Cordillera Real  Treks Dossier 2002

For dates and prices please return to the Cordillera Real Treks front page

This two part itinerary will spend the first week acclimatising in La Paz then trekking the length of the Choro Trail which descends from the high mountains of the Cordillera Real to the tropical forest. Then we move to the more remote northern Cordillera Real where we will do the Illampu circuit trek. starting and finishing in the pleasant wee town of Sorata.

The Choro Trail is a 60 kilometre walk which starts close to La Paz at a road pass known as La Cumbre. From here we climb a short way to cross the 4900m high Chucura Pass then begin a long descent over three days to Coroico, a jungle town at an altitude of only 1500m in the upper Amazon basin. Sections of this trail are on old Inca roads.

The Illampu circuit is a more remote and less frequented trek around the biggest mountain massif in the Cordillera Real. From our route we will get views of the highest peaks, the snow-capped summits of Illampu and Ancohuma. which are both over 6300m high. The Illampu trek is fairly strenuous, as we cross six high passes on our way around the mountains and reach a maximum altitude of 5045m. Highlights of the trek include beautiful highland lochs, herds of llamas and alpacas and remote mountain villages.

These two treks are probably the most beautiful and interesting in the Andes of the Cordillera Real. 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, hummingbirds and giant coots.

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

LA PAZ

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 an 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. The cost of this tour is included in our price.

A full day tour to Lago Titicaca is also included in our land price. 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 almost unavoidable when you go to Lago Titicaca). 

Day 1 w Drive to La Cumbre, then walk over the Chucura pass and downhill all the way to the village of Challapampa. 6-7 hours

Day 2 w Continue downhill to near Sandillani village, 6-7 hours.

Day 3 w We continue our descent through tropical forest to Coroico, a pleasant wee town.

Day 4 w Return by private transport back uphill to La Paz along a breathtaking road.

Day 1 w Drive to Sorata from La Paz,  then a short afternoon walk of 1-2 hours.

Day 2 w Continue uphill to Lachathiya, 5-6 hours.

Day 3 w Over a pass to a camp above the Rio Illampu valley, 5-6 hours.

Day 4 w Over the Paso Korahuasi, then down to Cocoyo village, 4 hours

Day 5 w A longer day to a high camp near the Paso Calzada, About 6-7 hours.

Day 6 w Over two passes to the huge Laguna San Francisco at the south end of the circuit, 7-8 hours.

Day 7 w Over another pass to the abandoned mine of Mina Susana.

Day 8 w A choice of a straightforward return to Sorata or a longer day with an ascent to the spectacular Laguna Glaciar at 5040m, then descent to Sorata.

Day 9 w Spare day to be used for rest where necessary on the trek.

The peak of Illampu, northern Cordillera Real

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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 cloudy days 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 trekking in 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 adventurous people with good fitness but little previous experience. Trek members need to be reasonably fit since we will be walking for many days at high altitudes. But we should stress that you don't need to be an olympic athlete!

Flights from London to La Paz cost around £700. 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 itinerary.

The ruins at Tiahuanaco near La Paz

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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  Sorata and in Coroico we stay in more 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 in recent years. 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.

 Village fiesta, western Bolivia

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TREK ORGANISATION

Our treks and expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The holiday will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult trek members when planning the finer details of the trip.

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.

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

The maximum size of this trekking group will be eight persons plus leader. We need a minimum of four bookings to run this holiday.

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

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