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LAGUNA GLACIAR , 4 Days
Code: TTLGLACI

An spectacular trek from the warm agricultural valley of Sorata 2,678m up to the snow-line at Laguna Glaciar 5038m; an impressive ascend (and later descend) of more than 2km.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: N/A
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: 3 nights camping.

The massif formed by Illampu 6,368m (20,887ft) and Janko Uma 6,427m (21,080ft) is the biggest in Cordillera Real, is without any doubt one of the most majestic of the Bolivian Andes.

According to the Aymara mythology, the mountains are not only the house of the gods (Achachilas) but, they are semi-gods themselves. "Ilapu" was the god of the storms, thunder and rain, and probably that is the origin of the name of Illampu Mountain. Its partner's name comes from the Aymara words Janko=White and Uma=water.

Starting from Sorata, our trekking route will take us through beautiful land traversing the western slopes of Illampu-Janko Uma massif passing Chillata lagoon on the way to Laguna Glaciar.

Climbers who attempt Janko Uma follow the same route to laguna Glaciar where most of them establish their base camp.

Itinerary:

D1. Transp.to Sorata. Trek to Pampa Ckolani. Camp.
D2. Trek to Chillata lagoon. Camp.
D3. Trek to Laguna Glaciar and return. Camp.
D4. Trek to Sorata. Transp.to La Paz

Highlights:

Wild mountain trek from Sorata to Laguna Glaciar (lagoon of the glacier); base camp location for climbers to Janko Uma.
Two nights camping near the shores of Chillata lagoon; one of the most enigmatic and mystic water bodies in the region according to the local legends.
Short visit of Sorata town on the way in and out to the trailhead.
Splendid views of the agricultural valleys of Sorata; a Nepal-like landscape of endless fields.

Day 1. Transport to Sorata. Trek to Pampa Ckolani. Camp.

Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Road pass 4,212m (13,815f)
Sorata 2,678m (8,783f)
Pampa Ckolani 3,300m (10,824)
Timing
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
L,D

After a pleasent drive to the valley of Sorata over the “Altiplano” and bordering the northern shores of Lake Titicaca, first towards the mountain pass just at the foot of the mountains and later through steep mountain valleys. At the town we will meet our muleteers and sort our luggage before leaving the town and climb as much as possible for the day. Our campsite will be located in an agricultural valley.

Day 2. Trek to Chillata lagoon. Camp.

Elevations
Chillata lagoon 4,741m (15,550f)
Timing
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D

A long ascend to our campsite located at the shores of Chillata lagoon, will allow us to experience an abrupt change in the landscape and the climate. Our route will traverse the northern slopes of Janko Uma massif following well marked paths through corn and barley fields.

Day 3. Trek to Laguna Glaciar and return. Camp.

Elevations
Laguna Glaciar 5,038m (16,524f)
Chillata lagoon 4,741m (15,550f)
Timing
Walking: 7-8 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D

In order to avoid camping too high and risk an altitude sickness, we will spend two nights at this campsite and make a round trip to Laguna Glaciar. Although, not so much elevation to gain for Bolivian standards, the route to the glacier is very steep and though rough terrain. We will walk the same route up and down across granite slopes washed by ancient glaciers.

Day 4. Trek to Sorata. Transport to La Paz

Elevations
Sorata 2,678m (8,783f)
Road pass 4,212m (13,815f)
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
Walking: 3-4 Hrs
Driving: 3-4 Hrs
Meals
B,L

Early in the morning we break campsite and give our luggage to the muleteers, probably we will not see them until Sorata. There our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to La Paz..

ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Meals mentioned on the itinerary (three meals per day, snacks and boiled water).
Full land transportation on the trip.
Common camping equipment: 4 season tents (one per each two people), dinning tent, kitchen stuff, and tableware.
Professional bilingual guide(s) during the trip and transfers.
Luggage transportation with porters and/or animals on trekking & climbing trips (20 kg / 44 lb per person max weight).
Cook(s) when camping.
National Park entrance fees.

Not included

International flight ticket.
Local flight tickets.
International & local airport fees.
Meals & accommodation in la Paz and other main cities.
Personal camping equipment: sleeping bag, foam pad, headlamps, and clothing.
Insurance of any kind.
Any expense due to a rescue operation (rescuers fee, transportation, or medical cost).

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