8-Day Trek & Mountain Ascents in Cordillera Real – Bolivia
Experience the wild beauty of Bolivia's Cordillera Real with an 8-day trek and climb. Led by IFMGA guide Jaime, this adventure takes you from the rugged lagoons to the peaks of Huayna Potosí and Pequeño Alpamayo, combining both challenging trekking and high-altitude climbing. Ideal for experienced trekkers and climbers looking for a unique Andean adventure.
Private
Andes
8 Days
Apr - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Summit Pequeño Alpamayo (5400m) and the famous Huayna Potosí (6088m).
- Experience breathtaking high-altitude lagoons and rugged mountain scenery.
- Expert guidance from IFMGA-certified local guide Jaime ensures safety and quality.
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Bolivia’s Cordillera Real, guided by IFMGA-certified Jaime, an expert in the region’s rugged terrain. This adventure is perfect for experienced trekkers and climbers, combining demanding high-altitude trekking with technical ascents of Pequeño Alpamayo (5400m) and Huayna Potosí (6088m).
Your journey starts in La Paz, where you’ll meet Jaime and begin your trek to Laguna Ajwani, traversing high-altitude passes and valleys. As you make your way through the Cordillera Real, you’ll pass stunning lagoons and ascend multiple peaks, all while soaking in awe-inspiring views of jagged mountain ridges and glaciers.
The trek’s high point is the climb of Pequeño Alpamayo, a steep, snow-covered peak that will test your alpine skills. Afterward, you'll continue your journey through Laguna Tuni before heading to Huayna Potosí for the final summit attempt. This ascent is the highlight of the trip, offering a technical climb with some exposed, steep sections, but the view from the top is worth every step.
Along the way, you'll stay in both mountain refuges and bivouac camps, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Andes. Expect long, demanding days with trekking times ranging from 5 to 12 hours, making this an ideal challenge for those with prior experience in mountaineering and high-altitude trekking.
If you’re ready to push your limits and experience the Andean wilderness in its most untouched form, send a request now to reserve your spot!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Porters
Price details
- ✅What’s Included:
- Mountain guides.
- Transport (roundtrip La Paz, to and from the trailheads).
- Porters.
- Meals (cold and hot meals, as described in the itinerary).
- Accommodation (mountain refuges and hostel).
- ❌What’s Not Included:
- Personal climbing gear.
- Accident insurance.
- Gratuities.
- Personal expenses
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz - Laguna Khotia - Laguna Ajwani
- Transport: La Paz to Khotia, then trekking across a series of high-altitude passes.
- Highlights: Paso Contador (4760m), Laguna Ajwani (4720m), cold meals and night at Refuge Ajwani.
- Time: 5.5 hours of trekking, 3 hours of transport.
Day 2: Laguna Ajwani - Laguna Jurikhota
- Trekking: Passes through Paso Milluni (4900m), Laguna Sistaña, and Paso Janchallani (4950m) before reaching Laguna Jurikhota (4720m).
- Accommodation: Overnight at a bivouac or refuge.
- Time: 6 hours of trekking.
Day 3: Laguna Jurikhota - Laguna Chiarkhota
- Trekking: Ascend to Laguna Congelada (4900m) and pass Col Austria (5120m) before descending to Laguna Chiarkhota (4670m).
- Optional: Climb Pic Austria (5350m).
- Accommodation: Bivouac camp.
- Time: 6 hours of trekking.
Day 4: Ascend Pequeño Alpamayo (5400m)
- Climb: Early start at 2:00 AM to summit Pequeño Alpamayo via Tarija (5335m).
- Details: Challenging climb up to 5410m, followed by descent.
- Time: 9 hours of climbing, return to camp.
Day 5: Laguna Chiarkhota – Hostel Tuni (4420m)
- Trekking: Cross Col Jallayko (5025m) and Mula Maniya (4700m) before reaching Laguna Tuni.
- Accommodation: Hostel Tuni.
- Time: 6 hours of trekking.
Day 6: Rest at Hostel Tuni
- Rest day: Relax and recover at Hostel Tuni.
- Accommodation: Hostel Tuni.
Day 7: Hostel Tuni - Refuge Camp des Roches (5200m)
- Trekking: Cross Col Milluni (5000m), follow the valley, and arrive at the refuge.
- Accommodation: Refuge Camp des Roches.
- Time: 2 hours of trekking, 1.5 hours of transport.
Day 8: Ascend Huayna Potosí (6088m) - Return to La Paz
- Climb: Depart at 2:00 AM for the final summit of Huayna Potosí, followed by descent to the refuge and return to La Paz.
- Time: 12 hours of climbing and descending.
Details
Accommodation
Refuges: Throughout the trek, stay in mountain refuges like Refuge Ajwani and Refuge Camp des Roches. Camping: Some nights are spent in bivouac camps in the wilderness. Hostels: Comfortable stay at Hostel Tuni.
More info
Skill and Fitness Level Required:
- Skill Level: Previous trekking and climbing skills. Previous experience in high-altitude trekking and alpine climbing (Grade II/AD, Max 50°).
- Fitness Level: Good physical condition. Ability to hike for several hours each day, including steep ascents and descents at high altitudes (5000m+).
Equipment you will need to bring
Required Gear List:
- Mountaineering boots.
- Ice axe, crampons, harness, and helmet (available for rent).
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures.
- Warm clothing (layers for high-altitude trekking).
- Trekking poles.
- Personal items (sunscreen, water, snacks, etc.).
FAQs
What is the maximum altitude?
The highest point is the summit of Huayna Potosí at 6088 meters.
Can I rent mountaineering gear?
Yes, essential mountaineering equipment is available for rent upon request.
About the guide
-Jaime
4.8
(32)
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
What people are saying about -Jaime
Isaac
Jaime was a professional but down to earth and always made sure everything was ok and taken care of with the support of his lovely family. This led to an awesome trip, and I can't wait to go back and do more 6000 meters with Jaime. 5/5 guide, trip, and experience. Would hugely recommend for your first 6000m!
Jordan
Great guide. Did a great job for us.
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 :).
Bruno
Jaime is a great guide ! He is comprehensive and help you to reach the summit. We had a great experience in Pequeno Alpamayo, everything was perfect !
Michael
He was knowledgeable, patient and attentive to my safety, well-being and still provided an amazing experience. Vidal was a great support and made sure I had great food and nourishing meals.
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