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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

you need comfortable walking shoes. Your feet will appreciate.

Of course if you want to travel. The perfect match if you’re planning to visit Bolivia’s most popular destination.