Cordillera Real Traverse, Bolivia
Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
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Strenuous
Suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.
Find out more...
Strenuous
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- Duration: 22 days from the UK
- On trek: 13 days Walks on: 2 days
Flight inclusive from £3775, Land only from £2625
The classic Bolivian trek, renowned for its spectacular beauty and astonishing tranquillity
Highlights
- Trek in some of the most remote, wild and spectacular scenery in South America
- Acclimatise with an excellent programme of day walks and visits to cultural attractions
- Spend time at Copacabana and the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca
- Visit the vast archaeological site of Tiwanco
- Enjoy a full-service camping trek and comfortable hotels elsewhere
The Cordillera Real – the 'Royal Range' - is the longest mountain range in the country and forms the backbone of the Bolivian highlands. It was so named by the Spanish conquistadors because of its majestic appearance when seen from the Altiplano, the high plateau that runs south from Peru. The Cordillera Real extends for 160 km/100 miles from north to south from Illampu to Illimani, the latter peak dominating the skyline of La Paz. It is home to the Aymara speaking people who are descendants of the Tiahuanaco Empire, the longest running Andean civilisation, which provided the inspiration for the better known, but less extensive and short-lived Inca Empire. The Cordillera Real trek offers the opportunity to make a challenging trek in a spectacularly beautiful part of the world.
Your trip begins with a carefully crafted acclimatisation programme. You will spend time relaxing and walking around Lake Titicaca and on the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) - home to the Andean creation legends. This will provide a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the simple farming and fishing life of the Aymara communities who live here, a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. You will also enjoy the splendid views of the Cordillera Real across the lake.
Your trek starts near the small colonial town of Sorata and this new route traverses along the western side of Cordillera Real following a different route than the classic 'Transcordillera' on the eastern side. The reason why we do not follow the old route any more is because the trail has been destroyed in several sections to build mining roads. Only for the last five days of the trek do we re-join the classic route, but even in this section we do not strictly follow the standard route. Perhaps with the exception of the campsite at Condoriri base camp, the rest of the route remains infrequently travelled and remarkably deserted. Since the Bolivian Andes are some of the most untouched and under-trekked mountains on earth, you will not find any trekking lodges or tourism infrastructure.
Most trekking days include a steep pass, on many days crossing two over 5,000m, and each day brings fresh views of new mountain groups and different views of the highlands and Lake Titicaca. In the valleys you pass by small traditional farmsteads where potatoes are cultivated and llamas herded.
At a glance
Strenuous
Duration: 22 days from the UK
On trek: 13 days Walks on: 2 days
Max. Altitude: 5,396m/17,698ft, Pico Austria (optional), day 18
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Camping
Meal arrangements: B&B in La Paz, breakfast and lunches in Copacabana, all meals elsewhere (20 x breakfasts, 17 x lunches, 14 x dinners).
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Fly To La Paz. Transfer to Hotel. |
| 3-4 | Drive to Copacabana for acclimatisation and sightseeing, with visit to Tiwanco en route. |
| 5-6 | Drive to Sampaya. Walks on the Isla Del Sol. Visit Isla De La Luna. Drive to Huatajata. |
| 7 | Drive to Sorata Valley. Begin trek and walk to camp above Llojena. |
| 8-10 | Trek to Lake San Francisco, Ajoyani and Jistaña Lagoon. |
| 11-12 | Trek to Kelluani Valley and on to Chachacomani River. |
| 13 | Rest day and local exploration. |
| 14-15 | Trek to Jaillawaya River and Koatia across two high passes. |
| 16-17 | Trek to Laguna Alka Quota then cross two further passes to reach Laguna Jurikhota. |
| 18 | Trek to Laguna Chiar Khota and Condoriri Base Camp. Optional ascent to Pico Austria 5,396m/17,698ft. |
| 19-20 | End trek at Condiriri Valley. Drive to La Paz. Day at leisure. |
| 21-22 | Transfer to airport. Fly back to London. |
Leader: Local leader, Bolivia
Your trek leader will normally be either Jose Camarlinghi or Javier Thellaeche (pictured), our colleagues in Bolivia. Alternatively, it will be another experienced guide appointed by them.
Javier Thellaeche: Trained by the German Alpine Club (DAV), Javier was certified as a mountain guide’s instructor in 1984 and has been working as a professional mountain guide since then. He has lead groups around the Andes (Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Argentina) and in the Himalayas. In 2005 Javier achieved the highest worldwide certification: the International Mountain Guides Association (IMGA, UIAGM, IVBV) credential. He speaks Spanish, English and Italian. Javier worked for many years as IT specialist. Besides guiding he is the main expert constructor and consultant of “Bolivian Adventure Consultants”.
Jose Camarlinghi: Jose's love of nature and mountains started with his first visit to the Andes when he was 14 years old. Since then the 'Call of the Hills' has not diluted and he has dedicated his life to work as a mountain guide. Proper training for Jose started in 1984 with the aid of the German government and the German Alpine Club (DAV). Then a group of Bolivians were certified as mountain guide’s instructors. After many years of negotiation, Bolivia succeeded in becoming a member of the International Mountain Guides Association (IMGA, UIAGM, IVBV) in 2005. Jose then achieved his international Certification. He has studied film making and holds a Masters degree on script writing and has worked on some documentary projects with the BBC. He has led trekking and climbing groups in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile and speaks Spanish, English and French.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London for La Paz.
You depart London today by overnight flight to La Paz.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive El Alto Airport, La Paz, 4,100m/13,452ft. Group transfer to hotel in La Paz city, 3,600m/9,870ft.
From El Alto airport (the highest international airport in the world at 4,100m/13,450ft), you will be transferred directly to La Paz, approximately 30 - 40 minutes, which lies in a canyon below, at a mere 3,600m/9,870ft. There are tremendous views of the city dominated by Mount Illimani as you descend. You will go directly to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure, but we recommend that you rest and acclimatise. Drink copious amounts of water, or coca tea, the traditional preventative for 'soroche' (altitude sickness). Careful acclimatisation is important when visiting Bolivia given the high altitude reached immediately on arrival. Any initial discomfort should pass swiftly if care is taken. Do not worry however, the first few days of the itinerary have been carefully planned to allow for good acclimatisation before you begin trekking.
Lunch and dinner are not included today, but your guide can make recommendations on where eat.
Overnight: El Museo Hotel Boutique Or Similar, La Paz
Day 3 - Drive to Copacabana, 3,850m/12,631ft - 4-5 hours. With visit to Tiwanku en route.
In the morning you will drive to Copacabana which takes around 4 hours. On the way you will visit Tiwanku, a Pre-Columbian archaeological site. This is a huge complex with ruins of monumental structures and megalithic blocks covering 4 square kilometres.
Later, you will continue to Copacabana, a town overlooking the west, Peruvian, shores of Titicaca. Copacabana. There is the belief that the name is derived from the Aymara words "kota kahuana", meaning "view of the lake." Nevertheless, the social scientist Mario Montaño Aragón, found in the "archives of Indias" in Sevilla, Spain, a completely different history: "Kotakawana" is the god of fertility in ancient Andean mythology, the equivalent to the classical Greek goddess Aphrodite or the Roman Venus. This god is androgynous and lives in the lake, and his court consists of creatures (male and female) that are represented in colonial sculptures and in Catholic churches.
Overnight: Hotel Gloria Or Similar, Casablanca
Day 4 - Day to acclimatise in Copacabana. Visit cathedral and stations of the cross.
Copacabana is primarily a pilgrimage center, with its main plaza dominated by the Moorish-style Cathedral. Originally built between 1610 and 1620, now much restored, it houses the Virgen de Candelaria, Bolivia's Patron saint. Every Sunday people bring their cars and trucks to be blessed in front of the cathedral as an extra form of spiritual insurance. It is a colourful event with the vehicles decked with flowers, ribbons and balloons. Depending on the owner's preference, holy water, or alcohol and firecrackers are used for blessings (in Bolivia, Catholicism and ancient Andean beliefs are often intertwined).
Copacabana has a beach, so in addition to it being a pilgrimage centre, it could potentially class itself as a 'resort'. The name Copacabana was taken to Brazil by a priest who took with him a reproduction of the Madonna from this town. Unlike its counterpart in Brazil however you will not find beach volleyball a popular activity; but the sight of pedallos for hire at over 3,810m/12,500 feet is certainly different.
Today you will explore the town and may walk up Cerro Calvario pausing at the Stations of the Cross. This hill sits on a headland, which overlooks the town and the port.
Overnight: Hotel Gloria Or Similar, Casablanca
Day 5 - Drive to Sampaya - 1½ hours. Walk to Yampupata - 3-4 hours. Motor boat to Isla del Sol. Walk to lodge - 6km, 1 hour.
In the morning you will drive to Sampaya (1½ hours), your journey taking you over a 4,000m/13,120ft ridge. After a brief stop in the village you will trek to Yampupata (3-4 hours) - this walk takes you along a peninsula and the views of the lake and mountains beyond are tremendous.
In Yampupata, you will meet your boatman who will take you, by motor-boat, across to the Island of the Sun, a short journey of about 30 minutes. It is difficult to believe that these cobalt-blue waters are 3,810m/12,500ft above sea level. To the east the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Real appear to rise out of the lake. Because of the clear sky and thin air they appear much closer than they actually are. In the evening the snow peaks glow with the sun's setting rays.
The original name for the Island of the Sun was 'Titi Karka' or 'Titi Kachi' meaning 'The rock of the Puma'; the Spanish adopted this and used it to refer to the whole lake. You will land by the Inca ruins of Pilcocaina Palace, supposedly the 'Summer Palace' of the Emperor and then walk to your destination for the night. On the way you will pass by the Fuente del Inca - a pure spring with stone Inca steps leading up to it.
Overnight: Palla Khasa Lodge Or Similar, Isla Del Sol
Day 6 - Walk on Isla Del Sol - 3-4 hours. Motorboat to Isla de la Luna – 1½ hours. Visit Temple of the Virgins. Drive To Huatajata - 3 hours.
Your objective is to reach the northwest end of the island where you can visit a sacred rock, which was worshipped as the birthplace of the first Incas: Manco Kapac and Mama Oclo, son and daughter of Viracocha. You will also have time to visit the ruins of Chincana.
The walk to the northern end of the island takes approximately 3-4 hours (all walk times include provision for breaks). Although more frequently visited these days, the island is a quiet and beautiful place. It is a great location in which to continue your acclimatisation. (Highest point on trek: 4,065m/13,337ft).
After lunch you will make a short boat crossing of less than an hour to visit the Isla de la Luna (Moon Island - whose original name is Koati). Here you will visit the ruins of the Temple of the Nustas, where once Inca virgins spent their lives adoring the Sun God Inti. Although they may have been occasionally sacrificed, they probably spent most of their lives involved in less sacred tasks like chewing corn to make chicha (an alcoholic drink still made in the Andes using the same technique), weaving cloth and acting as concubines for Inca royalty. Unfortunately, the main temple was converted into an open prison in the 1940s by one of Bolivia's many military regimes and many of the stones were pillaged to build houses for the guards. Nevertheless, it is still a good place to admire the precision of Inca stone cutting.
Returning by boat to the mainland you will pick up your transport and drive to Huatajata, another Indian village on the shores of Titicaca. After dinner you may enjoy a short folk music show at the hotel's restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Inka Utama or Similar
Day 7 - Drive to Sorata Valley – 2-3 hours. Start trek, 3,947m/13,038ft – 10.3km, 5 hours. Camp above Llojena, 4,050m/13,287ft.
You will pick up your transport for the 2-3 hour drive to Sorata Valley. Your drive takes you along the shores of Lake Titicaca through small fishing and farming communities before joining the paved road to the town of Achacachi, which is well-known for its political militancy. You will stop for lunch as you follow the north-eastern shore of the lake and thereafter head into Sorata
From Lake Titicaca the Cordillera Real appears to lie just across the Altiplano, however there is a set of deep hidden valleys between the two and you will drive down into these. Sorata valley runs around the Cordillera Real and takes the waters to the Amazon basin. The valley is warmer and the vegetation lush by comparison. Sorata valley was a trading centre for coca, quinine and rubber - commodities brought up and over the Andes from the cloud forests and jungles to the east. Before getting too low inside the valley you will start hiking at 3974 m. The first part follows a wide ridge in front of the gigantic Illampu and Jankohuma massif. The views are wide open and show how great the Andean mountains are. The trail will pass by ancient terraces that are still cultivated. A long traverse will take you at the village of Llojena. Camp will be set up at 4,050m on the hills above the village.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 - Trek to San Francisco Lake - approximately 12km, 7-8 hours.
Today's route will also follow an easy terrain ascending gradually along the valley of Sorata river towards the pass, 4,921m/16,140ft. On the way you will follow on and off llama paths traversing large areas of low grass where, if you look closely, you can spot the paths of ancient aqueducts, almost disappeared.
During today's walk you will enjoy great views of the mountains: Jankouma, Wakana, 6,200m/20,336ft, Kasiri, 5,857m/19,211ft and Janko Piti, 5,725m/18,778ft, actually each one of them part of very complex groups of mountains; each one with its own valleys, glaciers and several peaks (some of them still unclimbed). To the west the views of the immensely open high lands of the 'Altiplano' with Lake Titicaca in the background are overwhelming. You can clearly recognize the town of Achacachi in the plains (main settlement in the area) and the Islands of the Sun and the Moon in Lake Titicaca. The Indigenous people of this land belong to an ancient ethnic group named 'Omasuyus'.
Your campsite, 4,639m/15,216ft, will be located in a grassy spot in a valley leading towards the southern slopes of Jankouma Mountain, the same valley that in 1900, Sir Martin Conway trekked through during the first attempt to climb Ancouma Mountain.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 - Trek to Chojna Kota, 4,685m/15,367ft, via High Point, 5,174m/16,975ft - 6-7 hours.
There is normally so much water in this valley that the swampy grassland basically covers the whole valley from side to side, which makes crossing the short distance to the other side a real challenge. The contrast of the yellow valley and the colourful slopes of the mountain with the white of the glaciers deserves a picture stop. Once on the other side, you start the ascent to a magnificent view point at 5,174m/16,975ft, on a rocky ridge on the south-eastern flank of Kasiri Mountain. From this point you will have a superb view of the huge Jankouma massif and the mountains of Cordillera Real. On a clear day you can see Sajama volcano, 6,549m/21,480ft - this extinct volcano is Bolivia's highest mountain, 6,549m/21,486ft - almost 250km to the south. The topography of the ridges and valleys on the western slopes of Cordillera Real is quite complex, which means that although every day we will mention one or two mountain passes to cross, in fact you will cross several side valleys and therefore ascend to several high points on the way.
Camp will be set near the shores of Chojña Kota (Green Lagoon), 4,685m/15,367ft. This valley leads towards Calzada pass, the only mountain pass in the Cordillera Real in the region.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10 - Trek to Jistaña Lagoon - approximately 6.5km, 4-5 hours.
A shorter day today, after the three previous exhausting days. Your walk towards the campsite, located in a grassy flat area near Jistaña lagoon, 4,629m/15,183ft, will not follow the easy way but will take a little more interesting one ascending the spectacular view point of Jisca Lluspini, 5,062m/16,603ft. The reason to have a short day is to allow you to have some rest, do some laundry, read a book and enjoy the campsite but, if you are still full of energy this valley is so beautiful that it deserves a short hike to explore the campsite surroundings with great views of new mountains: Calzada, 5,650m/18,532ft, Chearoco, 6,127m/20,101ft, and Chachacomani, 6,074m/19,922ft, two of the six 6,000 metre peaks in Cordillera Real.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11 - Trek across a high pass, 5,063m/16,611ft to the Kelluani Valley - approximately 7.5km, 5-6 hours.
Most of the valleys on this side of Cordillera Real are intensively used by shepherds who take their llama herds up and down the valleys to graze. You will start the day ascending and traversing on a steep slope following narrow llama paths towards the first pass of the day, 5,063m/16,611ft. Further ahead going down to the next valley you will make a stop at one of the most extraordinary viewpoints of Chachacomani Mountain.
At the bottom of the grassy valley near Kelluani river (the river of the sea gulls), you will follow the river as far as a plateau in front of the glaciers. You will be very deep inside the Cordillera Real, surrounded by elegant mountains, rock and ice faces.
Overnight: Camp
Day 12 - Trek to Chachacomani River, 4,426m/14,517ft via a high point of 5,329m/17,481ft - approximately 9.5km, 7-8 hours.
You will take the opposite side of the valley to follow a faint trail that leads to the next mountain pass. A hidden valley will lead high toward a former glacial cirque. After lunch you will arrive at the highest point on the entire trek, 5,329m/17,481ft. The descent on the other side is not an easy one but after a couple of hundred meters of steep terrain on sand and loose rocks you will cross boggy plateaus and later traverse the next ridge slope towards your campsite located at the banks of Chachacomani River, 4,426m/14,517ft; Approximately 9.5 km walk.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13 - Rest day / local exploration.
Today will be a well-deserved rest day and a good opportunity to relax before the rigours of the passes ahead. This is a great spot to enjoy the views and write up diaries. For those who do not wish to rest there is ample opportunity to make a really interesting excursion to explore the upper reaches of the valley.
Overnight: Camp
Day 14 - Trek to Jaillawaya River via pass at 5,047m/15,559ft - approximately 12km, 7-8 hours.
Today you have a long day, not because of the distance, but because of the difficult terrain.The slope to climb is steep, the trails are faint and the terrain is a bit loose, composed of pebbles and sand. The pass, 5,047m/16,559ft, rewards you with another great view of the huge six 'thousanders'. The descent is even more complicated as it has to follow a steep moraine without trails. Camp will be set at the banks of Jaillawaya River, 4,475m/14,678ft, near the junction with Minasa River. Approximately a 12 km walk.
Overnight: Camp
Day 15 - Trek to Koatia over two passes - 7-8 hours.
Another challenging, but rewarding day! Today you will take a direct ascending route towards an immense rocky cirque formed by the western slopes of Wara Warani Mountain which host a beautiful glacial lake, 4,920m/16,137ft. You will contour the lake and ascend to the first pass of the day, 5,047m/16,554ft, from where you will discover new mountains: Willa Lloje, 5,596m/18,354ft and Pako Keuta, 5,589m/18,332ft. After crossing the second pass of 5,010m/16,432ft, you will have a steep but fun descent to Janko Kota valley where you will set camp at 4,439m/14,560ft in a beautiful spot between the colorful Koatia and Kara Kota lagoons. On the way you will spot for the first time the Condoriri group and Huayna Potosi Mountain.
Overnight: Camp
Day 16 - Trek to Laguna Alka Quota, 4,531m/14,866ft - 6-7 hours.
The route for the next four days is part of the classic 'Transcordillera' trek and the trails will mostly be wide and, after so many days walking off-trail, unusually well-trodden. Your day begins from Koatia, gradually ascending towards the highest point of a ridge at 4,750m/15,580ft and then descending to the next valley and covering a long distance to the campsite at the shores of Alka Quota Lagoon, 4,531m/14,866ft. To your east lies the Condoriri group - a major milestone in your journey.
Overnight: Camp
Day 17 - Trek to Laguna Jurikhota - 6-7 hours.
A really sustained high altitude day as you weave your way around the western side the Condiriri group. You cross two passes in quick succession - Paso Sistana, 5,097m/16,718ft, and Paso Jurikhota, 4,936/16,190ft. From the second pass you can get a really good view of Condoriri, arguably Bolivia's most beautiful mountain before descending to the camp by the shore of Laguna Jurikhota, a beautiful spot at 4,695m/15,400ft.
Overnight: Camp
Day 18 - Trek to Laguna Chiar Khota/Condoriri Base Camp, 4,650m/15,257ft - 4-5 hours. Optional peak ascent, 5,396m/17,698ft.
The climb up to today's pass takes you between the rocky peaks of Cerro Ventanani and Janchallani (both 5,400m/17,712ft). From the col you gain good views of the glaciers and snowfields of Ala Izquierda, 5,532m/18,149ft and Cabeza de Condor, 5,658m/18,530ft. These two along with Ala Derecha, 5,482m/17,985ft, form the famous view of the Condoriri group - from which it takes its name - best seen once you have descended from the pass to your camp beside Chiar Khota. From here the mountains resemble a condor's head flanked by outstretched wings.
Depending on time and conditions, it may be possible to deviate from the pass at the col and ascend Pico Austria, 5,396m/17,698ft. An easy path zigzags its way up this rocky mountain to its summit, from which the views north encompass most of the mountains you have passed on your journey to date. The path is distinct because it is often used by climbers who are looking to acclimatise before tackling the popular climbing peaks in the Condoriri group. This would entail an extra 2-3 hours of trekking.
This evening you will camp by Laguna Chiar Khota, 4,650m/15,257ft, and will probably share your campsite with others for the first and only time on this trip, for this is the base camp area for the climbing community (although their approach route is different).
Overnight: Camp
Day 19 - Trek to Condoriri Valley - 2 hours. Transfer to La Paz, 3,500m/11,500ft - 2-3 hours.
After breakfast, you will depart for the final section of your trek which takes you down to the entrance of the Condoriri Valley, a walk of around 2 hours.
Your vehicles will be waiting for you by the entrance of the Conodiriri Valley. Having said your goodbyes to your muleteers, or llama drivers, you will drive back to La Paz. Very quickly you will feel that you are leaving the wild mountains behind, although you can see the West face of Huayna Potosi, the most popular 6,000m+ mountain in Bolivia.
It takes about three hours to drive back to central La Paz via El Alto, where you will be suddenly transported into a world of hot water, bustling traffic and noisy commerce.
Overnight: El Museo Hotel Boutique Or Similar, La Paz
Day 20 - Free day in La Paz.
Today is a free day to explore La Paz and there is plenty to do and see. You may wish to stroll down the main thoroughfare, El Prado, which forms the backbone of the city, feed the pigeons in Plaza Murillo, home to the National Assembly and official Presidential Residence, or visit the splendid colonial church of San Francisco and the myriad markets in the streets above it.
In addition, there are a variety of museums to visit including the Museo National del Arte which is housed in one of the finest examples of what little colonial architecture is left in La Paz - the old Palacio de los Condes de Arena (dating from 1775).
La Paz is a great city for market enthusiasts. In fact, the whole city is almost one big street-market. From the Mercado de Hechiceria (the Witches Market where various potions and 'mesas', amulets and even dried llama foetuses are dispensed) to the vibrant food market, you will encounter 'chola' ladies manning the stalls. These are formidable commercial women, whose dress is highly distinctive, a voluminous skirt (pollera), fringed shawl (manta) topped off with an undersized bowler hat balanced aloft with great dexterity
Overnight: El Museo Hotel Boutique Or Similar, La Paz
Day 21 - Group transfer to El Alto airport for flight to London.
You will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Do not be unnerved by the amount of time it takes your plane to get airborne. At this altitude you need to rumble down the runway for ages (you will not run out of runway - it is 7km long). Long distance flights out of the country have to route via Santa Cruz in the Bolivian lowlands, an hour away, to refuel since it is not possible for some aircraft to get airborne with a full complement of fuel and passengers.
Overnight: In flight
Day 22 - Arrive London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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What’s included
- A Local English-speaking leader
- Economy class return air fares from the UK to La Paz & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel accommodation in La Paz, twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- Best available hotels in outlying towns on full board
- All camping facilities and all meals on trek
- Camp staff to carry out all camp work
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Costs of all porterage and staff insurance
- Sightseeing where specified
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project for clients taking our flight inclusive option
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees where applicable
- Overseas airport departure taxes where applicable
- Lunches and dinners in La Paz and dinners in Copacabana
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 6 reviews)
Spectacular mountains, which are virtually deserted. Be prepared for days with no tracks, but superb views. A must are four season bag, good puffa jacket.... when sun goes down the temperature plummets. Very knowledgeable guide and excellent cook. If you love the mountains and deserted walking it’s a must.
We have just completed (Sept. 2018) the Cordillera Real Traverse, the classic Bolivian 120-km long trek in some of the most spectacular scenery in South America. We truly were wandering through the fields of wonder...miles of undulating hills, pristine valleys still owned by their original residents, glaciers-capped mountains, turquoise lakes – landscape so raw and untouched that it commands silence as not to taint its mystery by language. The trek offers what many seasoned trekkers dream of – solitude, wilderness, remoteness and the natural beauty that can restore the sense of balance, mental clarity and equanimity. Mind you, this trek is a tough one – there are no maps, signs, markings or established trails. You move through this vast landscape off-trail, following your guide whose judgements you don’t question. We entrusted our guide Jose Camarlinghi early on, recognizing his skills in traversing the land with an intuitive ease backed by his intimate familiarity with every turn, nook and corner of the entirety of this long path. His calm presence helped quell some anxieties about the not knowing or the more challenging, “What have I gotten myself into?” moments. I lift my hat and bow, Jose. Our local crew looked after us exceptionally well and made the experience even more special. The organization of the trip was impeccable. The only recommendations/changes I would suggest could be spending two nights at La Estancia rather than in Copacabana, and upgrading the hotel in La Paz. This trek would rank as one of my favourite, best ever experiences. I cannot recommend this trip with the Mountain Kingdoms more highly. Liz Kwas, Ottawa, Canada
A remote, stunningly beautiful trek at altitude in untrodden mountain scenery. Jose and Raimundo were superb guides and the standard of food on trek was excellent. This is a tough trek but very rewarding - be prepared for adventure and the chance to climb Pico Austria at 5,396m/17,698 ft
The trek cook was brilliant; the holiday was a really good trip with good quality hotels and accommodation.
The trip was well-organised, we had a small group and personal service. The food during the trek was the best ever! The cook deserves a medal.