Climbing in the Northern Cordillera Apolobamba

• 9 nights camping
• 7 nights in hotels and lodges

At the extreme north of the Bolivian High Andes lies the Cordillera Apolobamba. This remote glacial wilderness offers challenging climbs through the wildest parts of the Bolivian Andes. We, the Azimut Explorer staff and you, will take on three excellent and demanding routes on the glaciers of Chaupi Orcko, Palomani Grande and Ascarani; three exceptional peaks in this isolated country where condors and Andean deers will be our only company. Before taking on the summits we will enjoy several exhilarating days of trekking that will allow us some insight into the lives of the local indigenous Callawaya and Mollo people. Experience wild nature at its best with tremendous opportunities to see some of the rarest Andean wildlife including vicuñas (wild Andean camelids), deers, and the many condors that soar over the green glacial valleys. Before attempting these three summits we will acclimatize beside the fabulous Lake Titikaka and hike on Sun Island, with its Inca temples and pathways. Test our acclimatization by hiking close to the sharp peaks of the Condoriri National Park.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LA PAZ. Reception and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR. Half day to discover the town of La Paz and its indigenous markets, museums and viewpoints. Hike in the eroded landscape of the Moon Valley.

DAY 3: TO LAKE TITIKAKA & TO WAÑAKOTA LAGOON. Car transfer and boat across to enjoy nature and culture in Lake Titikaka and the Pariti island. Move to Wañakota near the snowy peaks of the Condoriri massif. Refuge.

DAY 4: EXCURSION TO CHIARKOTA LAKE. Full day hike around glaciers and moraines. One more night in refuge.

DAY 5: TO SUCHES LAKE. Long car transfer along the Ulla Ulla vicuñas reserve. Camp.

DAY 6: TO HIGH CAMP OF PALOMANI GRANDE. Trek and camp.

DAY 7: CLIMB PALOMANI GRANDE. 5769 m /18927 ft high. South ridge route. 5 hour climb. Move down to Suches.

DAY 8: TO BASE CAMP IN LLAJTA CUCHU. Car transfer, short trek and camp.

DAY 9: CLIMB ASCARANI. 5580 m /18307 ft high. Northwest ridge route. 5 hour climb. Trek down to our car for transfer to Yamaca hamlet. Camp.

DAY 10: TO LAGO SORAL. Trek and camp.

DAY 11: TO HIGH CAMP OF CHAUPI ORCO. Trek and camp.

DAY 12: CLIMB CHAUPI ORCO. 6044 m /19829 ft high. East ridge route. 7 hour climb. Move down to base camp.

DAY 13: CONTINGENCY DAY.

DAY 14: TO YAMACA & TO PELECHUCO. Trek to Yamaca and car transfer to Pelechuco Village. Lodge.

DAY 15: RETURN TO LA PAZ. Hotel.

DAY 16: TIWANAKU. Half day tour to visit Pre-Inca temples and palaces

DAY 17: DEPART LA PAZ. Transfer to the airport. End of our package service.

BRING: anorak, sleeping bag, polar jacket, down jacket, thermal underwear, mountain glasses, headlamp, sun block, sun hat, mountain gloves, technical climbing equipment.