Bolivia: All Mountains

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN LA PAZ

Arrival in the city of La Paz. Group pick-up at El Alto International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Later in the day, a briefing meeting will be held to review all expedition logistics.

DAY 2 – LA PAZ CITY TOUR

At 08:30 we depart by vehicle to the Valley of the Moon to explore its unique earth formations, resembling natural columns within a lunar crater. On the way back, we take the Green Line cable car to the Prado area and then, by vehicle, visit Plaza Murillo, the political center of Bolivia, and Jaén Street, a restored street dating back to the 16th century.

We finish the tour at the Witches’ Market, where locals purchase llama and alpaca fetuses as offerings to Andean deities. Return to the hotel.

Tour duration: approximately 4.5 hours. (B)

DAY 3 – COPACABANA & ISLA DEL SOL

Approximately 4-hour drive from La Paz to the town of Copacabana (3,825 m), located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Copacabana is a beautiful town and an important tourist and pilgrimage center.

At midday, we take a private boat to Isla del Sol. Andean buffet lunch on the island, followed by a 1.5-hour hike to the village of Yumani. Accommodation at Hotel Pallakasa.

Later, we gather for complimentary tea and coffee, followed by a walk to the highest point of the island (4,080 m) to enjoy a colorful sunset over Lake Titicaca. Return to the lodge for dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 – INCA GARDEN, COPACABANA & TRANSFER TO CONDORIRI NATIONAL PARK

At 08:00, a one-hour walk to the Inca Garden, where we board a boat for a 1.5-hour transfer back to Copacabana. Short visit to the indigenous market and the Copacabana church to see the famous Virgin of Candelaria, the center of great religious devotion.

At midday, stop in Huatajata to enjoy once again a trout dish from the lake. In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle from Copacabana to the mountains (approximately 4 hours), crossing the rolling plains of the Altiplano with spectacular views of the Cordillera Real, especially the Illampu and Ancohuma massifs.

Arrival at Rinconada del Tuni (4,450 m). Accommodation in a mountain lodge with basic facilities and private rooms.

DAY 5 – PICO AUSTRIA & CONDORIRI VALLEY

30-minute vehicle transfer to Laguna Jurikota (4,730 m) to begin a hike of approximately 4 hours ascending to Apacheta Pass (5,150 m). From there, an additional 40 minutes to reach the summit of Pico Austria.

Descent into the Condoriri Valley for approximately 3 hours to camp near Laguna Chiarkota (4,670 m). (B, L, D)

DAY 6 – REST DAY

Full day of rest and acclimatization at camp.

DAY 7 – TARIJA PEAK & PEQUEÑO ALPAMAYO ASCENT

Ascent via the normal route (west–northwest ridge).

• Difficulty grade: FR – PD
• Average slope: 35°

One hour approach to the glacier and approximately 2 hours of ascent over a glacier with mild crevasses to reach the summit of Tarija Peak (5,320 m). From there, descent through a rocky section to access the Pequeño Alpamayo glacier, climbing mixed rock and ice terrain with slopes up to 50°.

From Tarija Peak, approximately 3 hours are required to reach the summit of Pequeño Alpamayo. Return to camp, pack equipment, and descend for 1.5 hours to Rinconada de Chancho, where our vehicle awaits for the return to La Paz. Overnight at Hotel Bivouac. (B, L)

DAY 8 – ZONGO PLATFORM & HUAYNA POTOSÍ HIGH CAMP

After a late breakfast, transfer of approximately 2.5 hours to the base of Huayna Potosí (4,750 m). A 2.5-hour hike leads to the high mountain refuge at 5,230 m.

Porters assist with personal gear. Only mountaineering equipment, warm clothing, and sleeping bags are required. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 – HUAYNA POTOSÍ SUMMIT (6,088 m)

Summit ascent via the normal route. Approximately 5 hours of climbing, with some moderate technical sections along the way. Return to the high refuge, rest for 30 minutes, then descend for 1.5 hours to Zongo Platform.

At midday, return by vehicle to La Paz. Overnight at Hotel Bivouac. (B, L)

DAY 10 – RESERVE DAY

Reserve day for optional activities at extra cost. (B)

DAY 11 – APPROACH TO ILLIMANI BASE CAMP

Vehicle transfer (approximately 3.5 hours) to the village of Pinaya (3,850 m), followed by an additional 30 minutes to reach Puente Roto Base Camp (4,500 m). Camp setup.

DAY 12 – ILLIMANI HIGH CAMP

Porters assist with participants’ equipment. Approximately 5-hour ascent to the Nido de Cóndores camping area (5,450 m), offering spectacular views over the city of La Paz.

DAY 13 – ILLIMANI SUMMIT (6,462 m)

Departure at 01:30 for a summit push of approximately 7 hours via the normal route. The ascent follows a ridge line, and at around 6,000 m a glacier section must be climbed, involving a 50-meter stretch at a 45° angle using ice screws and snow pickets.

Descent back to Nido de Cóndores Camp, 30-minute rest, then a further descent of approximately 2 hours to Puente Roto. Estimated arrival at 14:00.

DAY 14 – RETURN TO LA PAZ

Pack equipment and transfer by vehicle back to the city of La Paz. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15 – FREE DAY

Free day or optional additional tours at extra cost. (B)

DAY 16 – AIRPORT TRANSFER

Transfer to the airport. (B)

INCLUDED SERVICES

• Local guide for cultural activities and trekking
• 1 UIAGM mountain guide for glacier ascents
• Assistant mountain guides
• Pack animals to carry expedition equipment to base camps
• Porters (10 kg per participant to high camps)
• 1 cook in camps and refuges
• Full board outside the city of La Paz
• Kitchen and dining equipment in camps and refuges
• Personal sleeping pads (if required)
• Sleeping tents (1 tent per 2 clients – North Face, Mountain Hardwear or Doite Aconcagua)
• Kitchen and dining tents
• Private transportation according to program
• 2 nights in Huayna Potosí refuges (shared dormitory)
• 1 night at Hotel Pallakasa – Isla del Sol
• 1 night at Hostal Las Olas or La Cúpula – Copacabana
• 1 night at Tuni Lodge
• Entrance fees according to program
• 7 nights at Hotel Bivouac (if continuing to Huayna Potosí Base Camp, one night is replaced by a refuge stay including an additional dinner)

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES

• Personal expenses and miscellaneous items
• Tips for staff
• Airport transfers outside the program dates
• Additional costs incurred by deviations from the established itinerary