Your trip

Two of the most impressive summits of the Cordillera Real: Ancohuma and Illampu, located at its Northwest extremity, shape a complex mountain range made of over thirty peaks reaching over 5000 meters in height.
We begin the necessary acclimatization at Lake Titicaca, from where we enjoy the most beautiful view over the Cordillera, before heading to the relaxing village of Sorata, departure point of numerous expeditions. Ancohuma, our first objective, was believed to reach 7000 meters above sea level, which made it the highest mountain in the Andes. It has since then been downgraded to 6427 meters, still making it one of the highest summits in Bolivia. As for the second “Giant”, Illampu and its 6380 meters, it is nothing less than the most difficult summit in Bolivia.

Warning: Excellent physical condition necessary, difficult technical level, only for confirmed and trained climbers.

 

PROGRAM

DAY 1 : LA PAZ - ARRIVAL

Pick up at the airport (flight number and arrival time to be confirmed) and transfer to hotel (check in time 12 p.m.; if you wish to have a room upon arrival, it is possible to pay for one extra night, check with us).
Rest of the day open.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 2 :LA PAZ / PANORAMIC TOUR – VALLEY OF THE MOON – ANDEAN MARKETS

Meeting in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a discovery, in private transportation, of the most spectacular viewpoint over the city, unbelievably located at the bottom of the Choqueyapu river canyon, with the Royal Mountain Range “Giants” as the background: Huayna Potosi, Mururata and Illimani.
This tour, particularly designed for photo lovers, first takes us to the Jach´a Apacheta Mirador, on the edge of the precipice of the city of El Alto. Then we go to the K´Illi K´Illi Mirador and to the Laykakota Park (closed on Mondays), on the Northwestern side of the city. Afterwards, we cross the Americas Bridge to go to the “Plaza de España” Mirador, in the colonial neighborhood of Sopocachi. From there, an abrupt descent leads us to the “South Zone”, passing through Llojeta and the “Garden Cemetery”, and finally to the Valley of the Moon, a place where we will be able to walk between psychedelic looking limestone formations.
In the afternoon our vehicle brings us back to the City Center and drops us off in the heart of the colorful and animated Andean market of La Paz. Return to the hotel on foot, accompanied by our guide.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 3 :LA PAZ – VALLEY DE LAS ANIMAS - CANYON DE PALCA – LA PAZ

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private vehicle towards the Obejuyo pass and the canyon de las Ánimas. We get an amazing view of Illimani, symbol of La Paz and one of the giants of the Cordillera Real.
We then enter the canyon de Palca, with its interesting rock formations carved by erosion.
Return to La Paz in the afternoon, by way of the village of Ventilla. This paved scenic road offers beautiful view of the Cordillera.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 4 :LA PAZ - COPACABANA – TREK YAMPUPATA - ISLA DEL SOL – CHA´LLAPAMPA

Departure from the hotel at 8 a.m. in our private vehicle. We skirt Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real to reach Copacabana (3 ½-hour drive).
A motorboat takes us to the Virgin of Lourdes fom where our trek on the village of Yampupata starts. A boat awaits us there to take us to the nearby Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) (1-hour crossing). In the village of Cha´llapampa we visit the little museum of Marka Pampa before admiring the sunset over the Cordillera Real.
Cold lunch. All included. Lodging with local host (basic comfort). Note: During the following 2 days a boat will be at our disposal to transport the group as well as the gear during the walks.
Hiking time: 5h ; Elevation gain: +250m/-250m

DAY 5 :CHA´LLAPAMPA - TREK ISLA DEL SOL - YUMANI

In the morning, we climb to the ruins of Chincana (“the labyrinth” in Aymara) and the sacred rock of the Puma, from where God Viracocha created his son Manco Capac, the first Inca. A very nice hike following the crest takes us to the village of Yumani at the Southern point of the island.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at Maria and Ismaël’s in the village of Yumani (basic comfort).
Hiking time 3-4h ; Elevation gain: +450m / -300m

DAY 6 :YUMANI – KALAKI – SORATA (el. 2700 m.a.s.l.)

In the morning, a short hop by motorboat first takes us to Pilkokaina temple, south of the island.
This palace was built by Inca Tupac Yupanqui for its pilgrimages on the island. We then head to Isla de la Luna where we visit the temple of the Ñustas, The Inca virgins. We then cross the whole Lake to Kalaki, on the Eastern shore (3 to 4-hour traverse depending on the weather conditions).
There a vehicle awaits us to take us to the village of Sorata, at the foot of the majestic Illampu (el. 6430 m.a.s.l.). 2 to 3-hour journey between Kalaki and Sorata.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 7 : SORATA – LACATIYA (el. 3900 m.a.s.l.)

Difficulty: altitude-trek. Daily 5 to 7-hour walk. Good physical condition required.
In the morning we meet our team of muleteers on the outskirt of the village. The trek starts by a long uphill to the village of Lacatiya (el. 3900 m.a.s.l.), our first bivouac. Illampu dominates us all day from its 6430 meters height.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac in the community.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +1200m

DAY 8 : LACATIYA – LAGUNA ILLAMPU - LAGUNA CHILATA (el. 4200 m.a.s.l.)

From la Lacatiya, we first climb to laguna Illampu (el. 4300 m.a.s.l.), then we follow the slopes of the Illampu mountain range all the way to laguna Chilata, where we set up camp. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +400m / -300m

DAY 9 : LAGUNA CHILATA – LAGUNA GLACIAR (el. 5038 m.a.s.l.)

We depart in the morning for the ascent to Laguna Glaciar owing its name to the glacier plunging into it on its West bank. Views over Lake Titicaca, Sorata’s Valley and the Andes... The scenery is well worth the effort!
In the afternoon, short walk around Laguna Glaciar. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 5h; Elevation gain: +850m

DAY 10 : LAGUNA GLACIAR (el. 5038 m.a.s.l.) – CAMPO ALTO ANCOHUMA (el. 5800 m.a.s.l.)

Grade II/AD, Max 50º - with mountain guide.
We rapidly reach the glacier, on which we keep on advancing until we arrive at the high camp. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Note: team of porters for the 2 days of the ascent.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +800m

DAY 11 :ASCENT OF ANCOHUMA (el. 6430 m.a.s.l.)

Grade II/AD, Max 50º - with mountain guide.
Very early morning start from the high camp. Attempt the summit. Descend to Laguna Glaciar. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 10h; Elevation gain: +650m / -1390m

DAY 12 : LAGUNA GLACIAR – SORATA (el. 2700 m.a.s.l.)

Descent to Sorata. Afternoon open. Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: -2340m

DAY 13 : SORATA

Rest day. Option to visit the cave of San Pedro (4-5 hours round trip).
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 14 : SORATA – ANCOMA – AGUAS CALIENTES (el. 4200 m.a.s.l.)

Departure in the morning in our private 4WD for the village of Ancoma (3-hour) where we meet our team of muleteers. On foot, we leave for Utajña Pampa and then the base camp of “aguas calientes”, at an altitude of 4200 meters, at the foot of the glacier (3-hour).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 3h; Elevation gain: +350m

DAY 15 : ASCENT OF ILLAMPU / DAY 1 (el. 5600 m.a.s.l.)

Grade III+ /D, Max 65º - with mountain guide.
We hike towards the glacier and cross it on the right; 7 to 8-hour hike before reaching the high camp, at 5600 meters of altitude, just under peak Schulze and from where we can see the Northwest face of Illampu. Note: Porter team for the 2 days of the ascent. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 7h; Elevation gain: +1400m

DAY 16 : ASCENT OF ILLAMPU / DAY 2 (el.6380 m.a.s.l.)

Early start for the summit attempt. From the high camp, the normal route follows the West arête. To access it, climb over the 300-meter wall of snow and ice. Before reaching the apex, climb over a steep ice face (65 º) and summit after 4 to 6 hours of climbing. Descent in the afternoon all the way to Aguas Calientes. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 10h; Elevation gain: +1000m / -2200m

DAY 17 : AGUAS CALIENTES – ANCOMA – SORATA – LA PAZ

We walk down to Ancoma where a vehicle awaits us to bring us back to Sorata and then to La Paz (6 to 7-hour trip). Evening open.
Cold lunch included. Dinner open. Hotel.
Hiking time: 2h; Elevation gain: -350m

DAY 18 : LA PAZ

Day open. Lunch and dinner open. Hotel.

DAY 19 : DEPARTURE

Pick up at our hotel in a private vehicle, 3 hours prior to flight departure time, for transfer to airport / international flight number and time to be confirmed.
Meals open.

Included

• Mountain guide (one for 3 people max)
  
• Cook for groups of more than 4 people (for groups smaller than 4, the guide will be the cook)
  
• Collective equipment for trekking and mountaineering (tents, cooking gear, ropes, etc…)
  
• Portage of gear (high altitude porters / mules / llamas)
  
• Entrance to parks and cultural places mentioned in program
  
• Private transport / Spanish - speaking driver
  
• Spanish-speaking guide in La Paz and Lake Titicaca
  
• 2/3-star hotels in twin room including breakfast
  
• Night with local hosts or / and shelter
  
• Meals mentioned
  

Not included

• International flight round trip
  
• Airport taxes ($ 25 US per person for international flights)
  
• Individual equipment (for camping we can provide the sleeping pads)
  
• Mandatory travel insurance
  
• Drinks
  
• Tips
  
• Open meals mentioned, (from 3 to 8 € per person / meal).

General sales conditions

Your trip will be confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total amount on our Bolivian account or on our web site (Visa card icon on the top right; enter your name as the reference). The balance must be paid upon arrival in Bolivia in American dollars or Euros.

Prepare for your trip

Travel advice Bolivia
General Sales Conditions
Equipment

Emergencies

In case of major problem during your stay (delay, strike, traffic accident…), an emergency contact will be at your disposal to reach a member of our team:
(010) 712 57 378

Important

• As a security measure, each traveler needs to provide photocopies of passport and individual insurance documentation.
  
• If you are planning to travel to Brazil, please note that the Brazilian authorities request the yellow fever vaccine certificate to all travelers coming from Bolivia. If you do not leave the transit zone at the airport, it is not required.
  

Contact us to get the fares