Our trek follows the slopes of the “Giants” of the Cordillera that are Illampu (el. 6370 m.a.s.l.) and Ancohuma (el. 6430 m.a.s.l.).
Leaving from Sorata, we first reach the intermediate camp for the ascent of Illampu. We climb to the Laguna Glaciar, intermediate camp for the ascent of Ancohuma, at an altitude of 5038 meters above sea level, before descending back to Sorata.
This well-preserved and still seldom visited mountain range (few mountaineers come to visit its peaks) offers us this beautiful 6-day loop where viewpoints over the Apolobamba mountain range, Lake Titicaca, Illampu and the bluish valleys of the Yungas alternate.

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in our private vehicle for Sorata (around 3 1/2 hours, village nested in a green valley at the foot of the majestic Illampu (el. 6368 m.a.s.l.).
If the weather is clear we can perfectly see the snowy summits over the palm trees occupying the village square, at an altitude of 2700 meters.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel **.

Difficulty: altitude trek. Daily 5 to 7-hour walk. Good physical condition required.
In the morning, on the outskirt of the village, we meet our team of muleteers. The trek starts by a long uphill to the village of Lacatiya (el. 3900 m.a.s.l.), our first bivouac. Illampu dominates us all day from its 6430 meters.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac in the community.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +1200m

We start the day by climbing to the Paso Illampu (el. 4750 m.a.s.l.), from where we can admire the mastodons that are the North Peak of Illampu (el. 6370 m.a.s.l.) and the Pico Schulze (el. 5950 m.a.s.l.). We then descend on the Northern slopes of the Cordillera, to Estancia Utjaña Pampa. Some old fashion gold mines still exploited can be found in this area.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +850m / -850m

In the morning we reach Janq´u Uma (White Waters). There we notice all kinds of man-made water holes on the banks of the River used to make the “Kaya”. This aliment typical of the cordillera is an oca (root close to the potato) that is left to soak in these pools for 30 to 40 days, before being spread on hay and left in the cold of the winter to dehydrate.
We then ascend to the Illampu base camp, called “Aguas Calientes” (4h – el. 4200 m.a.s.l.). But this name is far from the truth: there is no hot spring in the area
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6h; Elevation gain: +400m / -100m

While our mules slowly head towards our base camp for the evening, we follow a faint trail leading to the Laguna Glaciar. This altitude lake, enclosed between the giants Illampu and Ancohuma, receives its water from the imposing glacier that plunges into it. The high trail leading us there offers wonderful views over Lake Titicaca and the Valley of Sorata.
We then walk down to Laguna Chilata, where we meet our mules for “mate” (tea) time!
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 9h; Elevation gain: +850m / -850m

Descent to Sorata in the morning. Return to La Paz with our private transport in the afternoon (3/4 hours).
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.
Hiking time: 4h; Elevation gain: -1500m