Bolivia: Cordillera Real Trek
BoliviaTrekking in Bolivia
- South America
- Pack Weight: 15 lbs.
- 13 Days in Country
- Gallery
- Dates & Pricing
A region of stunning high-altitude landscapes amidst panoramic views of glaciated peaks, Bolivia’s Cordillera Real is a fantastic trekking region layered in rich Andean culture. This is a trademark Alpine Ascents offering, uniquely put together by Bolivian expert, Rachel Molstad, who has lived part time in Bolivia since 2013. She has completed many first female ascents of the highest peaks of the Bolivian Andes, as well as first ascents of lesser explored Bolivian peaks and her knowledge and enthusiasm for the region is simply infectious. Her fluency in Spanish and culture, as well as familiarity with both the highest peaks and lower elevations, make Rachel a unique outstanding partner to learn what Bolivia has to offer. As tourism infrastructure in Bolivia is delayed behind that of other neighboring Andean countries, travel here is well-suited to the adventurous traveler. However, the intrepid visitor to Bolivia will find endlessly fascinating cultural depth, authenticity and natural beauty.
Key Components
Guide Leadership: Your trek is lead by Rachel Molstad a Bolivia expert who has lived in country for well over a decade
Scenic Highlights: Experience the Bolivian Andes on a unique high altitude route with camps deeper in the range and expansive views from rarely trekked passes
Cultural Connection: Explore the local Aymara way of life through participation in rural village community tourism projects
Meals: Full expedition support throughout the trek including plentiful fresh meals prepared by our cook.
Light Pack & Trail Comfort: Enjoy your days on the trail unfettered by heavy packs while pack mules, or porters assist in carrying your personal belongings.
Transport Included: Tour the city of La Paz by cable car and spend time alongside Lake Titicaca
Terrain & Ecology: Remote rugged high altitude trekking, expansive scenery and culturally rewarding travel all on an off the beaten track itinerary
On the Trail
The goal of the Bolivia trek is to complete a hiking traverse alongside the most heavily glaciated part of the range, beginning above the scenic hill town of Sorata and rounding around the immense Ancohuma/Illampu massif, and finally continuing along the western side of the Cordillera Real range. The Alpine Ascents itinerary in the Cordillera Real has been developed with close local knowledge and follows a higher remote route than the common trek with camps deeper in the range and expansive views from rarely trekked passes.
The harsh hills and idyllic valleys, which we travel through, have been the home of Aymara llama herders for hundreds of years and more recently to miner’s settlements. Trekking here provides a fascinating perspective on life in a rough but spectacular corner of the globe. To gain a better understanding of the Bolivian high plains and as a part of our acclimatization plan, we will spend a couple of days with local communities on the shores of Lake Titicaca prior to beginning our trek.
Altitudes: Our epic trek is a high altitude adventure, with camps generally between 13,500 ft to 15,500 ft. Most days of the trek include ascents to and descents from passes in the mid 16,000 ft range. The trip is physically demanding but requires no technical experience. Mules carry the camp gear, food, and all trekker gear except day pack supplies.
The Alpine Ascents Way
Each departure is led by Rachel Molstad who created the itinerary for the trek. Rachel lives part time in Bolivia with a strong background in Bolivian culture while taking great care as to the quality of food and lodging throughout the trek. Rachel’s trips are famed for her deep knowledge of Bolivia and one of Alpine Ascents leading guides on great peaks around the world.
About the Cordellia Real
Bolivia’s Cordillera Real (Royal Range) contains 7 peaks over 6000 meters and over 600 peaks over 5000 meters all packed within a range that stretches a mere 78 miles in length. Despite the immensity of trekking possibilities, Bolivia’s premier mountain range remains one of South America’s best kept trekking secrets. This trek itinerary is specially designed to take in a variety of the best scenery along the length of the range.This adventure offers days amongst cultivated fields, streams with deep gorges along with cultural experience of high altitude area.
Aymara People and the Altiplano
The Bolivian Altiplano, where the Andes reach their widest point, is one of the world’s greatest high altitude plateaus. Bolivia is a land of geographical extremes and superlatives made all the more fascinating by the rich authentic cultural background found in daily life. A nation landlocked in the heart of South America, over sixty percent of Bolivia’s population is of indigenous descent, more than in any other country in South America. The altiplano, or high altitude plateau, we will explore during our expedition is the land of the Aymara people. The Aymara trace their culture, language, and descendance from the advanced pre-Incan Tiwanaku civilization. Today, the Aymara in the countryside raise alpaca and llama while living off potatoes, barley, and quinoa, which are grown in the altiplano.
