The journey starts in Sorata, a village situated in the northeastern part of Cordillera Real. The trek will lead you to a high-altitude area where you can take a fascinating trekking excursion along the Illampu and Ancohuma mountain ranges. It is a trek that passes through the foothills of the Colossuses, offering an opportunity to explore stunning lakes and remarkable paths that provide unmatched views of glaciers and lush tropical valleys.
As the journey takes you through secluded valleys and high passes above 4500 meters, it is advisable to be in good physical condition and acclimatized.
Highlights
Explore Sorata, a tourist and agricultural center
Walk through the Calzada pass between the glaciers of the Kasiri and Calzada Mountains
Go up the Chotanlona pass where you will witness various incredible views in every direction
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
At 8:00 am, depart with your private transportation from the hotel towards Sorata, accompanied by your guide and cooks. The village is located 150 km from La Paz, has a temperate climate, and sits at the base of the Illampu massif, which towers at 6,368 meters. Sorata is an agricultural and popular tourist spot with a population of 3,500.
Day 3: Sorata | Lackatiya
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As the day breaks, muleteers meet you at the town's exit to begin the trek. The journey commences with a lengthy climb, passing through Kilambaya (3,300 meters) and taking around 3 hours of hiking. From there, you hike for four more hours until reaching the hamlet of Lacatiya (3,900 meters), where the initial campsite is set up. If there are no clouds, the full magnificence of Illampu, towering at 6,430 meters, is visible to you.
Walking time: 7 hours; Slope: +1,200m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 4: Lackatiya | Utjana Pampa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As you depart from Lackathiya, a relaxed climb awaits you. You gradually begin to feel the altitude, and it will take approximately three hours to reach the highest point, which is the Illampu pass (4,730 meters above sea level). If the weather permits, an amazing view of the snowy Illampu mountain dominating the entire route will be visible. Following that, make your way towards the hamlet of Utjaña Pampa (3,890 meters), where you set up camp. From the Illampu pass, which stands at 4,750 meters, gaze at the Schulze peak (5,950 meters) and the Illampu North peak (6,370 meters).
Walking time: 6.5 hours; Slope: +830m/–840m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 5: Utjana Pampa | Cocoyo
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your day starts by climbing the Kharahuasi pass (4,450 meters) in the morning. As you make your way down from this point, you enter the stunning mountain valley of Cocoyo, which offers breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival in the valley, you cross the Cocoyo River, whose milky-colored waters reveal its glacial source. A mining settlement can be found in the valley, also known as Cocoyo (3,510 meters). After passing the town, you reach the Sarani valley where you camp for the night.
Walking time: 6 hours; Slope: +560m/–940m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 6: Cocoyo | Chajolpaya Valley
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After departing from the Sarani camp, you face a medium climb until you reach the Sarani pass (4,500 meters). You walk down a little bit to get to Chajolpaya valley, which is at 4,100 meters. Then, you set up your camp in a meadow near the village.
Walking time: 7-8 hours; Slope: +990m/–400m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 7: Chajolpaya Valley | Chojna Khota
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You take a walk through the Chajolpaya valley, which has a height of 5,050 meters, towards the Calzada pass. This is the highest point in the entire circuit, and it is located between the Kasiri and Calzada Mountains' glaciers. After you reach the pass, you walk down along the southwestern slope of the mountain range for an hour and a half. This path leads you to the Carizal lagoon, which is at 4,770 meters, and the Chojña Khota lagoon. Your campsite is set up here.
Walking time: 6-7 hours of walking; Slope: +620m/–280m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 8: Chojna Khota Lagoon | San Francisco
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, you see a beautiful view of Ancohuma. First, you walk on flat ground until you reach Ajoyan lagoon (4,670 meters), where you can see Calzada Mountain. Then, you walk to the Cacha lagoon and follow the trail on the mountain that leads to the San Francisco lagoon (4,500 meters) located in a pretty valley. There are hot springs near your campsite, where you can relax and swim.
Walking time: 6/7 hours
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 9: Laguna San Francisco Lojena
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your next destination is the Chotanlona pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,910 meters. Once you reach the pass, you are rewarded with an incredible view of Lake Titicaca towards the West, while to the North, you have a breathtaking sight of the Ancohuma mountain. Towards the East, you can see the rest of the Cordillera Real, along with the Calzada and Kasiri glaciers. You continue your itinerary, passing through small lagoons, and up and down the mountainside until you reach Lojena (4,360 meters), where you set up your campsite.
Walking time: 5 hours; Slope: +410m/–550m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 10: Lojena | La Paz
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Your trek leads you to the charming town of Milipaya (3,490 meters), which marks the end of the circuit. Here, find your transportation waiting to drive you back to La Paz, which takes around 3 hours. Upon arrival in La Paz, we transfer you to your hotel.
Walking time: 1 hour
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 7 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Entrance Fee(s) in Bolivia
First aid kit
Medium size duffel soft-sided bag
Bilingual (English – Spanish) trekking guide
One night of accommodation in a hotel ** in the town of Sorata. (Double base accommodation).
Foam Mattresses
Private transport La Paz – Sorata- Millipaya – La Paz
Mules and muleteers to carry most mountain equipment:
Camping material, (clients should only carry their daily backpacks). It is recommended to limit the weight per client to 8 kilos to be transported by pack animals.
Kitchen & tableware
Inflate Mattress
Three-season camping tents with space for three people (to be used by 2 clients)
Sleeping bags -5C
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Personal Expenses
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and non specified beverages
Meals in La Paz and Sorata (suggestion of a budget of USD 8 +/- per meal)
Accommodation and transportation outside the usual itinerary
Personal equipment (sleeping bags, warm clothing, sunglasses, toiletries)
Single room supplement for Hotel / Tents
Refunds in case the clients decide that the trekking must be finished before the scheduled time
All expenses for early departure of the team (such as non-scheduled transfers, meals and hotel
rooms).
Sleeping bags -10C: Add $12 per bag per night
Walking sticks: Add $8 per pair per day
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
