This trek will take us through the wild landscape of the Apolobamba mountain range, part of the Madidi National Park. Along the way we will pass the old towns of Curva where the Kallawaya (witch doctor’s) tradition continues. After our trek we should be acclimatized to try and climb two mountains. Our first mountain will be Ascarani as a warm up. Then onto Chaupi Orco the highest mountain in the Apolobamba Mountain ranges. Both of these mountains are rarely visited and are in a remote part of Bolivia.

Please check the gear list to see what you will need to bring for the trip.

For further general information on Bolivia please also look at our fact file.

Day 1: La Paz (3600m) – Charazani (3200m)

Leaving La Paz for the majestic Highland where we pass the Cordillera Real and Lake Titicaca. The drive passes lots of little towns on the Altiplano. A stop for lunch in Escoma before heading to Charazani just before we drop down to the village of Charazani we get our first views of the cordillera Apolobamba. In the afternoon we can a dip in the hot springs near the village 6 hours driving. (LD) Hostel

Day 2: Charazani – Curva (3900m) – Jatunpampa (4200m)

This is one of the best mountain treks in Bolivia. We drive to the town of Curva were we can see the mountain of Acamani. From Curva we start our trek, first climbing up to a pass through walled fields. Later we cross our second pass and from there it is all downhill for the rest of the day down to the plateau called Jatunpampa. 5 to 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 3:Jatunpampa – Incachani (4100m)

Leaving of Jatunpampa we may need to take a longer route following the mule path down to the bottom of the valley which gives fantastic views of the peak Acamani. Later we head downhill to reach a camping spot near a waterfall, a place called Incachani. 5 to 6 hours (BLD) camping

Day 4: Incachani – Sunchuli (4200m)

Up and down with amazing views of the cordillera. Following the path down and passing a small lake before arriving at a second larger lake where it is possible to camp. 6 to 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 5: Sunchuli – Hilo Hilo (3820m)

At camp we will have plenty of time to examine the ascent that faces us first thing in the morning. From the lake, we climb up another ridge before descending to a small mining settlement called Visacachani where the dirt road to Hilo Hilo starts. 6 to 7 hours (BLD) camping

Day 6: Illo Illo – Pelechuco (3600m)

Later in the day we will be able to see the Cordillera Real stretching away to the south and north. Here the mountains surround us and the Sunchuli valley to the north and west. We continue up valley to reach a bridge across to cross a stream. From here it is downhill all the way via a lake and then along some pre – Hispanic paving before arriving in Pelechuco. 4 to 5 hours (BLD) Hostal

Day 7: Pelechuco - Base camp of Ascarani (4400m)

We can have a late start today as we only have a short drive up one of valleys to the base camp of Ascarani. 1 hour drive (BLD) camping

Day 8: Base camp – High camp of Ascarani (5200m)

In the morning we meet up with the porters to bring our gear up to high camp. We start our walk up the valley to the end. Then we climb some old moraine walls which will bring us to Collado Ingles. We do a bit of rock scrambling to reach our high camp. Close to the snow line is where set up our high camp. 4 to 6 hour (BLD) camping

Day 9: High camp – Summit of Ascarani (5580m) – High camp – Base camp

We need an early start in the morning for the summit. We need to cross the glacier to arrive at the base of the mountain. A couple of pitchers and we are on the summit. In the distance we can see mines at 5000m or higher. Looking east we can see the Amazonas. Same way back down to high camp and meet the porters to take our gear back down to base camp. 8 – 10 hours (BLD) camping.

Day 10: Base camp Ascarani – Lago Soral Base camp of Chaupi Orco (4120m)

In the morning we pack up our base camp and drive over Paso Sanches (4840m) and keep following the road crossing two more passes before we drop down the last valley and arrive at Lago Soral. Near the lake we set up our base camp. We have time to walk to the village called Puina for a visit. 2 hours drive (BLD) camping.

Day 11: Lago Soral – High camp Chaupi Orco (5200m)

Porters will be carrying our gear up to high camp. Today is a long way and we need an early start so we don’t arrive too late in high camp. Once at the bottom of the glacier, we will take the left side walking on top of the old moraine walls. High camp will be near a lake with mountains all round us. 6 – 8 hours (BLD) camping.

Day 12: High camp (5200m) – Summit (6044m) – High camp – Base camp

A very early start in the morning, as it’s a long way to go, to reach the summit and make it back down to base camp. First we need to climb on top of the largest glacier in Bolivia, were we are set in a huge amphitheatre. Turning to the west we keep climbing, either taking the ridge on our left or keep going to the Col in front of us and climb directly to the summit. Once on the summit we have a 360º view. Same way back down to base camp 12 – 16 hours (BLD) camping

Day 13: Base camp - Pelechuco

A late start as yesterday was a long day. We can walk taking a step pass through some mines and dropping down to a valley on the other side. Here we meet the car and keep going onto Pelechuco were we spend the night. 4 – 5 hours (BLD) Hostel.

Day 14: Pelechuco – La Paz

We have a long drive back to La paz passing through the Ulla Ulla vicuna reserve along the Apolobamba mountain range. We make a stop along the way for lunch. A few more hours and we are back in La paz. 8 – 9 hours (BL) END of SERVICES.