This trek will take you around the Illampu – Ancohuma Massif in the northern part of the Cordillera Real. You will have the opportunity to see imposing views of the mountains, glacial lakes and wildlife such as condors, vicunas and the Andean goose. From Laguna Glaciar you will climb up to Ancohuma (6427m) the second highest peak in the Cordillera Real and is located directly next to Illampu.

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: Sorata (2700m) – Lachathiya (4200m)

We will start our trekking from Sorata. Following the small tracks and passing the campesinos (farmers) as they work in the fields, up to Lachathiya. Along the way we can see Illampu (6368m), Ancohuma (6472m) and Nevada Piramide (5097m). Near Lachathiya we will set up camp.
5 to 7 hours walking. (LD)

Day 2: Lachathiya – Ecia Utana Pampa, Ancoma (3800m)

In the morning we will have a 2 hour climb up to the pass of Abra Illampu (4749m), from where we will have our last good views of the north face of Illampu. Then we will have a long walk down to the old village of Ecia Utana Pampa, where we can see them growing potatoes. We will set up camp near this village.
5 to 6 hours. (BLD)

Day 3: Ancoma – Cocoyo (3600m)

First thing in the morning we have a good climb to the pass of Korahua (4480m). From where we can look down to the valley of Cocoyo. Then there will be a steep down hill to the bottom of the valley, where we will set up camp, just before the village of Cocoyo.
4 to 6 hours. (BLD)

Day 4: Cocoyo – Chajolpaya (4000m)

We start the morning with a climb up to the pass of Sarani (4700m) passing the village of Cocoyo and some old houses and mines. We will have lunch at the pass before heading down to the valley of Chajolpaya where the children always come out to have a look at the show.
5 to 7 hours. (BLD)

Day 5: Chajolpaya – Laguna San Francisco (4400m)

A long climb up to the pass of Cazada (5045m) and from the pass we will get our first views of the Altiplano (4000m) and Lake Titikaka (3810m). On our left we can see the mountain of Nevado Chearoco (6104m) and Nevado Chachakumani (6000m). Then there is a steep down hill with traversing to Laguna San Fransico.
8 to 9 hours. (BLD)

Day 6: Laguna San Fransico – Mina Susana (4000m)

All day will be spent traversing along the Altiplano, with views of Ancohuma (6427m) and Nevada Piramide (5907m). We will be able to see llamas and look down the valley towards Sorata. We will reach a flat area near mina Susana, where we will set up camp.
6 to 7 hours. (BLD)

Day 7: Rest day in Mina Susana

Here, it is a good idea to have a rest day, before we head up to the base camp of Ancohuma. It also provides the possibility to explore the surrounding countryside and the nearby mine which is a short days walk away. We will also prepare for the next few days of climbing.
(BLD)
NOTE: this day is optional, but recommended.

Day 8: Mina Susana – Laguna Glaciar (5000m)

This will be a long day of climbing and traversing to Laguna Glaciar. Here we will have porters to carry all the equipment and personal gear. Arriving at Laguna Glaciar we will be able to see Illampu and Ancohuma.
7 to 8 hours. (BLD)

Day 9: Laguna Glaciar (Base camp) – High camp of Ancohuma (5400m)

This day is short, so we have a free morning and leave after lunch. First we will be climbing on the moraine and then onto the ice .We make high camp on the glacier.
2 to 3 hours. (BLD)

Day 10: High camp – Summit (6427m) – High camp - Base camp

An early start for the summit as it is a long day, with walking on the glacier to 6000m, from here we have a 400m climb to the summit. Great views of Illampu (6356m) and Laguna Negra. After a short rest we will head back to high camp where we meet the porters who take all the equipment and personal gear back down to base camp.
10 to 14 hours. (BLD)

Day 11: Base camp –  Sorata

The same walk back down to Sorata to warmer weather and a well earned beer!
3 to 5 hours (BL)
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