Bolivia  Trek and Climbs Dossier 2002

For dates and prices please return to the Bolivia Trek and Climbs front page

This two part itinerary will spend a week trekking and climbing in the remote Cordillera Apolobamba before moving to the remote western desert of Bolivia where we will be based in the Sajama National Park. From the village of Sajama we will climb a big peak on the border with Chile, one of the highest in the Cordillera Occidental - Volcan Parinacota 6342m. Parinacota is a beautiful symmetric volvanic cone with an incredible summit crater over 300m deep. It is still believed to be active, although it has not erupted for many centuries. The peak is a very easy ascent suitable for anyone with some hillwalking or trekking experience.

Before climbing this big peak we will spend ten days in the lower mountains of the Cordillera Apolobamba north of La Paz. These mountains are a very quiet and beautiful part of the Andes and we will do the short trek from Curva to Pelechuco. We will also have time to spare during this trek to climb a couple of 5000-5500m peaks as a warm up for our ascent of Parinacota volcano.

In our opinion these two areas of Bolivia are amongst the most beautiful and interesting in the Andes. Both are excellent areas for seeing wildlife and during our time in Bolivia we are almost certain to see much of the unusual wildlife including condors, llamas and vicuñas, rheas, hummingbirds and giant coots.

The expedition will fly out to La Paz (3700m), the capital of Bolivia, and the first few days will be based in the city. These days will give us a chance to acclimatise and also to see Lake Titicaca, the pre-Inca ruins at Tiahuanaco and to explore the fascinating city itself.

Climbing high on Volcan Parinacota

La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and the world's highest capital city. With a population of about one million it is still a relatively small and pleasant city. The nearby mountains provide fresh air and the city has a reasonably agreeable climate. It gets warm in the sun during the day but, because of the altitude, quite cold every night.

The main business district with its modern skyscrapers is set at about 3700m in the bottom of a canyon. The city stretches up and down the canyon from here; the rich live over 500m lower in the suburb of La Florida; the poorest people, mostly indigenous, live on the steep sides of the canyon and up in the district of El Alto on the edge of the 'Altiplano' by the airport and over 4100m above sea level.

There are many fascinating things to see in this unusual city. Steep cobbled streets wind through colourful markets selling almost everything: alpaca jumpers, hundreds of kinds of potato, plastic buckets, car batteries and coca leaves. There are also all the regular things to do and see in a capital city; there are some beautiful churches and colonial buildings and museums showing artefacts from the Inca civilisation and the other previous civilisations to have inhabited Bolivia.

The beautiful Lago Titicaca

The ruins of Tiahuanaco make an interesting short day trip from La Paz which we will take during our first days in the city. The ruins are from several different civilisations preceding the Incas; the site was first used almost three thousand years ago. There are many compounds and much terracing to be seen as well as a few giant monolithic stone carvings and an impressive gateway.

A full day tour to Lago Titicaca is also included. Titicaca is famous as the world's highest navigable lake and it is certainly one of the most beautiful. The waters are clear and blue and there are fine views to the snow capped mountains of the northern Cordillera Real. We will take a short cruise on the lake to see some of the reed boats and islands and have fresh caught trout for lunch (this is unavoidable when you go to Lago Titicaca). The cost of both these tours is included in our price.

The climbing phase of the expedition will be based in the wee village of Sajama in the high 'Altiplano' in the remote western region of Bolivia. The village is set in stunning scenery under the peak of Sajama, the highest mountain in Bolivia. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming. They still mainly make a living from traditional agriculture including llama and alpaca herding, but tourism is now bringing in some more money for these very poor people.

The surrounding area is given some protection by a national park and is one of the best areas in the Andes for seeing wildlife. We are likely to see vicuñas, rheas, condors and many species of geese and duck.

Parinacota volcano, pictured on our front cover, is a beautiful symmetrical cone, covered in pure white snow. It is the worlds highest volcanic cone and one of the worlds ten highest volcanoes. At 6342m it is also one of the highest peaks in this part of the Andes and the views from the summit out across the 'Altiplano' and down into the deep volcanic crater are superb. We'll climb the mountain by the south or south east flank depending on snow conditions, crossing an extensive lava desert of pumice with relics of old lava flows to a high camp at 5500m, then climbing to the summit in one long day.

Trekking in the southern Cordillera Apolobamba

Day 1 w Drive to Curva and short walk to camp. 1-2 hours

Day 2 w Over two 4900m passes to a beautiful campsite at 4600m below Cuchillo peak. About 5 hours.

Day 3 w Ascent of 5000m peak or optional rest day

Day 4 w Over the Paso Sunchuli, the highest pass on the trek at 5100m then along sections of Inca road to the village of Illo Illo. 7 hours

Day 5 w Over one final pass to reach the village of Pelechuco at 3600m. About 6 hours.

Day 6 w Walk up the Rio Nakara into the heart of the Cordillera Apolobamba.

Day 7 w Spare day or rest day.

Day 8 w Ascent of easy glacier peak above Nakara valley, e.g Mirador 5400m.

Day 9 w Rest day or further ascents

Day 10 w Walk out to Pelechuco and return travel to La Paz

Top of Page

This expedition is scheduled during the dry season in this part of the Andes and we can expect long periods of stable weather. However there will sometimes be high winds and light snow flurries. Though it is the height of the dry season it is also midwinter in Bolivia; during the day it normally feels pleasantly warm in the strong sunshine, but at night temperatures at altitude go down to -10°C during the 12 hours of darkness. Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good book!

On this type of expedition there are inevitably some hardships which clients must be prepared to face in return for the great rewards of climbing such high mountains. Cold nights, cold washing water and some tinned and dried food are a few of the experiences which will have to be enjoyed or endured.

Clients should preferably be experienced hillwalkers or trekkers though we can take people with good fitness but little previous experience. Previous experience of using an ice-axe and crampons  is not essential as the peaks are very straightforward and adequate instruction can be given during the course of the expedition.

Expedition members need to be reasonably fit as we will be walking and climbing at moderately high altitudes. But we should stress that you don't need to be an olympic athlete!

The ruins at Tiahuanaco near La Paz

Top of Page

Flights from London to La Paz cost around £800. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and most customers find it convenient as we are then all booked to fly out on the same plane. If you prefer you are welcome to arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION

While we're in cities such as La Paz we use a clean and secure hotel, with hot showers and all the other comforts of home. It will be possible to leave some extra luggage and clean clothes here when we go off to the mountains. In and around Sajama and in Pelechuco we stay in very primitive (but clean) accommodation - it's all there is in these remote parts of the world. We will be camping when we are out in the mountains; modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us, but you'll need your own four season sleeping bag and mat.

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America and hygiene standards reflect this. Even with a bit of caution you're likely to get an upset stomach or gut at some stage. It is a good idea to avoid tap water, unwashed fruit, ice and all seafood as there has been cholera in Bolivia and neighbouring Peru for several years now. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, polio and hepatitis are needed! Malaria and yellow fever precautions are not necessary as we won't be visiting mosquito infested areas.

Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. If you will not be travelling on a British passport you must let us know at the time of booking.

All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask.

Fiesta in Sajama village, western Bolivia

Top of Page

Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult expedition members when planning the details of the trip. We publish an outline itinerary so that we have a framework on which to build the expedition.

Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.

Walking towards Parinacota volcano over the lava desert

At the time of printing we have not finalised the leader for this expedition. Please phone for latest information later in the year. All our expeditions are normally led by a suitably qualified and/or experienced British leader.

The maximum size of this expedition will be six persons plus leader. We need a minimum of three bookings to run this expedition.

In some circumstances we may be able to run the expedition with just two members and a local leader.

We will be running social and training weekend for these expeditions, probably in the Cairngorms in early 2001. Expedition members will be able to meet both their leader and other members. We make only a small charge for these weekends. Please ask for details if you are interested.

Top of Page

Back to Bolivia Trek and Climbs front page (Dates and Prices)

Back to Trek Index