Code: TTCONDOR Duration: 2 days
There may not be a better route to enjoy the best views of this region than hiking from Condoriri valley to the northern slopes of Huayna Potosi, and – with the added value – of being so close to La Paz city.
Along the route we will pass by Condoriri base camp; one of the most popular areas climbers use for acclimatization. Condoriri, the main mountain of this group, reminds of a Condor, wings extended, attempting to take off. Then we will get to the northern valleys of Huayna Potosi via two mountain passes with splendid views of the mountains and valleys. On the way back to La Paz we will pass by Huayna Potosi base camp, certainly the most popular mountain in Bolivia and probably in the whole Andes.
Please note that to take this trip alone, you must already be acclimatized to the highlands. This means that you must have spent at least 3-5 days at the highlands doing light physical activity. For more information about this subject, please refer to the page acclimatization at our website.
Short Itinerary
Day 1. Transport to Condoriri trailhead. Trek to Chiar Kota. Camp.
Day 2. Trek to Botijlaca. Transport to La Paz.
Highlights
- Splendid views of mountain landscape
- 2 days of trekking (27km total distance).
Services Included
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full land transportation during the trip.
- Common camping equipment: 3 season tents, dinning and kitchen tents & tableware.
- Bilingual guide during the trip.
- Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals (15 kg/33 lb per person max weight).
- Cook when camping.
- National Park entrance fees.
Services Not Included
- Transfers IN/OUT to airports.
- International & local flight tickets & fees.
- Meals & accommodation while in La Paz.
- Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, headlamps, and clothing.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).
Day to day details
After a pleasant and short drive from La Paz towards majestic Andes Mountains that overlook Lake Titicaca, there the muleteers and their animals will be waiting to transport our gear to the campsite located at the shores of a lovely lake called “Chiar Kota” (dark Lake). We will probably have to share the campsite with others since this is the base camp area for the climbing community.
Overnight: Camping
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Condoriri trailhead: 4,400m (14,432 ft)
Chiar Khota: 4,650m (15,257ft)
Driving: 3-4Hrs (65km)
Walking: 2-3Hrs (9km)
L,D
Early departure after breakfast and we will begin our trek across the two mountain passes into the northern valley of the majestic Huayna Potosi peak. The long descent across boggy fields and puna grass, typical of the Andean valleys will take us to the valley of Zongo. After having hiked above the three line accompanied by puna grass and few bushes, today we will briefly descent to the upper transition zone between the Puna and the Yungas valleys. There the electric company installed hydroelectric plants to produce most of the electricity consumed in the Bolivian highlands. Our vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to “Plataforma Zongo” and then to La Paz.
Overnight: None
1st Mtn. Pass: 5,010m (16,433ft)
2nd Mtn. Pass: 4,918m (16,131ft)
Ancoma: 3,822m (12,536ft)
Plataforma Zongo: 4,747m (15,570 ft)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Walking: 7-8 Hrs (17km) Driving: 2-3 Hrs (55 km)
B,L