Trek Ajuani - Huayna Potosi (7 days)
Trekking & Climbing
The Cordillera del Condoriri is arguably one of the most diverse «mini mountain ranges» in the Cordillera Real. This trek offers a great taste of its variety. With four mountain passes to cross – one per day – and three stunning and vast lagoons to pass through, it truly overwhelms your senses. The high altitude demands that you are adequately acclimatized to relish this hike, but it is not excessively strenuous.
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 – CHIAR KHOTA – TARIJA PEAK – LITTLE ALPAMAYO.
On this day, we will depart early (4:00 a.m.). Our first objective is to climb Tarija Peak (5,350 m). The ascent to its summit is technically easy. After reaching the summit, we will descend and then climb to Little Alpamayo (5,425 m). The return to our camp is via the same route, making it a long day.
Day 4.- 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 5.- MARIA LLOCO – HUAYNA POTOSI.
Our last step 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. In the afternoon we arrive at Base Camp of Huayna Potosi.
Day 6.- BASE CAMP – HIGH CAMP HUAYNA POTOSI.
After breakfast we will start the ascent (mostly in rock) to the Rock Camp (5,135m). Hiking time for 2-3 hours moraine.
Day 7.- HIGH CAMP – SUMMIT HUAYNA POTOSI – RETURN TO LA PAZ.
This day we will start very early to reach the summit (6,088 m). From the top of the peak we can enjoy views of the altiplano, La Paz, the valleys that enter the jungle, Lake Titicaca and the entire Cordillera Real. Then we will begin our descent back to the high camp and then to base camp where our vehicle will be waiting for us to return to La Paz.
