PEQUEÑO ALPAMAYO IN CONDORIRI VALLEY, 4 Days
 Code: MECONDOR

A moderated trip to climb Pequeño Alpamayo 5,370m (19,613ft) in Condoriri valley; one of the most aesthetic mountains in Bolivia located in one of the most popular arenas for acclimatization for highest attempts.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request More information about prices (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A More information about prices
Difficulty: Moderated More information about Difficulty grading
Accommodation: 3 nights camping.
 

Ascent to Willa Llojeta peak. Picture R.Audet Condoriri valley is certainly the most popular mountain valley for climbers who want to acclimatize to altitude or just challenge themselves attempting technical routes. Among the various peaks in this valley there are two that outstand because of its beauty: Condoriri that reminds a Condor attempting to take off with its extended wings (resembling Matherhorn to some European mountaineers), and Pequeño Alpamayo; one of the most aesthetic peaks of Cordillera Real

In order to get properly acclimatized and to have the chance to recognize the terrain, we will climb (trek would be more appropriated) Janchallani peak. Everything always starting from our base camp at the shores of the beautiful lake Chiar Khota.

With very experienced climbers, this program can be changed from Pequeño Alpamayo to Condoriri (Cabeza del Condor), however this has to be agreed beforehand because it is required more equipment and a lower guide-client ratio.

This itinerary has been developed in order to get climbers properly acclimatized to try later to climb higher mountains or who are looking for a beautiful “small” peak as the main goal of the holiday, however we strongly suggest to be fully acclimatized to the highlands before the trip, ideally to have spent at least 3-4 days at the highlands and have already been higher than 4500m (14760 ft) before signing for this trip. For more information about this subject, please refer to the page acclimatization at our website.
Itinerary:

D1. Transport to La Plaza de Llamas. Trek to Chiar Kota. Camp.
D2. Climb of Janchallani. Camp.
D3. Climb of Pequeño Alpamayo. Camp.
D4. Trek to Plaza de Llamas. Transport to La Paz
 Highlights:
  • Easy ascend to Janchallani 5,396m (17,698ft).
  • Strategic view point for splendid views of Cordillera Real, the highlands, Lake Titicaca and the cloud forest.
  • Great sightseeing on the way in and out to Condoriri.
  • Climb of Pequeño Alpamayo 5,370m (19,613ft) as the main goal of the trip.

Day 1. Transport to La Plaza de Llamas. Trek to Chiar Kota. Camp.
Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Pza.Llamas 4,400m (14,432f)
Chiar Kota 4,650m (15,252f)
Timing
Driving: 2-3 Hrs
Walking: 2-3 Hrs
Meals
L,D
Early in the morning we take the high road towards the majestic Andes Mountains that overlook Lake Titicaca. After a short car transfer we will reach the head-trail near an Andean meadow called Plaza de Llamas. There, the muleteers and their animals will be waiting to transport our gear to the campsite located at the shores of a lovely lake called “Chiar Kota” (dark Lake). We can help and have a look at them while they prepare the animals and gear for the trek. Immediately after departure, we will get incredible views of Mt. Condoriri and Mt. Huayna Potosi. Lunch will be on a spot with magnificent views over the Condoriri Massif. While we approach we will be all surrounded by beautiful peaks of all levels of technical difficulty, Condoriri resembling a condor with its wide-open wings projecting from the rest. For those bursting with energy it is possible to take a short walk around the area.


Day 2. Climb of Janchallani. Camp.
Elevations
Janchallani 5,396m (17,698f)
Chiar Kota 4,650m (15,252f)
Timing
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Janchallani (F), also known as Austria or Cerro Negro, is a easy trekking peak that can be reached via moraines and rock slopes with no technical difficulty. Sometimes there is some snow on the slopes and depending on its deep we will probably need plastic boots and gaiters. Normally, no climbing equipment is required. It will be a great exercise to complete our acclimatization process and a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the best views of the Cordillera Real.


Day 3. Climb of Pequeño Alpamayo. Camp.
Elevations
Tarija Peak 5,290m (17,351f)
Col 5,190m (17,023f)
Pequeño Almapayo 5,370m (19,613f)
Chiar Kota 4,650m (15,252f)
Timing
Walking: 8-10 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Named after Alpamayo mountain in Peru because its similarity, Pequeño (small) Almapayo (AD) is one of the most aesthetic peaks of the region. Although as high as Janchallani, this route is much more technical and will represent a fire-test for the group. After a long and tiring walk to traverse along of the valley through moraines and loose rocks, we will step-on our crampons and roped-up to traverse the whole length of a glacier to climb Tarija peak first. From that point, we will have the best view of the elegant pyramid of Pequeño. The guide will evaluate the weather and climbers condition before continuing. The route descend over loose rock to reach the steep ridge (up to 50?) leading to the summit. Although most of the way downhill, the return by no means will be much easier than the ascent.


Day 4. Trek to Plaza de Llamas. Transport to La Paz
Elevations
Pza.Llamas 4,400m (14,432f)
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Driving: 2-3 Hrs
Walking: 2-3 Hrs
Meals
B,L
We will retrace our steps towards Plaza de Llamas where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to La Paz.


ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Not included

MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

If you would like us to make additional hotel reservations besides the accommodation that is included in your trip, please get into our Reservations page