BOLIVIA VOLCANOES EXPEDITION

DAYS 1-2. FLIGHT TO LA PAZ
Flight departure. Early morning arrival (01:30 on 09/18). Reception by our team and transfer to accommodation in the city center.

Hotel accommodation, La Paz.

DAY 2. LA PAZ
Breakfast.

After breakfast we will start a walking tour of the historic city centre of La Paz, includung the cathedral, San Francisco, Plaza Murillo and colonial streets such as Calle Jaén and the Mercado de las Brujas. We will also take the highest urban cable car in the world, from where we will contemplate a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Hotel accommodation, La Paz.

DAY 3. LA PAZ – TIWANAKU – COPACABANA – ISLA DEL SOL
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning we will visit the Tiwanaku archaeological complex, which in Aymara language means “Central Stone”. The Tiwanaku culture dates back to the period between 1,500 and 1,200 BC, well before the Inca culture. Here we will visit the main ceremonial centers of the sector, such as the Akapana Pyramid, a semi-subterranean temple, the Kalasasaya temple and the Puerta del Sol. After the visit we will continue in the direction of Titicaca. We will then transfer from our vehicle to cross the Strait of Tiquina by boat and then contiue to the town of Copacabana. Arriving at this well-known town, which is presided over by the Calvario hill and the Basilica of the Virgin; a temple that was built on a pre-Columbian sacred space and that presents a Latin cross plan with five chapels on each side. We see great ornamentations, paintings and sculptures. In the afternoon we will board the boat to Isla del Sol, the largest island in Lake Titicaca.

Accommodation in a local hostel, Isla del Sol.

DAY 4. ISLA DEL SOL – LA PAZ
Breakfast food.

During the morning we walk along the island’s trails discovering archaeological sites such as the remains of the Inca temple of Pilkokaina, the Inca Fountain of Yumani and the Chinkana complex “El Laberinto”. On our way we will meet the local people and explore their culture, practises and ways of life which are centred around fishing and growing terraces of beans, quinoa, potatoes, and cereals. From the top of Cerro Pallakhasa (4,100m) we will enjoy great views of the island, nestled in the magical blue cloth of the highest navigable lake on the planet. In the afternoon we return to Copacabana and transfer to the city of La Paz, from where we board the night bus to Uyuni.

Accommodation on board the bus (semi-bed seat).

DAY 5. UYUNI – SAN JUAN
Breakfast dinner.

Arrival in Uyuni early in the morning. Meeting with our guide and transportation. Around 9 in the morning we will start the tour of the Salar visiting the train cemetery, the small town of Colchani, the Hotel de sal, and crossing the immensity of the largest Salar in the world we will arrive at the Incahuasi island, also known as Fish Island. Here we will hike along a path that runs between huge columnar cacti and reaches the top of the island (3,800 meters). Picnic lunch on the salty vastness. By mid-afternoon our path will head south until we reach San Juan, a ranch located near the edge of the salt flat.

Accommodation in a mountain lodge.

DAY 6. SAN JUAN – LAGUNA COLORADA 
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

We head south-west from San Juan and ascend the plateau to Salar de Chiguana, where we explore borax and ulexite. We pass by a military camp and cross the railway line that goes to Chile. Steadily the route approaches the foot of the Ollagüe volcano, easily recognizable by its characteristic summit fumarole. 25 km beyond Mirador del Ollagüe we reach the first of a succession of altiplanic lagoons, with the Laguna Cañapa being located at the foot of the hill of the same name (5,710 m) and later the lagoons Hedionda, Chiar Khota, Honda and Ramaditas. In all of them you can see flamingos and other Andean bird species. It then runs between the Agua de Perdiz volcanoes (5,634 m), Inacalliri (5,570 m) and Silala (5,355 m) before reaching the next attraction on the route, the Stone Tree, a curious stone formation located in the Silolí desert. About 18 kilometers later we reach the Laguna Colorada (4280 m and 150 km from Chiguana). Here we spend the night in a mountain lodge and enjoy the color changes in the lagoon as the sunset.

Accommodation in a mountain lodge, Laguna Colorado.

DAY 7. LAGUNA COLORADA – LAGUNA VERDE – QUETENA CHICO
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

 The path to the south runs along the Pabellón hill (5,498 m) and after some kilometers we reach the Sol de Mañana geothermal area (4,850 m) with geysers, sulphurous fumaroles and hot mud pools. A little further south, the Termas de Polques provide us with a thermal bath and breakfast, overlooking the lagoons of the Chalviri salt flat. On the way to the Green Lagoon we cross the Dalí Rocks Valley, curious rocks scattered in the desert that seem to have been designed by the Catalonian genius. Green and White Lagoons (4,400 m) mark the southern extent of this route. The silhouette of the imposing Licancabur volcano (5,916 m) dominates the terrain. On its slopes are the remains of Inca fortifications, a fact that bolsters the cultural importance of this mountain. The Green Lagoon stands out for its deep turquoise color, which is due to the mineral content of it’s waters. After our visit to the Green Lagoon we will make progress to the small town of Quetena Chico, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation in hostel, Quetena Chico.

DAY 8. QUETENA CHICO – ASCENT TO UTURUNCU (6.008 M) – UYUNI
Breakfast food.

Very early in the morning we will take a long track that leads from Quetena Chico to the old sulfur mines located at 5,700m in altitude, below the hill that separates the Uturuncu and the Uturuncu Chico. The track is usually in acceptable condition, although depending on the season it is possible to find some rock or snowfall on it, a fact that may force us to start walking a little lower (5,400, 5,500 or 5,600 m). From the same pass (5,700 m) there is a small path that zigzags along the E side of the mountain. The slope is steep at the beginning, although it decreases as you gain height until, after around 45 minutes, we reach a small, often snow covered peak, although the slope remains very smooth until the main summit (6,008 m). – 1h30 / 2h). From here we have beautiful 360º views over the plateau dotted with small lagoons and the vestiges of small salt flats. The descent can be done along the ascent route or by descending through the fields on the west side until you reach some fumaroles near the track. In the latter case, someone will have to pick us up as the descent ends at a lower level than the starting point. We then head back to Quetena Chico where we will continue our trip to Uyuni, passing through the Rocas valley, Villa Alota, Culpina K with its aboriginal architecture and its craft center, San Cristóbal and finally Uyuni. Arrival in Uyuni and boarding the flight back to La Paz. Transfer from the airport to our accommodation in La Paz.

Hotel accommodation, La Paz.

DAY 9. LA PAZ – LAGUNA AJWANI – LAGUNA JURI KHOTA
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning we will leave La Paz along the Titicaca highway to the small town of Palcoco. Here we will take the dirt road that brings us closer to the mountains in the direction of the great Khotia lagoon. A little before arriving we will take a mountain track that ascends until we are next to the Ajwani Khota shore (4,620 m). Here begins our trekking. We will cross a bridge and pass next to a building to start the ascent to Paso Sistaña (4,900 m). Towards the NE, descending to the Sistaña lagoon (4,660 m), where we can see the Janchallani snowy circus (5,396 m) and Wawanaki (5,258 m). Then we climb steeply up to 4,800 m and proceed to the Juri Khota Pass (4,900 m). We then descend to the shore of the Juri Khota Lagoon (4,700 m). Here we have a beautiful view of the Condor’s Head, the Left Wing and Slovenia Peak. We will strike camp at the southern end of the lake.

Tent accommodation.

DAY 10. JURI KHOTA LAGOON- CERRO AUSTRIA (5.328 M) – CHIAR KHOTA LAGOON
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Departing from the lake, we ascend to a beautiful glacial lagoon (4,930 m) located at the foot of the southeast Condoriri glacier. After a break to contemplate the majestic landscape and regain strength, the ascent to the Austria Pass (5,130 m) begins. From this point you can go up to the summit of Cerro Austria (5,326 m). 200 meters of unevenness and approximately an hour and a half extra are added to the stage. Return along the same path to the pass and descend to the Chiar Khota Lagoon (4,700 m), where the base camp for climbing mountains such as Condoriri or Little Alpamayo is located.

Tent accommodation.

DAY 11. CHIAR KHOTA LAGOON  – JALLAYCO VIEWPOINT (5.200 M) – TUNI – LA PAZ
Breakfast food.

In the morning we will ascend to a small summit that offers a magnificent view of the mountains of the Condoriri massif and also of Huayna Potosí (6,088 m). There is the Cerro Mirador del Jallayco. It is a snowless ascent of around 500 meters through uneven fields of strewn rock. At mid-morning, after the summit, we descend on foot to the town of Tuni (4,440 m). Upon arrival in Tuni we will collaborate in the preparation of traditional Andean food par excellence, the so-called “Pachamanca” which consists of cooking meats and vegetables with hot stones buried underground. We then leisurely savour our Pachamanca while enjoying the views over the west face of Huayna Potosí (6,088 m). In the afternoon we return to La Paz.

Hotel accommodation, La Paz.

DAY 12. LA PAZ – SAJAMA
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning we are picked up at the hotel and travel for about 4 hours through the north of the province of Oruro until reaching the town of Sajama (4,400 m). Here we visit the Curahuara de Carangas chapel, also known as “The Sistine Chapel” for its rich frescoes and ornaments.

Accommodation in hostel, Sajama.

DAY 13. OPTION 1: ASCENT TO VOLCÁN ACOTANGO (6.052 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

From Sajama we will go to Tambo Quemado, a town located about 10 km from the Chilean border. One kilometer before entering the town, we take a track south for about 10 km to the vicinity of the town of Chachacomani. Here we take a road to the west for around 12km which leads through the river bed to some sulfur mines. The track reaches the mines and, depending on the season and the condition of the track, it may be possible to gain access with the 4×4 vehicle (elevation 5,400 m). For the normal route of the SE edge, we follow the hill over sand and stone without further difficulties to a small summit and then to the main summit. The last section can present seasonal or penitent snow without any technical difficulties (crampons may be required). Beautiful  360º panoramic views of the Bolivian and Chilean highlands, where the Guallatiri volcano (with its permanent fumarole), the twin volcanoes (Parinacota and Pomerape), the Chungará Lake and the Sajama volcano stand out. Descent along the same route and return to Sajama.

Accommodation in hostel, Sajama.

DAY 13. OPTIÓN 2: ASCENT TO VOLCÁN PARINACOTA (6.342 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

From Sajama we will leave with the 4×4 crossing the altiplano on dirt and sand tracks until we reach the end of the access by vehicle, level 5300 meters, to a new refuge managed by peasant community. It leaves in a westerly direction, towards the intermediate pass between the two Payachatas volcanoes, although it is not necessary to reach it. Start the ascent through volcanic ashes as we continue to gain height. Cross some strips of rocks until you reach the limit of the snow (usually between 5,800-5,900 m between July-August). As the slope is very wide, you can choose to go more or less directly to the summit. Continue on the slope (30º) only increasing somewhat near the crater (35º). Near the top, the spectacular crater is reached, the edge of which will have to be bypassed until reaching the highest point. This highest point is difficult to detect as there are various prominences of the crater along its entire circumference. We descend to the car and return to Sajama.

Accommodation in hostel, Sajama.

DAY 14. SAJAMA – LA PAZ
Breakfast food.

We have the potential for a second attempt at the volcanoes. In the case of having climbed the summits the day before, we will enjoy in the morning a comforting bath in the hot springs of the National Park, with views of the Sajama volcano (6,542 m), the highest mountain in the country. In the afternoon return to La Paz (4-5 hours by car). We will give you a room for the group to take a shower and prepare things to go to the airport.

Hotel accommodation, La Paz.

DAY 15. FLIGH TO LA PAZ – HOMETOWN
Transfer to the international airport of El Alto- La Paz to take the flight back home. Night on board.

DAY 16. ARRIVING HOME

ACCOMMODATIONS

LA PAZ: Hotel Nuevo Sol: http://www.nuevosolhotel.com/

ISLA DEL SOL (TITICACA): Hostel in Yumani town

UYUNI: (San Juan, Laguna Colorada): Hostels in Mountain

SAJAMA: Hostal Oasis: http://hostal-oasis.com/