a slightly inclined but very narrow ice ridge. The last stretch is another challenge and the last 250m to the summit have to be overcome with an incline of 50°. After 4-6 hours we finally made it and reach the top. A beautiful view of Lake Titicaca, La Paz and the surrounding ice giants of the Cordillera Real compensates us for the ascent. We only stay a short time and descend back to the base camp, pack up the rest of our things and continue down to the pass. Our vehicle, which will take us back to La Paz, is already waiting there.

Walking time: approx. 8-10 hours
ascent: 900 m
descent: 1400 m

Accommodation: Hostal Naira

Overnight
Hotel 
Drive
4 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-

The day is at leisure and you can recover from the exertions of the last few days before you set off for the last summit ascent. Spend the day comfortably or buy one or the other souvenir. You also have the option of taking a trip to the ruins of Tiahuanaco.

Accommodation: Hostal Naira

Overnight 
Hotel
Drive
1 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 1 Hour approx.
Meals
B/-/-

Today is the day and we go to the mighty massif of the 6439 m high Ilimani. The second highest mountain in Bolivia is also the highest in the Cordillera Real and has five peaks over 6,000 meters. The highest is Pico Sur. After breakfast we drive south-east to the hamlet of La Estancia at the foot of Mount Illimani. Here we meet our beasts of burden, which accompany us to the first camp. After our luggage is stowed away, we start the ascent. After about 3 hours we reach the base camp and set up our tents.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours.
Ascent: 600 m 

Accommodation: tent

Overnight
Camping
Drive
4 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

From the base camp, the path leads us another 1000 meters in altitude through rocky terrain to the high camp, the Nido de Condores (condor’s nest). As the name suggests, it is also located: The route leads partly along a rock face up to a plateau (5,000 m) and further over rock passages to the ridge to the plateau on which the 2nd camp is located. Breathtakingly beautiful is the unforgettable view of the lights of La Paz, the Huayna Potosi, the Sajama and even Lake Titicaca.

Walking time: approx. 5 hours.
Ascent: 1000 m

Accommodation: tent 

Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D

The summit ascent of the Illimani is not only a demanding mountain tour because of the height. After a short night we leave. Difficult passages are secured with fixed ropes and we are constantly connected to the mountain guide by a rope. The ascent initially leads over a firn ridge with an angle of 45°. Then there is a section where levels and climbs alternate evenly, which also bears the name “stairs to heaven”. Shortly below the summit there is still a 100 m long wall with a gradient of up to 55° to overcome before we can stand on the summit. In the morning hours we reach the highest point of the Cordillera Real, from where we are rewarded for our efforts with an outstanding view over practically half the country. Enjoy the magnificent view of the green Yungas to the east, the Cordillera Real to the north and the Altiplano to the west. After a short break at the summit, we concentrate on returning to the base camp.

Walking time: approx. 10 hours.
Ascent: 940 m
Descent: 1940 m

Accommodation: tent

Overnight 
Camping
Hiking/Tour
 3 Hour approx.
Climbing
10 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/D

After an early breakfast we cover the last few kilometers on foot. Now our vehicle takes us back to La Paz. The rest of the day is at leisure and we can rest and review the mountain tour that we have just completed. If the weather on the Illimani doesn’t play along, today will serve as a reserve (depending on the flight booking).

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours.
Ascent: 500 m

Accommodation: Hostal Naira
Overnight 
Hotel
Drive
5 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 5 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-

With heavy hearts and memories of the icebergs, you will be taken to La Paz Airport for your return or onward journey.

Overnight
Hotel 
Drive
1 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
 1 Hour approx.
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-