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Published: 01-06-2023
Bolivia in The Andes is one of the best destinations for trekking in South America. The Condoriri massif forms part of the spectacular Cordillera Real, a region of the Andes, in Bolivia. This 10-day Trekking Bolivia Tour hikes around the magnificent Lake Titicaca as well as the area of Condoriri and Huayna Potosí. We will leave the city of La Paz and enjoy a long week of adventures with the most amazing views. Of course, these hikes are at high elevations. In fact, we ascend a few passes above 5000 meters. We will indeed reach at least one pass per day. On average we walk 4-7 hours per day at high elevations, therefore you need to be in good physical shape and be well acclimatized to high altitudes. During the tour, you will visit several lagoons such as Laguna Totoral, Laguna Khotia, Laguna Jurikhota, and Laguna Wichu Khota, with the biggest being Lake Titicaca at the beginning of the trekking itinerary.
Huayna Potosi
La Paz
Although Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia, the city of La Paz (officially Nuestra Señora de La Paz) is the country's administrative capital. Located in Western Bolivia in a bowl surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, the most prominent being the majestic Mt Illimani, which dominates the city's skyline. It is the world's highest capital at 11,975ft above sea level. Visit the churches, museums, and Witches Market of central La Paz, a sprawling city surrounded by colorful hills and peaks, especially towering Mt Illimani. From there it's only a 10km trip to Moon Valley, aptly named for its lunar landscape.
San Francisco, La Paz
Titicaca
The Sun Island is the largest island on Lake Titicaca it is located to the northwest of the city of Copacabana in Bolivia and is highly visited by many tourists from all over the world. Discover beautiful landscapes, important archaeological sites, and native Quechua and Aymara communities; that to this day maintain their ancestral traditions. Nestled between the Andean borders of Peru and Bolivia is the highest navigable lake in the world. According to legend, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the Inca Sun god. Also the place from where the founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Capac, and Mama Ocllo, emerged. It is home to many ruins on its many islands and a place of tranquility and beauty. Isla del Sol (Sun Island) is an island in the southern part of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. There are over 80 ruins on Sun Island. Most of these date to the Inca period during the 15th century AD. Many hills on the island contain agricultural terraces, which adapt steep and rocky terrain to agriculture. Among the ruins on the island are the Sacred Rock, a labyrinth-like building called Chinkana, Kasa Pata, and Pilco Kaina.
Sun Island on Lake Titicaca
Condoriri Mountain Range
The Condoriri massif forms part of the spectacular Cordillera Real, a region of the Andes, in Bolivia. You don’t have to be an ultra-experienced hiker to fall in love with the mountains of Bolivia. The Condoriri and Tuni Trek tour gives you a gateway into the Cordillera Real mountains to explore all that this special region has to offer. Trek through the Cordillera Real, one of Bolivia’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Explore natural wonders like alpine lakes, hidden lagoons, and far-flung passes with the help of a guide. Marvel at the imposing Condoriri Mountain, which watches over your adventures each day. Explore natural wonders like alpine lakes, hidden lagoons, and far-flung passes with the help of a guide. Connect with the local Tuni people and learn about their culture, traditions, cuisine, and way of life.
Trekking the Condoriri Mountain Range
Huayna Potosi ascent
Huayna Potosi, despite its mighty 6,088m/19,974ft, is a straightforward climb and a great challenge for anyone looking to end a trek in style. The summit provides amazing views of La Paz, El Alto, Illimani, Mururata, the Amazon Basin, Condoriri, the Cordillera Real, the Altiplano, and Lake Titicaca. The Bolivian Andes are a climber's mecca. The vast array of snow-capped peaks has something to offer climbers of all abilities, from first-timers to experienced technical mountaineers. For keen trekkers that love Bolivia’s high peaks, this climb is a must and is an ideal introduction to glaciated Andean peaks. As long as you are well acclimatized, quite fit, and very determined then there is a good chance you will make it to the summit and have an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. If you underestimate the climb, have not spent at least several days at altitude, and try to save a few dollars by attempting a 2-day trip when not acclimatized– then you will likely not make it to the top (it's possible but your chances are slimmer). Make no mistake – you need the determination to climb this mountain and although physically demanding the mental challenge is just as tough if not tougher!
Huayna Potosi Climb
On the day of the ascent Wake up around 1 am and start the climb. It is cold, dark, and slow progress but you will experience some great moments along the way including seeing the night lights of El Alto and La Paz from above, climbing a 30-meter ice wall, and jumping over a crevasse or two. The last 200 meters involve forcing yourself up a 45-degree wall of compressed snow which will be tough going after the climb up and the altitude effects – this is where you need your mental toughness but it will be rewarded by incredible views of the Cordillera mountain range and a sense of achievement you will never forget.
Sunrise on Huayna Potosi
If you are up for a challenge, enjoy trekking especially at high elevations, and want to see the best of Bolivia by trekking it, then this trip is perfect for you! Find out more about our Trekking Bolivia tour here.
