Condoriri is a striking mountain – its three highest peaks together resembling a condor lifting its wings before take off.
The great chain of majestic peaks of the Cordillera Real, which lies to the north of La Paz, dominates the landscape on the scenic drive to the start of our 3 day trek.
Aptly, Condoriri is an excellent area of the Cordillera Real to spot condors.
Mountain skills
The trek skirts the western side of the Cordillera Real. It then heads into the heart of the mountains, where you'll scraping shoulders with the glaciers, via a spectacular pass offering fantastic views of the Cabeza del Condor peak.
This trek can be combined with our mountaineering skills course (ask for trip dossier BMC). You can start the course at the end of the trek, continue on to Huayna Potosi base camp (2 or 3 more days or tekking pus 2 days to climb) or return to La Paz for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Once you have brushed up on your mountaineering skills, you can climb the spectacular snow-peaks of Pequeno Alpamayo or Huayna Potosí. These are non-technical and suitable for those with little climbing experience.
Outline itinerary – day 1
A two-hour journey by jeep brings us to the start of the trek just past the small village of Hichukhota on the shores of Lago Khota (4,460m). We set off up the hillside to our first pass at 4,700m, taking around an hour. We descend for an hour and continue for an hour and a half to Laguna Ajwani (4,600m). This is a good spot for Andean birds, look out for the flicker, Andean geese, various ducks and coots, gulls and even the majestic condor.
Day 2
Today we set off upwards towards the first pass of the day (4850m), just an hour away, and descend for 45 mins to Lago Sistana (4,620m). Trek on upwards over the next pass at 4,900 m, one hour, and down the far side, 45 min to Lago Juri Khota (4,660m), enjoying superb views of Huayna Potosi. This is a short walking day, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of this remote Andean spot. If you prefer it is possible to continue for another 3 to 4 hours to the next camping spot.
Day 3
Set off upwards from the northern end of the lake, up a ridge of morraine to reach a suprb viewpoint after an hour and a half, and the pass after a further hour (5,000m). You are now overlooking Chiar Khota – the lake at Condoriri base camp, and have superb views of Cabeza del Condor and the Ala Izquierda peaks. You can take a detour up the Pico Austria here (5,200m) taking an hour or so each way, before descending for an hour to the lake. We walk out to the road head, two hours of gentle downhill, and meet our vehicle to return to La Paz.
Included
English speaking trek guide, mules or llamas for kit transport, cook and dining tent, all group camping equipment, private transport to and from the trek, meals and water
Not included
International flights (we can look for these for you), travel insurance, sleeping bag, items of a personal nature and tips. |
