Bolivia Expedition Itinerary
HUAYNA POTOSI & PEQUEÑO ALPAMAYO.
Days 1-2: Depart USA and arrive La Paz, Bolivia. La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, stands at 12.008 feet-3.660 meters above sea level. Its population of roughly 1, 5 million people is diverse and rugged. The air at this altitude is quite thin and for most people it takes a few days to acclimatize. However, the sheer magnificence of the mountains that cradle the city more than makes up for any physical discomfort. We will spend some time here wandering the hilly streets of the Artesania Alley and exploring the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witche’s Market). We also have a thorough equipment check and orientation including discussion of Leave No Trace practices.
Day 3: Visit Tiwanaku, Bolivia's most important archaeological site. We spend the day wandering through the monumental stone figures, courtyards and the impressive Gate of the Sun. The Gate of the Sun is part of an elaborate observatory that is believed to have functioned as a solar calendar dating back to 600B.C. While not as imposing as Machu Picchu, it provides a fascinating glimpse into this pre-Inca culture. In the afternoon we reach Copacabana, the main town on Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, and the "holy land of the Incas."
Day 4: An early morning boat trip takes us to Cha’llapampa on the northern end of the Island of the Sun. This island has been identified as the birthplace of several revered entities, including the sun itself. After having visited the Piedra Sagrada, Titi Khar’ka (Rock of the Puma) and the Chincana Ruins we will start our hike across the island (2-3 hours). We take the dramatic ridge route which boasts spectacular views down to both coasts of the island and the Royal range in the distance, heading to the village Yumani on the southern end of the Island of the Sun. There we will visit the well-known “Palacio del Inca” and the beautifully constructed Inca-era staircase “Escalera del Inca” before taking the boat back to Copacabana.
Day 5: Today, we drive to the village of Tuni, gateway to the spectacular Condoriri range of mountains. Here we spend one night in Tambo Condoriri hut which is located just inside the entrance of the Park with great views of the lake and the 3.300 feet-1.000 meter high west face of Huayna Potosi.
Day 6: After an early breakfast, mules and llamas are loaded for our trek to Condoriri base camp. We establish base camp at 15,100 feet-4.600 meters by the Laguna Chiar Khota (“Black Lake”), a splendid alpine lake with views of the striking Cabeza de Condor and its two wings. Prepare for climbing and review of mountaineering techniques.
Day 7: Today, we climb Pico Austria, a 16.400 feet-5.000 meter peak, with magnificent views towards the Condoriri range and Lake Titicaca. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 8: Hike to about 16,000 feet at the glacier terminus. This is an easy day geared toward acclimatization, reviewing cramponing skills & running belays.
Day 9: Rest day and preparation for the Pequeño Alpamayo climb. We may do some ice-climbing in the nearby small frozen waterfalls.
Day 10: We attempt Pequeño Alpamayo, a beautiful snow pyramid 17.618 feet-5.370 meters high. This stunning peak remains hidden until we reach the summit of Tarija, a subsidiary peak. The route is quite beautiful, following an aesthetic, airy ridge. From the summit, we have breathtaking views of the Royal Range, the Amazon Basin, the barren Altiplano, the impressive bulk of Mt. Sajama and our next objective, Huayna Potosi.
Day 11: After a leisurely hike out we drive back to La Paz for some much needed rest.
Day 12: Drive to Huayna Potosi. Overnight at “Casa Blanca” hut located at an altitude of 15,584 ft/4,750 m.
Day 13: It takes about three hours to walk up to the “Campo de Rocas” hut (16,896 ft/5,150 m) where we will prepare for the climb the following day. Porters will assist us carrying some group gear and food.
Day 14: Summit day. Early wake up as our ascent can take up to 8 hours. After some interesting glacier travel we reach the final exciting ridge (45-50° for about 490 ft/150 m) leading to Bolivia's famed summit. Fantastic views down the west face of the mountain and of the Cordillera Real await us on the top. We descend to “Casa Blanca” hut in the afternoon and drive back to La Paz.
Day 15: Day in La Paz. We visit museums, go shopping and relax. (We may use this day as an extra summit day)
ILLIMANI EXTENSION:
Day 16: Depart for USA or Drive to Illimani trailhead where we begin our approach to base camp from the village of Pinaya. Burros will carry our food & equipment, making the 3 hour approach more enjoyable. “Puente Roto” base camp is at 14,440 ft/4,400 m.
Day 17: From base camp we will walk up the rocky ridge leading to our high camp known as “Nido de Condores” (The Condor's Nest) located at 17,880 ft/5,450 m.
Day 18: Summit Day. After threading our way along a spectacular airy snow ridge we then climb moderately steep slopes (30-40°) for several hours before reaching the scenic summit ridge which we follow to get to the highest point (21,125 ft/6,439 m). The view from the summit of one of South America's finest peaks is outstanding; a great reward to a strenuous and fantastic day of climbing. We descend to base camp to rest.
Day 19: After our summit climb we return to the trailhead for the drive back to La Paz.
Day 20: Fly USA.