The Biggest Trip on Cordillera Real

13 Days of Trans Cordillera, culture, trek, living in nature

The Trans Cordillera is one of the most popular treks in the Cordillera Real giving you the chance to walk almost from one end to the other of this mountain range, crossing over several passes and allowing spectacular views of the dramatic peaks in this range.

We pass by beautiful valleys and serene glacial lakes while occasionally spotting rare local wildlife such as the condor and wild puma.

We will also get to meet remote indigenous communities in isolated villages largely untouched by modern society

About the Tour

Day 1: Travel from La Paz to Sorata, enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Stop for photos of Illampu mountain. Notice the warmer climate in Sorata and enjoy a beer in the plaza.

Day 2: Trek from Sorata, passing local farmers and herding llamas. Views of Illampu, Ancohuma, and Nevada Piramide. Set up camp near Lachathiya.

Day 3: Climb to the pass of Abra Illampu and see locals cultivating potatoes. Set up camp near Ecia Utana Pampa.

Day 4: Steep climb to pass of Korahua. Descend to the valley of Cocoyo and set up camp.

Day 5: Climb to pass of Sarani and break for lunch. Descend to the valley of Chajolpaya and set up camp.

Day 6: Climb to pass of Negruni and set up camp next to a small lake.

Day 7: Walk further down into the valley past Palca and set up camp.

Day 8: Climb to top of the pass for views of Nevada Chachumani. Make camp before the next pass.

Day 9: Follow the road over the pass onto the Altiplano. Meet with the driver for fresh food and option to return to La Paz if necessary.

Day 10: Leave the road to climb a pass with views of Lake Titikaka. Walk across the Altiplano and camp next to a small lake.

Day 11: Cross three passes and reach base camp of Condoriri. Camp next to a lake with views of the mountains.

Day 12: Climb in the morning with views of Condoriri group and Huayna Potosi. Make camp near Cerro Maria Lloco.

Day 13: Pass west face of Huayna Potosi (not very well known) and return to La Paz City.

Be one with Nature!

Itinerary of the Tour

Full Day ─

La Paz (3600m) – Sorata (2700m)

Our first day is the drive to Sorata. As we head out of La Paz into the city of El Alto, we get great views of La Paz city and the surrounding mountains.

Later we cross the Altiplano where we see the peaks of Cordillera Real in the distance. After 2 hours we cross over a high pass which takes us down into the valley of Sorata. Along the way we stop for photos of Illampu, one of the most impressive looking mountains in the Cordillera Real.

Once in Sorata we notice the warmer climate and take advantage by enjoying a cool beer in the plaza. 3 – 4 hours driving (LD) Hostel

Day 2 ―

Sorata (2700m) – Lachathiya (4200m)

We will start our trekking from Sorata.

Following a small animal trail, we pass local campesinos (farmers) as they work in the fields herding llamas and cultivating potatoes and corn.

On the way toward Lachathiya, we can see in the distance Illampu (6368m), Ancohuma (6472m) and Nevada Piramide (5097m). Near Lachathiya we will set up camp. 5 – 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 3 ―

Lachathiya – Ecia Utana Pampa, Ancoma (3800m)

In the morning we will have a two hour climb up to the pass of Abra Illampu (4749m), from where we will have our last good views of the north face of Illampu. We then have a long walk down to the old village of Ecia Utana Pampa, where we can see the locals cultivating potatoes in small medieval-like fields. We will set up camp near this village. 5 – 6 hours (BLD) camping

Day 4 ―

Ancoma – Cocoyo (3600m)

First thing in the morning we have a steep climb up to the pass of Korahua (4480m).

From here we can look down to the valley of Cocoyo.

Then there will be a steep descent to the bottom of the valley, where we will set up camp, just before the village of Cocoyo. 4 – 6 hours (BLD) camping

Day 5 ―

Cocoyo – Chajolpaya (4200m)

We start the morning with a climb up to the pass of Sarani (4700m) passing the village of Cocoyo and some old houses and abandoned mines.

Here we pass the start of a new road being built for the gold mining industry in this area.

We break for lunch at the pass before heading down to the valley of Chajolpaya where the children always come out to have a look at the passing gringos! 5 – 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 6 ―

Chajolpaya – Negruni (4400m)

It’s a long climb up to the pass of Negruni (5000m), where there may be snow.

After crossing the pass we walk down the valley, where occasionally we can see women from the villages weaving brightly coloured traditional textiles.

We set up camp next to a small lake. 7 – 8 hours (BLD) camping

Day 7+

Negruni – Palca (3800m)

Day 7 ■Negruni – Palca (3800m)

An easy day of walking takes us further down into the valley and past the small community of Palca. From the church, we will climb for an hour to get to the start of the next pass for the following day. 4 – 5 hours (BLD) camping

Day 8 ■Palca – Waraco (4500m)

We have a step climb first thing in the morning to reach the top of the pass.

When we turn around at the lake we get an amazing view of Nevada Chachumani (6000m).

We continue down the other side of the pass to meet up with the road and make camp just before the next pass. 6 – 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 9 ■Waraco – Lake Quta Qutia (4450m)

This day is spent following the road, over the pass onto the Altiplano (4950m).

We continue to follow the road, and later in the day meet with the driver, who will provide us with fresh food for the rest of the trip.

NOTE at this point of the trip, if anyone is sick or injured etc. they can go back with the driver to La Paz. 6 – 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 10 ■Lake Quta Qutia – Laguna Ajwañi (4600m)

We leave the road in order to climb a pass where from the top we get our first views of Lake Titikaka (3810m) spreading out to the horizon.

We continue walking across the Altiplano, an undulating, open and dry landscape with huge skies above us.

We drop steeply down into a valley and then one last short climb before we make camp next to a small lake with lots of bird life. 6 – 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 11 ■Laguna Ajwañi – Condoriri (4700m)

Today we have to make an early start as we have three passes to cross and it’s a long trek.

At the second pass we will get our first views of the Cabaza de Condor (5648m), known as the Matterhorn of Bolivia. Crossing the last pass we will get to the base camp of Condoriri.

The camp is in beautiful surroundings next to a lake with great views of the mountains and if we are lucky we can have fresh trout for dinner. 8 – 9 hours (BLD) camping

Day 12 ■Condoriri – Maria Lloco (4600m)

We have a climb first thing in the morning.

From the pass looking back we have beautiful views of the Condoriri group while in front of us is the impressive west face of Huayna Potosi (1000m).

Later in the day we meet up with an old road that leads to some abandoned mines. We make camp near Cerro Maria Lloco (5222m). 5 – 6 hours (BLD) camping

Day 13 ■Maria Lloco – Refugio Huayna Potosí (4700m) – La Paz (3600m)

Today we pass the west face of Huayna Potosi which appears so close we can almost reach out and touch it.

We skirt around the base of Huayna Potosi to our left and later meet up with the road and our transport.

In the afternoon we drive back to La Paz 4 – 5 hours (BL) END of SERVICES

Include / Not Include

— Included —

Private transport
Camping equipment complete
Food during trip
Accompanying guide
Catering

— Not Included —

Personal Expenses
Sunglasses
Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Water
Warm clothing
Extra snacks
Warm gloves for wearing inside Mountain Gloves, Warm Hat

— Recommended —

Travel insurance
Sunglasses – Sunscreen – Toiletries – Toilet paper
Wooly hats
Sun block to avoid sun burning

Frequent Questions

— Frequent Questions —

1. What is the physical difficulty level of this tour?
This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. There are daily hikes ranging from 5 to 9 hours with varying altitudes from 2700m to 5000m. Some sections involve steep ascents and descents.

2. What type of accommodation and meals are provided during the tour?
Camping in tents is arranged for most nights with meals provided by qualified guides. Meals typically include a mix of local and international dishes.

3. Is prior experience in high mountain trekking necessary?
Prior experience in high mountain trekking is not required, but a certain level of physical fitness is recommended. Be prepared to walk on varied terrains at high altitudes.

4. What kind of weather can be expected during the tour?
Weather in the region can vary. Daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but nights can be cold, especially at higher altitudes. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes.

5. What personal equipment is recommended to bring for the tour?
Recommended gear includes clothing for cold and warm weather, sturdy trekking boots, day pack, sleeping bag, sunscreen, personal medications, and basic trekking equipment. A detailed packing list will be provided before the tour.

6. What type of clothing and footwear should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring clothing suitable for both cold and warm weather, including layers that can be easily added or removed. Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support are essential for the varied terrain. Additionally, waterproof and windproof jackets are advisable for unexpected weather conditions.

7. Are there specific recommendations for clothing and footwear during the trek?
Lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing is ideal for trekking to stay comfortable and dry. Trekking pants or shorts, along with breathable t-shirts or tops, are recommended. For footwear, hiking socks and well-fitted trekking boots will provide the necessary support and protection for long hikes. It is also advisable to bring a hat or cap for sun protection.

— Restrictions —

1. This tour is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before joining the tour if you have any health concerns. Pregnant women, individuals with severe respiratory conditions, heart conditions, or mobility issues may not be suitable for this trek.

2. What type of travelers or tourists should avoid undertaking this tour?
Travelers with a history of high altitude sickness, cardiovascular issues, severe asthma, or other medical conditions that may be exacerbated by high altitudes and strenuous physical exertion should avoid this tour. It is important to consider your own health and fitness level before embarking on this trek.

3. Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
While there is no specific age limit for this tour, participants should be in good physical condition and able to endure long days of walking in challenging terrain at high altitudes. Children under a certain age may not be suited for this trek due to the demanding nature of the itinerary.

4. Is there any specific criteria or health requirements for joining this tour?
Answer: Participants should be physically fit, have a good level of endurance, and be prepared for altitudes ranging from 2700m to 5000m. It is important to disclose any relevant medical conditions or health concerns to the tour organizers in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Highlights

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Departure Place

The Biggest Trip on Cordillera Real

13 Days of Trans Cordillera, culture, trek, living in nature

About the Tour

Be one with Nature!

Full Day ─

La Paz (3600m) – Sorata (2700m)

Day 2 ―

Sorata (2700m) – Lachathiya (4200m)

Day 3 ―

Lachathiya – Ecia Utana Pampa, Ancoma (3800m)

Day 4 ―

Ancoma – Cocoyo (3600m)

Day 5 ―

Cocoyo – Chajolpaya (4200m)

Day 6 ―

Chajolpaya – Negruni (4400m)

Day 7+

Negruni – Palca (3800m)

— Included —

— Not Included —

— Recommended —

— Frequent Questions —

— Restrictions —

Highlights

Stunning Mountain Views

Cultural Immersion

Challenging Terrain

Varied Landscapes

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