This altitude trek (entirely comprised between 4500 and 5000 meters above sea level) requires a good acclimatization.
It takes us to the exploration of the nicest part of the Cordillera Real, across the sumptuous landscapes mountain ranges of Condoriri (el. 5648 m.a.s.l.), Maria Lloco (el. 5522 m.a.s.l.) and Huayna Potosi (el. 6088 m.a.s.l.). The path following the hillsides is dotted with lagunas where the llamas accompanying us on this short Andean crossing will quench their thirst.

Nothing can be better than to finish our adventure by the ascent of Huayna Potosi. From the summit, the view embraces the altiplano from La Paz to Lake Titicaca.

Difficulty: 4 to 6-hour hike a day. Good physical condition required.
Departure from La Paz at 9 a.m. in our private vehicle for the village of Tuni, the starting point of our trek (a 3-hour trip).
After skirting the lake of the same name, we head up a beautiful valley that takes us to Laguna Chiar Khota (a 3-hour walk).
From the time we enter the valley, the Cabeza de Condor, or the Condor’s Head also known as El Condoriri, dominates the scenery (el.5648 m.a.s.l.). It forms, with the two adjacent summits, the Condoriri range, in the shape of a condor with tucked wings.
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 4 h; Elevation gain: +250m

We leave the Condoriri behind us, pass at the base of the Black Needle and eventually reach the Jallayko Pass (el. 5025 m.a.s.l.). We then drop into the very beautiful and steep Jistaña Valley, before ascending Tillipata Pass (el. 5000 m.a.s.l.). The spectacular scenery over the myriad of lagunas down below is ample reward for our efforts. Later on, another downhill takes us to Laguna Wichu Khota, where we set up our camp, at the foot of María Lloco (el. 5522 m.a.s.l.).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac
Hiking time: 7h; Elevation gain: +645m / -635m

We progress amongst the lagunas, until we reach the ancient camp of mine Santa Fe. A short detour to a small nearby summit dominating the camp allows us to get a nice view over all the lagunas. We then climb slowly up to our camp, surrounded by the summits of Imilla Apachita, Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosi (el. 6088 m.a.s.l.). The view is superb (5/6-hour walk).
Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac
Hiking time: 5h; Elevation gain: +450m / -350m

In the morning we hike to the Laguna Glaciar of Huayna Potosí. We finally approach the “giant”! The trail, an old dried stone canal carved on the mountainside, offers wonderful views of the area (2h30 round trip).
We then continue on towards the Milluni pass (el. 5000 m.a.s.l). From there, we overlook the Milluni Valley. We keep on going towards our shelter by passing Huayna Potosi on our left. At this point the Andes abruptly drop into the Yungas, a green and tropical area. This is the end of our trek (4-hour hike).
A private vehicle brings us back to La Paz at the end of the afternoon.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.

Hiking time: 7h; Elevation gain: +200m / -300m