Condoriri – Huayna Potosí 8-day hike
4.8
(5)
Join Jaime, IFMGA certified mountain guide, in this epic 8-day hike in Cordillera Real. From lake to lake around Condoriri and Huayna Potosí.
Andes
8 Days
Apr - Oct
Description
The Condoriri massif is part of the spectacular Cordillera Real, a region of the Andes, in Bolivia. I invite you in this occasion to a 8-day trekking tour in the area of Condoriri and Huayna Potosí. We will leave from the city of La Paz and enjoy a long week of adventures with the most amazing views.
It will be a high altitude hike. In fact, we ascend to a few passes above 5000 meters. We will indeed reach at least one pass per day. On average we walk 4-7 hours per day, therefore you need to be in good physical shape.
During the tour we will visit several Lagunas (lakes). Some of them are Laguna Totoral, Laguna Khotia, Laguna Jurikhota, Laguna Wichu Khota.
Do you want to join me in this 8-day hiking trip in Bolivia? Then contact me for more information! And if you like this idea but don't have enough time, check out this 5-day trek!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz – Laguna Totoral 4X4 (4420m)
We leave from the hotel at 8:30AM by private transfer, heading to the Cordillera Real and the Laguna Totoral. It’s a 3-hour drive to the start of the trek, (4470m) the Laguna Totoral. We will visit the peñas villages. Walking time: none D +300/-150m (4×4)
Day 2: Laguna Totoral - Laguna Kotia (4720m)
We meet the mule carrier team and start hiking by the right shore of the lake, on the southwest of the Cordillera. We reach the Michini pass (5060m) in the afternoon. Then we go back down to the Laguna Kotia (4720m). Walking time: 5-6 hours D +340/-640m
Day 3: Laguna Kotia - Laguna Ajwani (4720m)
We go by the right shore of the lake, on the southwest side of the Cordillera. We reach Contador pass (4760m) before crossing a marshy area, near the Laguna Surakhota. After 4 hours walking we reach the Laguna Ajwani, “the birds lake” (4720m). Walking time: 4-5 hours D +500/-300m
Day 4: Laguna Ajwani - Laguna Surakhota (4700m)
Today we reach the Milluni pass (4900m) after 1:45 hours hiking. Then we continue easily during 45 minutes until Laguna Sistaña (4650m). Next, we reach the Janchallani pass (4950m) in the afternoon. We go back down to the splendid Laguna Jurikhota. Walking time: 5-6 hours D +665/-560m
Day 5: Laguna Jurikhota - Laguna Congelada - Austria pass - Laguna Chiarkhota (4670m)
From the lake we go up a steep hill to reach the small Laguna Congelada. Here, two glaciers literally fall in the frozen water. It’s a jewel at 4900m, at the foot of Condoriri (5650m). Then we reach the Austria pass (5120m) and we go back to the Laguna Chiarkhota (4670m). It’s the base camp for the ascent of Condoriri and Pequeño Alpamayo. Before the pass, we can ascend the Austria peak (5300m), which offers sublime views over Condoriri and the Cordillera Real (45 min ascending and 20 min descending). Walking time: 6 hours D +645/-670m
Day 6: Laguna Chiarkhota - Laguna Wichu Khota (4680m)
We leave Condoriri behind and start at the foot of the Black Needle until the Jallayko pass (5025m). We are in a beautiful valley, Jistaña. Then we go up to the Tillipata pass (5000m). From there, we enjoy amazing views of the lakes, a great reward for all the effort. Then we descend to the Laguna Wichu Khota, where we set camp at the foot of María Lloco (5522m). Walking time: 7 hours D +845/-935m
Day 7: Laguna Wichu Khota - Canal Camp (4800m)
We move around the lakes until the old camp of the Santa Fe mine. A short detour to the small summit dominating the camp allows us to admire the lakes one more time. We ascend until the camp, surrounded by the summits Imilla Apachita, Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosi (6088m). The views are breathtaking! Optional: continue until the Huayna Potosí glacial lake. The path here is a true belvedere. Walking time: 6 hours D +320/-200m
Day 8: Canal Camp - Huayna Potosi base camp (4700m)
Today we reach the Milluni pass (5000m). The Milluni valley opens up. We go around the Huayna Potosi to our left before reaching the valley, that we follow until the refuge (4700m). We return to La Paz by private transfer (2-hour drive).
Details
More info
We will have a cook and there is an option for vegetarian food.
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
-Jaime
4.8
(31)
Mountain Guide
IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide from Bolivia.
I organize mountaineering and trekking trips in different regions of Bolivia, and community tourism as well. I spend my free time exploring new destinations and discovering new mountains and cultures in remote regions.
I have more than 20 years of experience working in Cordillera Real, and I live in Tuni, Condoriri. I worked as mule driver, porter, cook, trekking guide assistant, trekking guide, and finally became IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide in 2008.
I made several ascents in Bolivia and neighboring countries like Argentina, Chile and Peru. Some of them: Ojos de Salado, Wallatiri, Urus, Azangate, Huayna potosí, Illimani, Chir oco, Chachacomani, Sajama, Illamapu, Acohoma, Chapi orco, Acotango, Parinacota… These experiences prepared me to organize and guide expeditions.
I like to provide a top level service to people from all around the world, help them get in contact with the local culture, and of course help them reach their objectives in the mountains.
Languages
French | English | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AGMTB
Reviews with photos
5
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5What people are saying about this trip
Priyanka
I hiked for 8 days in Cordirella Real, Bolivia in August with Jaime as my guide. I got in touch with Jaime through explore and share. The portal was quick in arranging everything, fees, dates and also updating change in dates. As a solo femake traveller, it felt very safe and secure. I am a very avid trekker and have been to a number of little known places alone - often with a guide and the usual support of cook, mules etc. I can easily say, Jaime is the best guide I ever had. He made me very comfortable from day one, looked after me very well, fed and watered me so well that many times I walked belly full, he took me to places that hardly anybody goes to, caught fresh trouts for me after a long day hiking, encouraged me on difficult days and walked arm and arm with me while tackling nasty downhill steep screes in battering wind and scorching sun. I had the opportunity to spend two days at Tuni at his home which I will never forget. It was idyllic way to end the trek in the serene surroundings with the Alpacas, guinea pigs, Charly the cat, a big rabbit and ofcourse Jamie's family. Jaime loves Bolivia, his life and familia and he absolutely loves to show it to others. He is a very kind person and keen to share gear, chocolates, water with you. He also offered to carry my back pack once (of course I didnt let him). I had so much fun trekking with him, I was always smiling - even at 5300 m of Pico Austria. I met him as a guide but left him as a dear friend. I thank explore and share for having such a gem of a person on their website. Note: Jaime had some very good things to say about the portal. As someone living in a very remote part of Bolivia (Tuni), he feels explore and share has really helped him in getting in touch with people across the world. So ot seems a win win for all three parties involved. I will use explore and share again and recommend it to other solo travellers. Its a shame I only came to know about them recently. I have provided more detailed review on tripadvisor :).
Warren
For those wishing to trek in the Andes, without mountaineering, this is an excellent trek, it offers plenty of challenges, but you are rewarded with plenty of amazing and varied sites. Jamie took me out of my comfort zone a few times, but the reward was worth it, I thoroughly recommend this hike. Jamie is an excellent guide, this is his backyard and he is very enthusiastic, keen to show it off. He loves his music and football, and is also passionate about his work. I had the benefit of meeting his family in Tuni which added to , what was a great experience. I would recommend Jamie and this hike to anyone.
Emil
Amazing trip from beginning to end! Nothing more to say. If you are in good shape you should book it right away. Amazing Nature, food and Company
Nicolas
We spent a few days with Jaime who is an awesome guide and personn. The organisation was perfect, equipment also. Talking about the food, we had never been eating so well during a trekk (fresh fruits, vegetables...). We even had the chance to spend a night at his place to meet his family who was happy to make us discover the alpagas and their daily life (and we even got a hot shower !) Jaime speaks very good French and English. We would totally recommand going with him and can't wait for a new trip there !
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