Trek Ajuani - Huayna Potosi (4 days)
This tour gives you a great taste of the region’s diversity. Crossing four mountain passes, one per day, and passing by three beautiful and expansive lakes is truly a marvel. However, the high altitude requires you to be well acclimatized in order to fully enjoy this hike, but it is not extremely physically demanding.
ITINERARY:
Day 1.- LA PAZ – LAGUNA AJUANI – LAGUNA JURI QUTA.
Early departure from La Paz by vehicle to the Ajuani valley, where we will begin our hike at 4,700 meters. The road is winding but scenic until we reach the Sistaña lagoon, where we will stop for lunch. From there, the road begins to ascend towards the summit and then descends until we arrive at the Juri Khota lagoon, which is stunning and isolated, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
We will camp on the shores of Lake Juri Quta.
Day 2.- LAGUNA JURI QUTA – PASO AUSTRIA – LAGUNA CHIAR QUTA.
From Juri Quta Lagoon, we begin with a steep ascent to reach Glacial Lagoon, a gem nestled at a height of 4,900 meters at the foot of the Condoriri glacier. From there, we continue to climb to a second pass (Paso Austria, 5,140 m). It is recommended to climb to Pico Austria (5,350 m), as its summit offers an excellent viewpoint of the entire Cordillera. After a photo session, we descend to the Chiar Quta lagoon (4,630 m), where we will establish our camp.
Day 3.- LAGUNA CHIAR QUTA – JISTAÑA – MARIA LLOCO.
Today’s passage is the Jistaña pass, with an altitude of 4,900 m, which leads to the valley of the Racacha valley. We continue through the valley until we reach a small ranch where we set up our camp. At the bottom of the valley we can see the mountains of María Lloco and the west face of Huayna Potosí.
Day 4.- MARIA LLOCO – HUAYNA POTOSI – RETURN TO LA PAZ.
Our final pass is the Huallatani Pass (4,850 m). From here, on a clear day, we can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Maria Lloco mountains and the mighty Huayna Potosi. This is also where our vehicle will be waiting for our return to La Paz.
