Trek Transcordillera (14 days)
«One of the most beautiful and complete trekking circuits in Bolivia is the one that crosses the Cordillera Real longitudinally. Beginning in Sorata, the trek takes you through the valleys and hills of the Illampu, Ancohuma, Casiri, Chearoco, Chachacomani, Negruni, Condoriri, and finally Huayna Potosi massifs»
ITINARARY:
Day 1.- LA PAZ – SORATA – LACATYA.
At 7:00 am we leave La Paz, passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Cordillera Real, including a view of Lake Titicaca. Then we passed through the town of Achacachi and Warisata, where we could see the imposing Illampu and Ancohuma snow-capped mountains. We arrive at the beautiful town of Sorata at 2,700 m., we begin the walk towards the town of Lacatya (3,850 m.), enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Sorata and its valleys before arriving at our first camp.
Day 2.- LACATHIYA – UTJAÑA PAMPA
We leave in the morning and continue climbing to the Illampu pass at 4,749 m. From there we can observe the beautiful mountains, the landscapes of the high valleys of Sorata with its diverse Andean flora and fauna. Then we descended to the Estancia de Utjaña Pampa and camped there (3,900 m.).
Day 3.- UTJAÑA PAMPA -COCOYO
We begin our day by climbing the Kurahuasi pass, which is at an altitude of 4,479 m. and then descend to the Cocoyo River. After passing through the town of Cocoyo we continue until we reach our camp at 3,850 m. near Piedra Grande.
Day 4.- COCOYO – CH’AJOLPAYA
With an ascent of 2 hours, we reached the Sarani Pass at 4,500 m. From there, we were able to observe the snow-covered Wara Warani (Negruni), the Ch’ajolpaya river, as well as the snow-covered Calzada and many camelids.
Day 5.- CH’AJOLPAYA – LAGUNA CHOJNA KHOTA.
This day we head towards the Calzada Pass at 4,900 m., near the glacier and the mountains of the Kasiris and Calzada Group. Then we continue descending and passing near some beautiful lagoons until we reach the Chojña Quta lagoon at 4,100 m. We set up camp in this place.
Day 6.- CHOJÑA KHOTA – LAGUNA JISTHAÑA.
After breakfast, we started our tour by ascending to a viewpoint where we had an excellent panoramic view of the Calzada pass, the lagoons in the area, and the majestic Lake Titicaca.
In the afternoon, we arrived at the Jisthaña lagoon. We set up camp near this lagoon.
Day 7.- LAGUNA JISTHAÑA – KELLHUANI – ALTO CRUZ PAMPA
It is a very attractive route, with views of Lake Titicaca and the mountains of the Cordillera Real throughout. We passed through the Kellhuani ranch and finally reached the Chachacomani valley. In the upper part of the town of Alto Cruz Pampa, we set up our camp.
Day 8.- ALTO CRUZ PAMPA – JALLAHUAYA
This day, we began our journey through the Chachacomani river and ascended towards the area of «Condor Jipiña». We continued our route to the Pura Purani river and later descended to the Jallahuaya river. We set up camp near this river.
Day 9.- JALLAHUAYA – LAGUNA WARA WARANI – LAGUNA KHOTIA.
After breakfast, we prepared to start the trekking. All of our luggage was transported by mules. We ascended in the direction of the mountain, at the base of which is the Wara Warani lagoon, a lagoon of various colors. We continued our ascent until we reached the 5,030 meter step, an excellent viewpoint. We descended to the valley and continued ascending gently, reaching the next step. While we descended, we were able to see the Khotia lagoon, near which we set up our next camp.
Day 10.- LA PAZ – LAGUNA KHOTIA – LAGUNA AJUANI.
Khotia Lake (4,470 m). We begin the walk towards the Andean slopes, following an almost horizontal route; at the base, we can see the Kara Khota lagoon. When we reach the first step, we begin a descent. In the valley , we could see the Taipichaca lagoon and others. After crossing the river, we ascended until we reached the Ajuani lagoon.
Day 11.- LAGUNA AJUANI – LAGUNA JURI KHOTA.
The road is winding but attractive. After crossing the first pass we descended until we reached the Jistaña Lagoon, where we stopped for lunch. At this point the path begins to ascend towards the peak that represents our second step. In the valley we saw the beautiful and secluded Juri Quta lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
We set up our camp near the Lagoon.
Day 12.- LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – GLACIAL LAGOON – PASO AUSTRIA – CHIAR KHOTA.
From the Juri Khota Lagoon, we began with a steep slope to reach the Ventanani Lagoon, a jewel nested at a height of 4,900 meters at the foot of the Condoriri glacier. From there, we continued climbing to a second step (Paso Austria, 5,140 m.). The climb to Pico Austria (5,350 m.) is recommended, its summit is an excellent viewpoint of the entire Cordillera. After a photo session, we descended to the Laguna Chiar Khota (4,630 m.) where we established our camp.
Day 13.- PASO CONDORIRI – BASE DE MARIA LLOCO.
Today’s pass is the Condoriri Pass, with an altitude of 4,900 m, which leads to the Racacha Valley. We continued through the valley until we reached a small camp where we settled. At the bottom of the valley we see the María Lloco mountains and the west face of Huayna Potosí.
Day 14.- MILLUNI PASS – HUAYNA POTOSI – RETURN TO LA PAZ.
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. It is also from here that our vehicle awaits us for our return to La Paz.
