The Crossing of the Royal Cordillera

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  La Paz - Sorata

  

  We leave in the morning to reach Lake Titicaca, following the Cordillera Real mountain range from Huayna Potosi. Then, we descend to the village of Sorata, nestled at the bottom of a green valley at the foot of the Illampu and Ancohuma massifs. Relaxing afternoon in the beautiful wooded park of the Ecolodge Altai Oasis.

• day 2

  Sorata - Chilata Lagoon

  

  From Sorata (2,675 m), we take a well-marked trail that rises, to the southeast, through hamlets and fields. The majestic Illampu massif reveals itself more and more, almost making you forget the significant elevation gain of the day. Well, almost! 1,523 m higher, here is Lake Chilata (4,200 m), nestled on a small plateau overlooking the Sorata valley. Bivouac on the shores of the lake.

• day 3

  Chilata Lagoon - Glacier Lagoon - Venado Camp

  

  We follow a trail that climbs southeast, crosses a gap at 4,400 m altitude, then continues along a contour line on the western side of the Illampu and Ancohuma massifs. A steep climb over rocks allows us to reach Lake Glaciar (5,045 m), where a huge glacial tongue plunges in. To the east, the Illampu massif, a monster of ice, seracs, and vertical walls, towers over a rocky ridge that is both splendid and frightening. After the lake, an off-trail descent through a rocky chaos heading southwest leads to our campsite named Venado (4,300 m).

• day 4

  Campo Venado Mina Susana - Lojena

  

  We start this day with a balcony trail along the mountainside heading south, up to a pass located at 4,350 m altitude. This pass overlooks a valley where the Susana mining operation (silver and tin mines) is located. We continue with a descent on a drivable track that offers views of the galleries dug by miners into the mountain. The track then runs along the eastern slope of Cerro Achachi Khollu. Before descending towards the village of Millipaya (3,475 m), we cross a stream to switch, due south, to the other side of the valley, then we climb a trail up to Lake Khota Pata (4,052 m), dominated to the east by Chuto Kalani (4,388 m). The trail continues south, passes between other small lakes, and leads to the place called Lojena (4,360 m), ideal for setting up camp above the Millipaya valley.

• day 5

  Lojena - San Francisco Lagoon

  

  This morning, the trail alternates between ascents and descents on the mountainside. The view stretches far over the Altiplano, where Lake Titicaca can be seen very clearly. We will have to make one last ascent to reach the Chotanlona pass (4,910 m), which opens onto the Illampu, Ancohuma, and even Chearoco massifs, not to mention the Kasiri and Calzada glaciers… Descent eastward into the lovely valley that hosts the turquoise San Francisco lake, near which there are hot springs that invite you to bathe. Enjoy without moderation! Bivouac on the shores of the lake.

• day 6

  Laguna San Francisco - Laguna Chojna Quta

  

  Today, we will cross 3 passes that approach 5,000 m in altitude. We will head southeast to Lake Ajoyan, above Lake Cacha, at around 4,780 m in altitude. Then, we will turn northwest towards a lake valley where there are two turquoise blue lakes: Lake Chojña Khota (4,722 m) and Carizal (4,767 m), at the foot of the Calzada pass and the eponymous summit (5,650 m). Camping on the shores of the lake, in one of the most beautiful "sleeping areas" of the Cordillera Real!

• day 7

  Laguna Chojna Quta - Laguna Jistana Quta

  

  For this morning, you have two options: relax in the sun on the shores of the lake or go visit the Calzada pass. For this second option, you will climb towards Lake Carizal. You will then follow its right bank and continue northeast to the Calzada pass (5050 m), wedged between the Kasiri and Calzada massifs, which peak at 5857 m and 5650 m respectively. Retrace your steps back to Lake Chojña Khota. After lunch, the goal for the afternoon is to reach, for the evening bivouac, the shores of Lake Jistaña Khota. To get there, you will head south and cross a pass located at 5100 m altitude. This is followed by a long descent into the valley to the edge of the lake.

• day 8

  Laguna Jistana Quta - Laguna Chiscacalliuani

  

  We climb along the mountainside, due west, then turn south until we reach the small lake of Niquioyo Khota (4,672 m), dominated to the east by Condor Jipina (5,315 m). A balcony path continues southeast and offers a wide panorama over the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca. Hours of ascents and descents follow to cross two passes: the first at 4,950 m altitude, the second at 5,000 m. To end the day, there remains a descent down a steep scree slope until reaching a narrow valley that shelters a pretty little green lake, with the hard-to-remember name of... Chiscacalliuani.

• day 9

  Laguna Chiscacalliuani - Chacha Kumani River - Pura Purani River - Jayllawa Valley

  

  We set off along the mountainside, heading due south, to reach the Chacha Kumani valley (4,430 m): it is a wide marshy valley that leads to the foot of the imposing glacial massif of the same name. In this valley, we will cross bofedals (marshy areas dotted with giant water-soaked mosses). Then, we will climb northeast, crossing several successive plateaus until we reach a pass at 5,000 m altitude. As we ascend, the view opens up over the imposing Chachacomani glacier (6,074 m). After the pass, a short descent leads to the Pura Purani valley. Continue southeast along the mountainside to cross 3 small successive passes and reach the Rio Jayllawaya valley (4,480 m).

• day 10

  Rio Chacha Kumani - Wara Warani Lagoon - Kunu Pampa - Khotia Lagoon

  

  We start this day with a steep climb that joins the upper plateau leading to Lake Wara Warani (4,620 m). The route then becomes easier along the stream to the bottom of the valley, heading northeast. We pass a rocky barrier to reach the level of Lake Wara Warani, located at 4,930 m. This lake is nestled at the foot of the Wara Warani glacier and is divided into two parts of different colors. The glacier falls into a small lake with turquoise waters, while the other part of the lake offers an intense blue water. Very surprising and magical! After admiring the beauty of the place, we have to go around the lake to the right and climb southeast towards a steep pass (5,050 m) overlooking the Kunu Pampa glacier. The descent is through scree, along the glacier tongue, and leads to a valley at about 4,760 m altitude. After crossing this valley, continue southeast; a final obstacle appears: the Minchin pass (5,000 m). Once the pass is crossed, the descent is easy down to Lake Khotia (4,450 m).

• day 11

  Khotia Lagoon - Ajwani Lagoon

  

  From the Khotia lagoon, the trail will now be well marked up to the Chiarkhota lagoon. We start the day by heading due south along the mountainside. We then arrive at the Paso Contador pass (4760 m altitude), which offers a beautiful view over a wide valley. From there, you can see a large lake called Alka Quta, located at the site of the former Palcoco mine. We descend into the valley and cross a semi-marshy area, near the Surakhota lagoon (4410 m altitude), before continuing straight ahead, heading southeast. We then have to climb up along the mountainside again before reaching the Ajwani lagoon ("lagoon of the birds", 4615 m altitude).

• day 12

  Laguna Ajwani - Laguna Jurikhota

  

  The Ajwani Lagoon is a pretty little lake where many ducks nest. The place is peaceful and invites contemplation. However, we must continue our journey, heading southeast along the mountainside. We will still have beautiful views of Lake Ajawani before crossing into the next valley. We reach the Milluni Pass, located at 4910 m altitude, before descending to the Sistaña Lagoon (4670 m altitude). We continue our way to the southeast and climb a second pass, the Janchallani Pass, located at 4885 m altitude. We then discover the Condoriri massif, one of the most beautiful glaciers in the Cordillera. We then descend to the Jurikhota Lagoon (4700 m altitude), nestled in a narrow valley. The Head and the Left Wing of the Condor tower over the lake. We can make out the path that runs along the lagoon on the left and climbs up the moraine to the foot of the glacier. The views are breathtaking! The next day promises to be splendid.

• day 13

  Jurikhota Lagoon - Frozen Lagoon - Austria Pass - Chiarkhota Lagoon

  

  We start this day by walking along the lake, on its right bank, to reach the moraine. Then, we climb up to Laguna Congelada at 4880 m altitude. The place is simply magical. The lake is magnificent, the Condoriri glacier ends its course in its turquoise waters. The vertical walls of the Left Wing and the Head of the Condor look frightening from our trail. A break is necessary to contemplate this place before continuing on our way. We then turn southeast to climb among the rocks towards the pass. The ascent is quite steep and requires us to be vigilant. We arrive at Col Austria, located at 5140 m altitude. If you still have some strength left, it is highly recommended to make a round trip to Pic Austria before descending into the next valley. It is the rocky peak that dominates the pass on your right. It rises to 5300 m altitude. You will have to tackle a steep climb in a scree, but the effort is worth it. This Pic Austria is a true viewpoint for the Condoriri. The views are breathtaking over the glacial massif. All that remains is to descend, heading southeast from the pass, to reach Laguna Chiarkhota (4680 m alt.), base camp of the Condoriri and Pequeño Alpamayo.

• day 14

  Chiarkhota Lagoon - Wichu Khota Lagoon

  

  We head due East to reach the Jallayko pass (5025 m alt.) at the foot of the Aiguille Noire. As we gain altitude, the Pequeño Alpamayo glacier appears. On the other side of the pass, the glaciers give way to a more mineral universe. We then descend the valley due South, before reaching Laguna Tuni. We gain altitude again towards the southeast, on our left, by reaching the Tillipata pass (5000 m alt.). The ascent to the pass offers a beautiful perspective on the different lakes below and the imposing Huayna Potosi nearby, just behind the summit of Maria Lloco. We descend to the edge of Laguna Wichu Khota to set up camp there.

• day 15

  Wichu Khota Lagoon, field, canal

  

  The path passes through multiple lagoons before reaching the former Santa Fe mine camp. Then, our route continues southeast along the drivable track. To spice up the day a bit, you can climb up to a small summit to get a panoramic view of the different lagoons. The path will then continue along the drivable track to the Campo Canal camp. There, you shouldn't miss the walk to the Huayna Potosi Glacier Lagoon. The best way is to head towards the glacier, to the northeast, on the right side of the valley. Gain a bit of elevation to reach a canal that will take you to the lake at around 4905 m altitude. You will then be at the foot of the west face of Huayna Potosi, a 900 m cliff up to the main summit. Both splendid and frightening!

• day 16

  Campo Canal refuge Casa Blanca La Paz

  

  We tackle our final pass by climbing, heading southeast, towards the Paso Miluni located at 5000 m altitude. It will offer you beautiful views of the west face of Huayna Potosi. Then, we go around the glacial massif to pass onto its eastern side and reach the Casa Blanca refuge, located at 4795 m altitude. Our journey ends here, at the foot of Huayna Potosi. You will be able to observe the normal ascent route and may even want to try it! Otherwise, a vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to civilization, to the city of La Paz.