Cordillera Real Trek

Welcome to Bolivia! After flying into La Paz, you’ll be transferred to Sorata. Keep an eye out the window, you’ll be driving along the mountains into the deep valley where Sorata lies, right at the foot of Illampu. Tonight, rest up for the big trip ahead.

Begin the day with a hike southwest through rolling fields. Once you get higher, the peak of Illampu comes into focus. Keep that pretty view in mind as the elevation starts to catch up to you- it’s not long before you’ll make camp for the night near Chilata Lake.

How are the legs feeling today? You’re just getting started! The next leg of your Cordillera Real hiking tour begins heading southeast, crossing a pass to get onto the contour line of the western slope of Illampu. You’ll end up at the Glacier Lagoon, with fabulous views surrounding you. Take a rocky descent down to your camp and get cozy for dinner.

Day four begins with an ascent up to a pass that overlooks the Susana mine, where silver and tin were mined. You’ll see the hints of mining activity on the mountain as you hike. Follow the western slope of Achachi Khollu before a descent into Millipaya. You’ll cross a creek and head right back up to the Khota Pata Lake, with the towering Chuto Kalani in the foreground. Walk by a few alpine lakes to Lojena, where it’s time to rest for the night with a view over the Millipaya Valley.

Ready for the next adventure? Begin the day with an ascent up to the Chotanlona Pass, where you’re surrounded by Illampu, Chearoco, and Ancohuma peaks. Then, head down to Lake San Francisco, which is bright turquoise and quite tempting after such a long hike. Don’t dive in just yet, there are hot springs nearby! Soak your legs and then relax at camp for the night.

The next leg of your hiking trip in the Cordillera Real beings with three ascents up passes that approach 5000m above sea level. Out of breath a bit? Hopefully it’s the scenery! You’ll head into a valley adorned with two bright blue lakes. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole mountain range, so it’s only natural you’ll be setting up camp here for the night.

This morning, you’re welcome to relax for a bit in the sun around the lake, which is going to feel amazing after all the kilometres you’ve put in so far. If you’re still feeling chipper, hike up to Calzeda Pass, which is between Calzeda and Kasiri peaks. What a view! Then, descend back to the lake to enjoy lunch before breaking camp and heading to Lake Jistana, where you can enjoy the sun again for the rest of the evening.

After breakfast, you’ll head west to Niquioyo Kohta Lake. The view of the Condor Kipina is fantastic, so bring that camera! Then, a ridge walk provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca. Enjoy the sights while you cross two passes before scree surfing downwards to the emerald Chiscacalliuani Lake. Enjoy dinner and put your feet up.

Begin the 8th day of your Cordillera Real hiking journey with a trek past the swampy valley of Chacha Kumani, which is bordered by a large glacier. Hop over soft moss to begin ascending the valley wall, where you’ll enjoy crystal-clear views of the Chachacomani glacier. Then, head down into the Pur Purani Valley, hike over 3 passes, and finally pitch your tent to admire the mountains and enjoy dinner before bed.

Day 10 begins with a steep hike up to a plateau, where you’ll enjoy the briefly flat ground as you approach the Wara Warani lagoon, which sits at the foot of the Wara Warani glacier. To your delight, the glacier feeds a lovely turquoise lake where you can splash your face if you’d like. It’s beautiful here, so take some time to soak it up before climbing to a steep pass at 5500m that overlooks the Kunu Pampa glacier. You’ll drop down across an ice field to a remote valley, where the Minchin Pass is the only thing standing between you and your campsite (and dinner!) at the Khotia lagoon.

Good morning! Today begins with a hike to Chiarkhota Lake, which is not very technical and thus nice and relaxing. You’ll then head south towards the Contador Pass, which has a lovely view of the surrounding mountains. Pass swampy areas and smaller lakes before ascending to Ajwani Lake, a little blue gem filled with ducks. They might even try to share your dinner.

Day 12 begins with breakfast by the lake before hiking alongside the mountains to the Milluni Pass, there the huge Huyana Potosi peak seems close enough to touch. Head down to Sistana Lake and enjoy a breather before hiking up to Janchallani Pass, where the views of Condoriri Massif, one of the largest glaciers in the area, are sublime. When you’re ready, descend to Jurikhota Lake to make camp and kick back.

There’s an exciting day ahead! Climb up to Congelada Lake, which is pure magic. You’ll never want to forget the views up here. Then, continue on to Austria Pass, which is nowhere near Austria but very splendid. Hike down to Chiarkhota Lake, which serves as basecamp for several climbs in the sea. You’ll arrive at Tuni, where the locals are excited to welcome you. Spend the evening enjoying music, food, and visiting.

All too soon, the end of your Cordillera Real adventure has come. Before you rest your feet (for a long time, hopefully!), you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast with the Tuni people before learning about their day to day life, helping them make a traditional “huatia” meal for lunch, and then heading to La Paz after you’ve bid your new friends farewell