Code: MECONDOR Duration: 4 days days
When visiting Condoriri mountain valley, it is not difficult to understand why it has become one of the most popular places among mountaineers who are looking for an arena where to either attempt technical routes or get acclimatized climbing moderated peaks. The main mountain of this group is Condoriri, which reminds a Condor attempting to take off with its extended wings. The head of the Condor resembles the Matterhorn to some European mountaineers
In order to get properly acclimatized and to have the chance to recognize the terrain, always starting from our base camp at the shores of the beautiful lake Chiar Khota we will climb (trek would be more appropriated) Austria peak.
With very experienced climbers, this program can be changed from Pequeño Alpamayo to Condoriri (Cabeza de Condor), however this has to be agreed beforehand because it is required more equipment and a lower guide-client ratio.
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. Climb of Austria peak. Camp.
Day 3. Climb of Pequeño Alpamayo. Camp.
Day 4. Trek to Condoriri trailhead. Transport to La Paz
Highlights
- Splendid views of Cordillera Real, the highlands, Lake Titicaca and the cloud forest.
- Easy ascend to Austria peak 5,396m (17,699ft).
- Climb of Pequeño Alpamayo 5,370m (17,614ft) as the main goal of the trip.
Services Included
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full land transportation during the trip.
- Common camping equipment: 3 season tents (one per each two people), dinning tent, kitchen stuff, and tableware.
- Common climbing equipment: ropes, carabiners, slings, snow stakes, ice screws.
- Professional bilingual UIAGM / IFMGA / IVBV certified mountain guide.
- Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals (15 kg/33 lb per person max weight).
- Cook when camping.
- National Park entrance fees.fees.
Services Not Included
- International & local flight tickets & fees.
- Transfers IN/OUT to airports.
- Meals & hotels while in La Paz.
- Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, headlamps, and clothing.
- Personal climbing equipment: plastic boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axe.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).
Day to day details
Early in the morning we take the high road towards the majestic Andes Mountains that overlook Lake Titicaca. After a short car transfer we will reach the trailhead in Condoriri, 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 can help and have a look at them while they prepare the animals and gear for the trek. Immediately after departure, we will get incredible views of Mt. Condoriri and Mt. Huayna Potosi. Lunch will be on a spot with magnificent views over the Condoriri Massif. While we approach we will be all surrounded by beautiful peaks of all levels of technical difficulty, Condoriri resembling a condor with its wide open wings projecting from the rest. For those bursting with energy it is possible to take a short walk around the area.
Overnight: Camping
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
Condoriri trailhead: 4,400m (14,432ft)
Chiar Kota: 4,650m (15,252ft)
Driving: 3-4Hrs (65km)
Walking: 2-3Hrs (9km)
L,D
Cerro Austria(F) also known as “Cerro Negro” is an easy trekking peak that can be reached via moraines and rock slopes with no technical difficulty. Sometimes there may be some snow on the slopes and gaiters may be required. No climbing equipment is required. The views form this summit tops the views of yesterday’s peak.
Overnight: Camping
Austria: 5,396m (17,698ft)
Chiar Kota: 4,650m (15,252ft)
Walking: 6-7Hrs (8km)
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This peak was named after Alpamayo mountain in Peru because its similarity, Pequeño (small) Almapayo is one of the most aesthetic peaks of the region. Although as high as Austria, this route is much more technical and will represent a fire-test for the group.
After a long and tiring walk to traverse along of the valley through moraines and loose rocks, we will step-on our crampons and roped-up to traverse the whole length of a glacier to climb Tarija peak first. From that point, we will have the best view of the elegant pyramid of Pequeño.
The round trip to ascend Pequeño Alpamayo requires at least 3-4 hours from Tarija peak, so the guide will evaluate the weather and climbers condition before continuing.
The route descends over loose rock to reach the steep ridge leading to the summit. Although most of the way downhill, the return by no means will be much easier than the ascent.
Overnight: Camping
Tarija Peak: 5,290m (17,351ft)
Col: 5,190m (17,023ft)
Pequeño Almapayo: 5,370m (19,613ft)
Chiar Khota: 4,650m (15,257ft)
Walking: 8-10Hrs (9.5km)
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We will retrace our steps towards Condoriri trailhead where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to La Paz.
Overnight: None
Condoriri trailhead: 4,400m (14,432ft)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Walking: 1-2Hrs (4km)
Driving: 2-3Hrs (65km)
B,L