Cordillera Real Trekking: Khotia to Huayna Potosi

Arrive in La Paz on the flight of your choice today. You are met at the airport, and a private transfer is provided downtown to your comfortable hotel.

La Paz is framed by awe-inspiring snowcapped mountains, which give this city the honor of being the highest capital in the world. La Paz is a city of contrasts, containing both ancient and modern structures, all protected by the "Guardian of La Paz," Mount Illimani. Visit Plaza Murillo, where the cathedral and the Government Palace are located. Then, continue to the famous colonial street Calle Jaén, where the city's museums are clustered together, followed by a visit to the typical Mercado de las Brujas, or the Witches’ Market, located along narrow streets near the San Francisco Church. Founded in 1549, the church is located in a great area to find traditional handicrafts and artwork. The tour continues to the Obrajes, Calacoto, and La Florida residential areas in the south and the well-known Moon Valley, where erosion has created exotic and curious surface forms.

Return to your hotel after your tour to relax and explore on your own for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Located one hour from La Paz is Tihuanaco (also spelled Tiwanaku), the ruins of an ancient city near the south shore of Lake Titicaca. Tihuanaco is believed to be the ceremonial center for a pre-Inca civilization settled in 600 BC and represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of pre-Inca South America. Little is known about this culture, as it mysteriously disappeared around 1200 AD. Visit the archaeological site and museum with your guide. Return to your hotel in La Paz for the evening.

Depart from La Paz early this morning to begin your days of trekking. After driving for approximately 2.5 hours, arrive at the trailhead, a beautiful area surrounded by pristine lakes, located at an elevation of 4,605 m (15,108 ft). From there, ascend to the east of Lake Chiara Khota and conquer two passes of 4,800 m (15,750 ft) and 4,600 m (15,091 ft). In the afternoon, after approximately 6 hours of trekking, arrive at Ajwani Lake, which is located at an elevation of 4,496 m (14,750 ft).

Distance: 10.33 kilometers / 6.42 mi
Trek Time: Approximately 6 hours
Lodging: Tent Camping

Along your trek, mules and porters will be employed to carry and assist with equipment and gear (tents, sleeping pads, food for meals, oxygen, kitchenware).

*Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from person to person. 

Today, continuing your ascent along the mountainous path of the Andes, you cross a pass of 4900m (16,076ft). From here, spy breathtaking views of the impressive Huayna Potosí peak, then descend from the pass to an idyllic campsite at Laguna Jurikhota 4.708m (15,090ft). Today's estimated trek time is 8 hours and 30 mins.

Distance: 7 kilometers / 4.35 mi
Trek Time: Approximately 8.5 hours
Lodging: Tent Camping

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to the lovely Laguna Jurikhota. Hike along the north shore of the lake to a glacial moraine where the snowy head of Condoriri peak can be seen. Continuing onwards, pass by Pico Austria (5,000 m/ 16,404 ft) and descend to Lake Chiarkhota, arriving at the Tuni Condoriri basecamp at 15,292 ft near the shores of Chiarkhota Lake.

Distance: 6 kilometers / 3.73 mi
Trek Time: Approximately 7.5 hours
Lodging: Tent Camping

Depart from the Condoriri Mountain and head towards the foothills of Aguja Negra. From there, trek to the Jallayko pass and then descend to the Jistaña valley. Next, climb the Tillipata passage, which is at an elevation of 4,900 m (16,400 ft.). During this part of the journey, discover a couple of lagoons and enjoy a beautiful view of Huayna Potosi. Finally, descend to the Wichu Khota lagoon, where we will set up our camp at Maria Lloco, which is located at an elevation of 4,700 m (15,420 ft).

Distance: 15 kilometers / 9.32 mi
Trek Time:  Approximately 9 hours
Lodging: Tent Camping

Start today's trek walking between the high alpine lakes until reaching the old Santa Fe mining camp. From there, continue on to the Canal camp, which is surrounded by the Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosi mountain ranges. Next, the trek climbs to the Miluni passage, at an elevation of 16,400 ft. At the top of the pass, enjoy the spectacular view of the western side of Huayna Potosí. Continue trekking around the east slope of Huayna Potosí until you reach the Casa Blanca refuge, which serves as the base camp of Huayna Potosí. Your grand adventure ends here, and your transportation will be waiting to return you to the city of La Paz and on to your well-earned hotel for the evening. 

Distance: 9 kilometers / 5.59 mi
Trek Time: Approximately 8 hours

Say goodbye to the beauty of Bolivia and the Cordillera Real and return home today.