Code: TPCONDACOT Duration: 3 days
It is not necessary to be an accomplished mountaineer to get to altitudes above 5,000m and even 6,000m. This is a program to get you climb three trekking peaks in Condoriri and Sajama National Parks; two of the most representative mountain ranges of Bolivia.
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.
The main goal of this trip is to hike up a peak called Austria by trekking through grassy hills, moraines and scree slopes. Neither climbing experience nor specialized equipment is required. The ascent is part of the acclimatization your body needs to cope with the higher altitudes at Acotango.
Acotango is an inactive volcano located on the border between Bolivia and Chile. Together with its two brothers Maria Capurata and Guallatire (the only smoking volcano in the area) are known as Quimsa Chatas (meaning the triplets). This group is located within the boundaries of Sajama National Park in Bolivia and Lauca National Park in Chile.
To climb it from the Chilean side is a real dangerous task as there may still be landmines planted by the Pinochet's military dictatorship. Fortunately, Bolivian Army is not as aggressive and our side is free from such a hazard. This is certainly the easiest climb volcano in Sajama and probably one of the easiest 6000m in the whole world; the ultimate trekking peak experience.
Please note that to take this trip you must already be acclimatized to the highlands. This means that you must have spent at least 3-5 days at the highlands (La Paz City, Titicaca and7or Uyuni Salt Lake) doing light physical activity. For more information about this subject, please refer to the acclimatization page.
Short Itinerary
Day 1. Transp.to Condoriri trailhead. Climb of Austria peak. return to La Paz.
Day 2. Transport to Sajama. Hostel.
Day 3. Climb of Acotango return La Paz.
Highlights
- Non technical ascents to Austria 5,396m and Acotango 6,056m.
- Extraordinary views of the highlands, Condoriri valley, Sajama National park (Bolivia) and Lauca national park (Chile)
Services Included
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full land transportation during the trip.
- Common climbing equipment: short emergency rope
- Bilingual guide during the trip.
- National Park entrance fees.
Services Not Included
- International & local flight tickets & fees.
- Transfers IN/OUT to airports.
- Meals & accommodation while in La Paz.
- Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, headlamps, and clothing.
- Personal climbing equipment: plastic boots, crampons, 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 Valley. Immediately after departure, we will get incredible views of Mt. Condoriri surrounded by beautiful peaks of all levels of technical difficulty, Condoriri resembling a condor with its wide open wings projecting from the rest.
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.
Return to La Paz.
La Paz 3,650m (11,972ft)
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
Condoriri trailhead: 4,400m (14,432ft)
Austria Peak: 5,396m (17,699ft)
Driving: 6 Hrs (65*2 km)
Walking: 6-8Hrs (9km)
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A pleasant drive traversing the flat highlands will take us to Sajama National Park to enjoy a great landscape in this microclimatic high-altitude valley dotted by thousands of Alpacas, Vicuñas and Llamas, and surrounded by the highest volcanoes in Bolivia. Despite its height this protected land host a bizarre forest of Keñua trees (Polilepsis Tarapacana), some of them subsist up to 5100m (16728ft) or higher, according to some scientists being the highest forest in the planet.
On the way, if we can find the key keeper, we may visit the church of Curahuara de Carangas, considered the “sixteenth chapter” of the Bolivian Andes because of its magnificent mural paintings. Before getting to our lodge we will make a short visit to the geysers and the hot springs; those who want can enjoy a relaxing bath (the local community charge a small extra cost). Our campsite will be located relatively close to the hot springs.
Overnight: Hostel
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450ft)
Sajama Village: 4,260m (13,973ft)
Driving: 4Hrs (354 km)
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An early start will be required to drive from our campsite to the trail head located at an elevation of 5300m (17,384ft) following a secondary dirty road to a sulfur mine.
The route from this point it is not technically difficult but quite demanding and requires to be well acclimatized to the altitude. To get to the summit we basically follow the rim of an old and almost completely eroded crater, walking either on snow, ice or soft sandy terrain.
From the top of the ridge from where we can admire both national parks at each country side: Sajama and Lauca. The summit has normally a small ice or snow field, and sometimes late in the season there can be “Penitentes”.
On the descent we will get into the crater and follow the frozen stream towards the vehicle and return La Paz
Acotango road-head: 5300m (17,384ft)
Acotango: 6,056m (19,863ft)
Sajama campsite: 4,260m (13,973ft)
Walking: 6 to 8 Hrs (8km)
Driving: 4Hrs (354km)
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