Bolivia's adventures
Pathways of the Andes
Embark on a challenging 16-day trek through Bolivia’s secluded Cordillera Real, where dramatic mountain views dominate the horizon. With mules carrying your gear, navigate steep trails and high passes while enjoying the solitude of pristine landscapes and no crowds. Encounter herds of llamas, spot native wildlife, and experience an adventure that feels truly off the beaten path.
Share with your adventure companions
Arrival in La Paz
Arrive at El Alto airport at 4,063 m that will take your breath away due to the altitude and the views of the mountains. The clear, crisp sky of the highlands gives the impression that you could touch them. Make an impressive drive to La Paz city, with hanging buildings within a valley surrounded by glacial mountains. Enjoy a light lunch, do the briefing with the guide and then take a short city tour using the modern cable car system.
Trek to Yumani
Leave early and head west to Lake Titicaca, cross the Tiquina Strait by ferry and continue along the shores to the village of Sampaya. Enjoy lunch at a spot with views of Isla del Sol, Isla de la Luna, Cordillera Real and Apolobamba mountain ranges. Hike traversing narrow, steep alleys of the village of Sampaya, mostly built of stone and thatched roofs and follow the ridge top to Yampupata. Meet the boatman and take a 15-minute boat ride to Isla del Sol, visit the archaeological site of Pilcocaina and hike to the town of Yumani where we will spend the night at a friendly hostel.
Trek to Challapampa
Hike north to the archaeological site of Chincana crossing the entire length of the island, following a very scenic path with views of Lake Titicaca’s cobalt waters. Continue to the village of Challa Pampa, take the boat to Wakani where lunch is Apthapi, a typical andean lunch. Take the boat back to Yampupata where transport waits for you and will take you to Copacabana at 3,849 m, visit the church and the market before dinner. Optionally, hike 2 km to Calvary Hill for sunset.
Drive to Sorata valley. Trek to Llojena
Drive for three hours through the Bolivian North Altiplano and start the trek with amazing views of Illampu 6,368 m and Ancohuma 6,427 m mountains. Hike southeast through colorful valleys and start the progressive climb to the first campsite.
Trek to Laguna San Francisco
Enjoy views of mountains Illampu 6,368 m, Ancohuma 6,427 m, Piramide 5,807 m and Wakana 6,200 m while trekking though shredded hills, small rivers, boggy areas and several llamas until reaching to a big lagoon to camp next by.
Trek to Chojña Kota
Crossing to the other side of the valley is not easy, abundant water creates omnipresent swampy grass and gives the valley its strong yellow color; with the white of the glaciers as a contrast, creates great photo opportunities. The guide leads us over a rocky ridge to a 4,976 m viewing platform on the southeast flank of Mount Kasiri 5,850 m. The view falls on the mighty Nevado Ancohuma 6,427 m massif and Uma Jalanta 5,730 m. The route continues up and down in the rhythm of the Bolivian mountains.
Trek to Jistaña
Ascend to the top of a rocky hill 5199m and decide if you hike to an optional 5,218 m viewpoint. Enjoy great views of Chearoco 6,127 m, Chachacomani 6,074 m and other mountains into view. The descent to the next camp site is promising, leads through a bizarre valley with rust-colored spots and wondrous colors. Reach the camp near Laguna Jistaña to spend the afternoon relaxing in the camp or explore the valley further on a short excursion.
Trek to Kelluani
Trek through an area that is used by shepherds as high pastures for their herds of llamas. Follow the guide through impressive paths that leads us along a steep slope on narrow llama paths to a scenic 4,956 m pass. Descend into the next high valley while the six-thousand-meter peaks Chearoco and Chachacomani show off their most beautiful sides. Hike next to big boulders with the opportunity to see Viscachas, a type of Andean chinchilla.
Trek to Chachacomani
Trek through sloppy and muddy hills while you ascend to the pass 5,263 m from where Chachacomani’s massif 6,076 m can almost be touched with your hands, if the condition allows climb Jacha T'uxu hill 5,350 m and head downhill, the trail changes to a rocky side hill and descend to another wide valley where we previously saw Andean deer.
Rest day
Enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation at Chachacomani. We can explore the surrounding area and take in the magnificent scenery. We're sure to see llamas and alpacas.
Trek to Jaillawaya
Embrace the long day ahead and ascend on very steep terrain following very secondary llama paths towards Pura Purani pass 5,039 m, then descend again off trail on a steep scree down to the river banks of Jaillawaya river. Follow downstream along the valley and climb about 200 m up towards our campsite facing the peaks of the impressive Warawarani 5,542 m. When crossing the upper parts of the route you will have great views of new mountains on the route, namely: Jisca Pata 5,508 m, Janko Laya 5,545 m, Janjo Uyu 5,512 m.
Trek to Kotia
Another challenging but rewarding day! Hike ascending route towards an immense rocky cirque formed by the western slopes of Wara Warani mountain which host a beautiful glacial lake, where glaciers drop down. Contour the lake and ascent to the first pass 5,029 m of the day and discover new mountains of this group: Willa Lloje 5,596 m and Pako Keuta 5,589 m. Cross a second pass 5,013 m and face a steep but fun descent to Janko Kota valley, setting camp in a beautiful spot between the colorful Koatia and Kara Kota lagoons.
Trek to Alka Kota
Over the next few days, hike along the most beautiful sections of the classic Trans-Cordillera Trail. Start with a leisurely climb onto the first small pass, 4,776 m that offers a magnificent view of the peaks of the Royal Cordillera. Wth the destination of Laguna Alkakhota head east of the mountain lake rise while you enjoy views of the striking peaks of the Condoriri group.
Trek to Juri Kota
Hike through two high passes: Alka Kota pass 5,097 m and Jistaña pass 4,930 m that separate you from the next camp site. Enjoy great a view of Cerro Condoriri 5,648 m, perhaps Bolivia's most beautiful mountain as well as Wawanaki, Kuntur Phusthana, Janchallani and Ventanani, we descend to our campsite in the shores of Laguna Juri Khota, a beautiful sight for photos.
Trek to Juri Kota
Ascend up the west side of the valley towards the pass 5,129 m, where the guide makes the decision to climb or not climb Pico Austria 5,307 m if conditions permit. From the highest point of Pico Austria to the north there is a great view of all Cordillera Real, to the south you can see the highlands, the city of La Paz and Huayna Potosi 6,088 m. In a clear day you can see even Sajama 6,542 m, the highest mountain of Bolivia. Descent to the camp that is located near the shores of the Chiar Khota lagoon.
Trek to Rinconada, Drive to La Paz
After packing your stuff, descend a short distance to the trail head where the vehicle will be waiting to take us back to La Paz. Have a light lunch in the way and take the opportunity to wander around the city.
Type
Trekking, 4x4
Grade
Altitude range
3,594 - 5,348 m
Total duration
16
Accommodation
Min - Max people
4 - 12
Countries
Bolivia
Region
Lake Titicaca, Cordillera Real
Ask availability
Every adventure starts with a plan
Our adventures are subject to Dynamic Andean Availability — shaped by weather conditions, seasonal windows, and minimum group size. Reach out to us to find the best time to embark on your journey.
FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How is the current political situation in Bolivia?
Even though there is constant political unrest in Bolivia, normally the situation is limited to road blocks and manifestations in the city. During our 30 years of experience, we always find ways to complete our itineraries or if needed, propose changes to overcome different situations.
Think about it as an adventure experience but nothing really dangerous to worry about.
What is the most common reaction to high altitude environments?
The physical responses to the reduced oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, are quite common. Many visitors experience shortness of breath, mild headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue can set in quickly as the body uses more energy to function. Some individuals may feel nausea, lose their appetite, or experience disturbed sleep.
These are typical signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually resolves with rest, acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and ascending gradually can help minimize these effects.
What is the minimum acclimatization process to climb a 6000m mountain?
At least 7 days of sleeping and doing mild exercise between 3000m and 5000m. An average itinerary can include:
- Flight or bus to La Paz at 3600m
- Drive to Lake Titicaca and hike 5 km in Isla del Sol at 3840m
- Hike 8 km in Copacabana or the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Drive to Condoriri and hike 4 km to ChiarKota at 4670m
- Hike 9 km and ascend Pico Austria at 5350m
- Drive to Huayna Potosí and hike to Glaciar Viejo to do glacier practices at 5100m
If you complete this you are ready to climb a 6000m mountain like Huayna Potosi, Chachacomani, Chearoko, Illampu, Ancohuma, Illimani, Cololo, Chaupi Orko, Acotango, Parinacota, Pomarape or Sajama.
What is included in our trips?
As an all-inclusive company that wants to take care of everything so you don’t worry about anything but enjoying your adventure. Depending the type of trip you choose, the average trip includes:
Included services:
- All land transportation included buses, 4x4 and boat rides
- Hotel accommodation in La Paz, Sajama, Uyuni, Lake Titicaca
- Common climbing equipment: ropes, carabiners, slings, ice screws
- English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guide
- English speaking UIMLA certified trekking guide
- Meals during the itinerary
- Cook and assistant during camping stages
- Luggage transportation and pack animals up to 15 kg per person in trekking and Base Camp, 10 kg to High Camp with porters
- National Park and Community Land entrance fees
Not included:
- Transfer In/Out from La Paz
- International and local flights
- Soft drinks and spirits
- Personal equipment: sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, headlamps
- Personal climbing equipment: ice axe, helmet, boots, harnesses, crampons
- Insurance of any kind
- Rescue operations, rescuers fees, transportation or medical treatment
How does Andean Summits ensure safety on our trips?
Since our establishment in 1994, we design our trips and procedures to ensure safety and enjoyment for your adventures.
- Working only with certified UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides and UIMLA certified trekking guides
- Employing trustful drivers, cooks, muleteers and porters some of which we work up to 15 years with
- Constantly monitoring political unrest or social problems
- Permanent weather tracking
- Constant communication between hiking party and base camp in trekking trips
How do I reserve and confirm services with Andean Summits?
Pay a predefined deposit around 10% of the total cost. And then make the full payment one month before departure. Payments are accepted via bank transfer, wire or electronic wallets.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Submit cancellations in writing via email. Refunds depend on timing:
- 60+ days before departure: Full refund (minus $100 fee).
- 31-59 days: 50%.
- 15-30 days: 25%.
- 14 days or less: No refund.
Can Andean Summits cancel a trip?
Yes, trips may be canceled due to insufficient participants, extreme weather, or safety/logistical issues. Refunds or rescheduling options are provided case-by-case.
Ready for your next summit?
Follow us and climb with us—every story, every trail, every peak.
Discover hidden routes, mountaineering tips, real stories from the Andes, and breathtaking photos. Join our community of Andean explorers!
Adventure awaits, together!
Countries
Adventures
Grades
Adventure Blog
Copyright © Andean Summits
Powered by Control Sur