Khotia to Huayna Potosi Trekking

Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia. Spend one night in this vibrant, high-altitude city preparing for your upcoming trek. Take time to rest, adjust to the elevation, and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Depart from the hotel at 7:00 AM and drive for approximately 2.5 hours to a beautiful high-altitude area surrounded by pristine lakes at 4,605 m (15,108 ft). From here, begin your trek, ascending gradually to the east of Lake Chiara Khota. Today’s journey will take you across two mountain passes at 4,800 m (15,750 ft) and 4,600 m (15,091 ft). In the afternoon, arrive at Ajwani Lake (4,496 m / 14,750 ft) after about 6 hours of trekking.

Walking time: 6 hours
Distance: 10.33 km (6.48 miles)

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes less time despite the distance because the trek is longer. At other times, it takes much longer because it must climb stairs slowly, descend again, and then go up to another mountain pass.

Today, continue trekking through the Andes, ascending high into the mountains and crossing two passes of nearly 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). From the top, breathtaking views of the majestic Huayna Potosí peak. After taking in the scenery, descend from the pass to a beautiful campsite at Laguna Jurikhota (4,708 m / 15,090 ft). The estimated trekking time today is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Walking time: 8.5 hours
Distance: 7 km (4.34 miles)

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes less time despite the distance because the trek is longer. At other times, it takes much longer because it must climb stairs slowly, descend again, and then go up to another mountain pass.

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Laguna Jurikhota. Hike along the north shore of the lake to a glacial moraine where the snowy summit of Condoriri Peak comes into view. Continuing onward, pass near Pico Austria (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) before descending to Lake Chiarkhota.

Arrive at the Tuni Condoriri base camp (15,292 ft), set near the shores of Chiarkhota Lake. The day’s trek will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Walking time: 7.5 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.72 miles)

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes less time despite the distance because the trek is longer. At other times, it takes much longer because it must climb stairs slowly, descend again, and then go up to another mountain pass.

Depart from the Condoriri Mountains and trek toward the foothills of Aguja Negra, continuing to the Jallayko Pass before descending into the scenic Jistaña Valley. From here, climb to the Tillipata Pass (4,900 m / 16,400 ft), discover a series of high-altitude lagoons, and enjoy impressive views of Huayna Potosí.

After taking in the scenery, descend to Wichu Khota Lagoon and continue to Maria Lloco (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), where you will set up camp for the night.

Walking time: 9 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.32 miles)

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes less time despite the distance because the trek is longer. At other times, it takes much longer because it must climb stairs slowly, descend again, and then go up to another mountain pass.

Walk between a series of high-altitude lagoons as you make your way to the former Santa Fe Mine camp. From here, follow a mountain trail climbing toward Canal Camp, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosí mountain ranges.

Continue ascending to the Miluni Pass (5,000 m / 16,400 ft), where there are spectacular views of the western face of Huayna Potosí. From the pass, begin your journey around the mountain, traversing its eastern slopes until you reach Casa Blanca Refuge, the base camp of Huayna Potosí.

Here, your trekking adventure concludes. Your transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to the city of La Paz.

Walking time: 8 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.59 miles)

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. Sometimes it takes less time despite the distance because the trek is longer. At other times, it takes much longer because it must climb stairs slowly, descend again, and then go up to another mountain pass.