Illampu Trekking - Cordillera Real

The Illampu Circuit comprises a complete journey around the Illampu peak, including several passes at more than 4,000 masl. Located in a fairly remote area, you will walk through Aymara lands and have the opportunity to marvel at one of the most imposing snow-capped peaks in Bolivia. With these beautiful and panoramic views, you will encounter glaciers, hot springs, lagoons, and rivers. The suitable time to visit the Cordillera Real is between April and December. The rainy season, especially January and February, is highly discouraged for outdoor activities.

Duration 8 days / 7 nights

Location La Paz, Bolivia

Difficulty Moderate

Season April to December

Departure Point La Paz, Bolivia

Day 1. La Paz – Sorata – Lachathiya 3,850 masl.

At 07:00 am, we depart from La Paz in private transport passing through the beautiful landscape of the Cordillera Real, passing near Lake Titicaca, and then through the town of Achacachi and Warisata. From there, the imposing Illampu and Ancohuma peaks can be observed. During the trek, we enjoy the beautiful landscape of Sorata and the majestic Illampu before arriving at the first camp in Lachathiya at 3,850 masl.

Day 2. Lachathiya – Ancohuma 3,550 masl.

At 8:00 am, after breakfast, we begin the trekking ascending towards the Ancohuma pass at 4,749 masl. From here, one can observe the landscape of the high valleys of Sorata, rich in Andean flora and fauna, before descending to the camp at 3,900 masl.

Day 3. Ancohuma – Cocoyo 3,850 masl.

At 8:00 am, after breakfast, we begin the walk to the Kurahuasi pass at 4,479 masl. We then descend to the river. After passing through the village of Cocoyo, we continue to the campsite at 3,850 masl. Approximately 6 hours of trekking.

Day 4. Cocoyo – Chajolpaya 3,700 masl.

At 8:00 am, we begin the trekking to the Sarani pass at 4,500 masl. From there, we can observe the Wara Warani (Negruni) peaks, the Chajolpaya river, the Calzada peak, and a variety of local forestation and animals.

Day 5. Chajolpaya – Chujna Quta Lagoon 4,100 masl.

At 8:00 am, after breakfast, we begin the trek towards the Calzada pass at 4,900 masl, near the glaciers of the Kasiri and Calzada mountains. We then descend to the campsite near Chujna Quta lagoon at 4,100 masl. The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours.

Day 6. Chujna Quta Lagoon – Wara Warani 3,900 masl.

At 8:00 am, after breakfast, we begin the trekking towards the San Francisco lagoon, a beautiful area where we have lunch very close to the local hot springs. We then continue to the Wara Warani camp. The walk takes approximately 6 hours.

Day 7. Wara Warani – Millipaya – La Paz

On this last day of trekking, we prepare all the camping gear and begin descending towards the town of Millipaya through abandoned mines and small mining villages dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Upon reaching Millipaya, our transport awaits to return to the La Paz city hotel.

Day 8. La Paz – El Alto Airport

Transfer from the hotel to El Alto airport. End of our services.

What’s Included

Airport pickup in El Alto
Last day transfer from hotel to the airport
Private transport from La Paz to Sorata
Private return transport from Millipaya to La Paz
Trekking Guide
Food: lunch, dinner, and breakfast
Cook
Mules
Muleteer staff
Camping equipment: personal tent, kitchen tent, and dining tent
Kitchen equipment and gas
Boiled water to fill your bottle every morning for the day
Camping tables
Camping benches
Basic first aid kit

Not Included

International flights
Hotel in La Paz
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Warm clothing
National park fees
40-liter backpack
Snacks, chocolates, etc.
Personal insurance

Booking Conditions

We recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure a better price for you. Prices may vary according to the reservation date and the number of people. After we have reached an agreement on the total expedition price for each program we offer, you may book with a 40% deposit of the total agreed sum for the services.

This reservation will cover the following:

Securing your spot for the scheduled date.
Making transfer ticket reservations for Lima - Huaraz / Huaraz - Lima.
Making hotel reservations for the scheduled dates of your arrival in Lima and Huaraz, according to the itinerary.
Making reservations for guides, assistants, and/or staff for the scheduled date.

The remaining 60% will be paid in Huaraz after you have checked into your hotel. To begin the organization of your expeditions, please contact us for more information.

There are 02 rescue units in Huaraz

National Police Rescue Squadron, based in the city of Yungay (very close to Huascarán mountain). Phone numbers: 043-493292 / 043-493333. They also have 02 helicopters available.
Casa de Guías Rescue Unit, based in the city of Huaraz (Parque Ginebra s/n). The rescue cost must be budgeted beforehand, and if a helicopter is required, it will also be necessary to pay for the service in advance. Website: agmp.pe

For more information, please contact us.