Climbing

pequeno Alpamayo

A very good acclimatisation trek/climb in the fantastic Condoriri valley. This is in fact the first 3 days of the 5 day Condoriri package, but would serve as an ideal practise route if you plan to climb a higher peak in another area. Alternatively, it is a perfect introduction to the ice for those with little or no experience - don't underestimate it though!

Itinerary

DAY ONE

Early departure from La Paz to the rinconada ranch where the vehicle drops us off. Then, after rounding up a team of llamas or mules for our gear, we have a 1 ½ hour trek to the Chair Khota Lagoon (4,630m), where we will set up our base camp. In the afternoon we may make an acclimatisation trek up to the Mirador peak, at 4,900m.

DAY TWO

A day at the base of the glacier, practising basic and more advanced techniques on the ice. If time and strength allows, we may make our way towards the Ilusion Peak, as an additional form of acclimatisation. An early return to base camp will give us the time to prepare for our main objective tomorrow.

DAY THREE

Early departure (5.00am). Our first route is to climb the Pico Tarija (5,300m) beyond which we will continue down then back up to PEQUEÑO ALPAMAYO (5,350m). Our return is by the same route, back to base camp and then onto the rinconada where our vehicle will be waiting.

Did you know?

PEQUEÑO ALPAMAYO, after Huayna Potosi, is the second most popular peak in the Bolivian Andes, with around a dozen people attempting the summit every morning during high season. Don't let that put you off though, it lies within the Condoriri valley, where you have 13 different peaks to choose from, all starting from the same base camp - and a beautiful setting at that.

"A very good experience, we had a very nice time with the whole team"
Jette Pedersen, Norway. Pequeno Alpamayo and Huayna Potosi – August 2005

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