The journey starts in Sorata, a village situated in the northeastern part of Cordillera Real. The trek will lead you to a high-altitude area where you can take a fascinating trekking excursion along the Illampu and Ancohuma mountain ranges. It is a trek that passes through the foothills of the Colossuses, offering an opportunity to explore stunning lakes and remarkable paths that provide unmatched views of glaciers and lush tropical valleys.
As the journey takes you through secluded valleys and high passes above 4500 meters, it is advisable to be in good physical condition and acclimatized.
Highlights
Explore Sorata, a tourist and agricultural center
Walk through the Calzada pass between the glaciers of the Kasiri and Calzada Mountains
Go up the Chotanlona pass where you will witness various incredible views in every direction
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
At 8:00 am, depart with your private transportation from the hotel towards Sorata, accompanied by your guide and cooks. The village is located 150 km from La Paz, has a temperate climate, and sits at the base of the Illampu massif, which towers at 6,368 meters. Sorata is an agricultural and popular tourist spot with a population of 3,500.
Day 3: Sorata | Lackatiya
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As the day breaks, muleteers meet you at the town's exit to begin the trek. The journey commences with a lengthy climb, passing through Kilambaya (3,300 meters) and taking around 3 hours of hiking. From there, you hike for four more hours until reaching the hamlet of Lacatiya (3,900 meters), where the initial campsite is set up. If there are no clouds, the full magnificence of Illampu, towering at 6,430 meters, is visible to you.
Walking time: 7 hours; Slope: +1,200m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 4: Lackatiya | Utjana Pampa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As you depart from Lackathiya, a relaxed climb awaits you. You gradually begin to feel the altitude, and it will take approximately three hours to reach the highest point, which is the Illampu pass (4,730 meters above sea level). If the weather permits, an amazing view of the snowy Illampu mountain dominating the entire route will be visible. Following that, make your way towards the hamlet of Utjaña Pampa (3,890 meters), where you set up camp. From the Illampu pass, which stands at 4,750 meters, gaze at the Schulze peak (5,950 meters) and the Illampu North peak (6,370 meters).
Walking time: 6.5 hours; Slope: +830m/–840m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 5: Utjana Pampa | Cocoyo
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your day starts by climbing the Kharahuasi pass (4,450 meters) in the morning. As you make your way down from this point, you enter the stunning mountain valley of Cocoyo, which offers breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival in the valley, you cross the Cocoyo River, whose milky-colored waters reveal its glacial source. A mining settlement can be found in the valley, also known as Cocoyo (3,510 meters). After passing the town, you reach the Sarani valley where you camp for the night.
Walking time: 6 hours; Slope: +560m/–940m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 6: Cocoyo | Chajolpaya Valley
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After departing from the Sarani camp, you face a medium climb until you reach the Sarani pass (4,500 meters). You walk down a little bit to get to Chajolpaya valley, which is at 4,100 meters. Then, you set up your camp in a meadow near the village.
Walking time: 7-8 hours; Slope: +990m/–400m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 7: Chajolpaya Valley | Chojna Khota
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You take a walk through the Chajolpaya valley, which has a height of 5,050 meters, towards the Calzada pass. This is the highest point in the entire circuit, and it is located between the Kasiri and Calzada Mountains' glaciers. After you reach the pass, you walk down along the southwestern slope of the mountain range for an hour and a half. This path leads you to the Carizal lagoon, which is at 4,770 meters, and the Chojña Khota lagoon. Your campsite is set up here.
Walking time: 6-7 hours of walking; Slope: +620m/–280m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 8: Chojna Khota Lagoon | San Francisco
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, you see a beautiful view of Ancohuma. First, you walk on flat ground until you reach Ajoyan lagoon (4,670 meters), where you can see Calzada Mountain. Then, you walk to the Cacha lagoon and follow the trail on the mountain that leads to the San Francisco lagoon (4,500 meters) located in a pretty valley. There are hot springs near your campsite, where you can relax and swim.
Walking time: 6/7 hours
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 9: Laguna San Francisco Lojena
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your next destination is the Chotanlona pass, which sits at an altitude of 4,910 meters. Once you reach the pass, you are rewarded with an incredible view of Lake Titicaca towards the West, while to the North, you have a breathtaking sight of the Ancohuma mountain. Towards the East, you can see the rest of the Cordillera Real, along with the Calzada and Kasiri glaciers. You continue your itinerary, passing through small lagoons, and up and down the mountainside until you reach Lojena (4,360 meters), where you set up your campsite.
Walking time: 5 hours; Slope: +410m/–550m
Night in camping tents
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
Day 10: Lojena | La Paz
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Your trek leads you to the charming town of Milipaya (3,490 meters), which marks the end of the circuit. Here, find your transportation waiting to drive you back to La Paz, which takes around 3 hours. Upon arrival in La Paz, we transfer you to your hotel.
Walking time: 1 hour
Note: Walking times each day are only indicative and might vary from client to client.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Bolivia Tours & Treks.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 7 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Entrance Fee(s) in Bolivia
First aid kit
Medium size duffel soft-sided bag
Bilingual (English – Spanish) trekking guide
One night of accommodation in a hotel ** in the town of Sorata. (Double base accommodation).
Foam Mattresses
Private transport La Paz – Sorata- Millipaya – La Paz
Mules and muleteers to carry most mountain equipment:
Camping material, (clients should only carry their daily backpacks). It is recommended to limit the weight per client to 8 kilos to be transported by pack animals.
Kitchen & tableware
Inflate Mattress
Three-season camping tents with space for three people (to be used by 2 clients)
Sleeping bags -5C
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Personal Expenses
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and non specified beverages
Meals in La Paz and Sorata (suggestion of a budget of USD 8 +/- per meal)
Accommodation and transportation outside the usual itinerary
Personal equipment (sleeping bags, warm clothing, sunglasses, toiletries)
Single room supplement for Hotel / Tents
Refunds in case the clients decide that the trekking must be finished before the scheduled time
All expenses for early departure of the team (such as non-scheduled transfers, meals and hotel
rooms).
Sleeping bags -10C: Add $12 per bag per night
Walking sticks: Add $8 per pair per day
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
The persons I spoke with knew the material. I wont know until I actually take the trip if it was all correct but at this point they were helpful in finding a trip that met my criteria
SS
4 days ago
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
5 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
1 week ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
1 week ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
