EXPEDITION: Bolivia Multi-Sport Mountaineering Expedition (13 Days) 

Cordillera Real, Lake Titicaca, Chacaltaya, Pico Austria, Huayna Potosí,  Death Road MTB, & Sajama Volcanoes

Impruve your mountaineering skills and conquer two 20,000 ft peaks on an all-inclusive journey across Bolivia's most breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.

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Tour Summary

This 13-day, 12-night program is designed for ambitious, fit adventurers eager to advance their alpine technique and summit two major Andean peaks over 6,000 meters (19,680 ft).

We pair a strategic acclimatization progression—featuring cultural walks, high-altitude trekking, and Lake Titicaca—with technical glacier skills training and two major summits:
Huayna Potosí (20,088 ft / 6,088 m) – Cordillera Real
Parinacota Volcano (20,826 ft / 6,348 m) – Sajama National Park
To top off the adventure, you'll experience an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descent down the world-famous Death Road into the lush subtropical Yungas.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL – BRIEFING – CITY TOUR

Today, we meet with all participants to finalize all expedition details and have lunch together before starting our city tour. Our cultural guide will take us to the city's most popular and picturesque spots, as well as viewpoints, offering a great opportunity to experience the local culture. We conclude the day in the city center. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 2: ACCLIMATIZATION HIKE – VALLEY OF THE MOON & ANIMAS VALLEY

We depart from the hotel at 08:00 in our private vehicle. After a 45-minute drive, the hike to the Valley of the Spirits (Valle de las Ánimas) begins in the Uni area (~12,795 ft / 3,900 m a.s.l.). We proceed at a steady pace along the dry bed of a canyon flanked by towering clay spires exceeding 300 feet (100 m) in height. After ascending a path through Andean vegetation, we reach the high ridge (~13,450 ft / 4,100 m a.s.l.)—a spectacular viewpoint offering open vistas of the glaciers on the majestic Illimani (21,122 ft / 6,438 m). Finally, the circuit descends via a side trail toward Ovejuyo, completing a technical yet scenic hike that is perfect for acclimatization.

We return to the southern part of the city for lunch at a local restaurant before taking our transport to the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna, ~11,810 ft / 3,600 m a.s.l.). Located in the Mallasa sector, this offers a shorter, more relaxed walk. We follow the long circuit at a steady pace, traversing marked paths, bridges, and stairways that wind through a desert-like labyrinth of stalagmites and eroded clay formations. Along the way, we pass iconic viewpoints such as the Cráter del Sol (Sun Crater) and El Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd), which are ideal for admiring the site's almost otherworldly landscape. The walk concludes after 45 to 60 minutes at the handicraft market near the exit; it is an easy, accessible route perfect for reinforcing acclimatization at a lower altitude. In the late afternoon, we return to the hotel in the city center. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 3: LA PAZ – COPACABANA- SUN ISLAND

We begin our journey from La Paz to Copacabana at 08:00, crossing the Tiquina Strait by boat midway to take in views of the Altiplano and the mountain range before arriving at the tourist town. There, we visit the historic Baroque Sanctuary of the Virgin of Copacabana and enjoy a traditional lunch by the lakeshore. At 13:30, we board a boat to the southern part of the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) to explore the Inca ruins of the Pilkokaina Temple and hike up the mystical Yumani Stairway, passing the Inca Fountain. We end the afternoon with a walk to the Pallak'asa Viewpoint to watch the sunset over the water before dining and resting at a local accommodation beneath a starry, light-pollution-free sky. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 4: COPACABANA – LA PAZ

After breakfast, we set off on a roughly 40-minute boat ride to the peaceful Island of the Moon (Isla de la Luna) to tour the impressive ruins of the Ajllahuasi (Temple of the Virgins of the Sun), a sacred archaeological site where women chosen by the Inca once lived. Finally, we begin the return journey by boat to Copacabana for lunch and time to shop for local handicrafts before returning to La Paz. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 5: FULL-DAY CHACALTAYA HIGH-ALTITUDE HIKE & MILLUNI

This full-day acclimatization excursion to Chacaltaya begins with a private transfer from La Paz, ascending through the upper districts toward the Altiplano and entering the Cordillera Real via a scenic route that climbs rapidly to the base of the old ski lodge at 17,290 feet (5,270 m) above sea level. After a brief pause to check pulse rates, adjust thermal layers, and apply sunscreen, the hike to the main peak begins at a short, rhythmic, and measured Andean pace—designed to regulate breathing and acclimate the body to low oxygen levels above 16,400 feet (5,000 m). Upon reaching the summit (17,785 ft / 5,421 m), there is a rest period of about half an hour to enjoy energy snacks and hydration while taking in a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the mountain range—featuring iconic peaks like Huayna Potosí and Illimani—and even Lake Titicaca on clear days. Finally, a smooth, technical descent leads back to the vehicle for the return trip to La Paz, with a stop en route at the colorful Milluni Lagoon, concluding the afternoon with a hot coca or muña tea and active rest to solidify acclimatization. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 6: PICO AUSTRIA – HUAYNA POTOSÍ BASE CAMP

This acclimatization day in the Cordillera Real starts early (06:30) with a transfer from La Paz to the Altiplano, reaching Rinconada de Tuni (14,435 ft / 4,400 m a.s.l.), where trekking boots, poles, and thermal layers are prepared for the start of a progressive hike flanked by bofedales (wetlands) and grazing alpacas toward the base of the Condoriri massif. After about an hour and a half of steady hiking, we arrive at the shores of the stunning Laguna Chiar Khota (15,255 ft / 4,650 m a.s.l.), an ideal spot to hydrate and enjoy snacks before tackling the most demanding stretch: a winding ascent over scree and loose rock toward the summit of Pico Austria. Maintaining a short, rhythmic pace to manage breathing on the incline, we reach the summit at 17,550 ft (5,350 m a.s.l.), where we remain for 30 to 45 minutes at rest to allow the body to adapt to the altitude while taking in spectacular aerial views of Condoriri, Pequeño Alpamayo, Huayna Potosí, and Lake Titicaca in the distance. Finally, after having lunch at the summit, we make a technical descent amortized with trekking poles back to Chiar Khota and Rinconada de Tuni to board our vehicle, which will take us directly to our first high-altitude camp at 15,420 feet (4,700 m): Huayna Potosí Base Camp. / OVERNIGHT AT MOUNTAIN REFUGE

Day 7: BASIC MOUNTAINEERING PRACTICE

This morning, after a good breakfast, we will meet with our mountain guides for a brief theoretical review of mountaineering and an inspection of all our technical equipment. We will then enjoy a delicious lunch together before embarking on a 45-minute hike to the lower edge of the glacier. Here, we will spend the afternoon practicing essential ice climbing techniques, including proper crampon footwork, ice axe handling, and safety protocols. / OVERNIGHT AT MOUNTAIN REFUGE

Day 8: BASE CAMP – HUAYNA POTOSÍ HIGH CAMP

Today, we ascend to our high camp, popularly known as Casa de Guías (16,830 ft / 5,130 m). The approach takes approximately 2 to 3 hours over rocky terrain. Once there, we will focus on hydration, resting, and turning in early to prepare for our summit push. / OVERNIGHT AT MOUNTAIN REFUGE

Day 9: HUAYNA POTOSÍ SUMMIT – LA PAZ

Our final summit push begins under the stars around 01:00 AM as we step onto the glacier almost immediately. From there, we begin a slow, steady 5- to 6-hour alpine climb to the majestic summit (19,974 ft / 6,088 m). At sunrise, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, the vast Altiplano plateau, and the rugged peaks of the Cordillera Real. We will safely descend back to High Camp via the same route, pack up our gear, and continue down to Base Camp, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to La Paz. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 10: DEATH ROAD MTB

This exciting single-day mountain biking adventure begins early(07;00) with a vehicle transfer from La Paz to La Cumbre (15,420 ft / 4,700 m a.s.l.), where we perform an inspection of protective gear and full-suspension bikes, as well as hold a technical briefing on high-altitude braking and safety. The descent starts on an initial paved section of about 13.5 miles (22 km) to build confidence and controlled speed as the cold mountain air gives way to a milder climate, making a brief stop at the Unduavi checkpoint to shed warm layers. From there, we enter the legendary Death Road: a winding dirt, gravel, and mud track carved into the mountain, flanked by towering cliffs, dense subtropical vegetation, and waterfalls like San Juan dropping directly onto the route. Maintaining a moderate speed and technical riding style on the left side of the road, we descend more than 11,500 vertical feet (3,500 m) down to the finish line in Yolosa (3,937 ft / 1,200 m a.s.l.), celebrating the drastic climate change and the day's journey. Finally, the group transfers to a nearby eco-lodge to take a shower, enjoy a rewarding lunch, relax in the pool, or lounge in hammocks before boarding the support vehicle along the new paved highway to return to La Paz by nightfall. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL

Day 11: LA PAZ – SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK

We travel from La Paz across the Altiplano, a vast desert-like plain, making stops along the way to explore ancient ruins and burial towers (chullpas) of the Chipaya culture. We drop off our luggage in the village of Sajama and go on a short acclimatization walk before dinner and rest. / OVERNIGHT AT HOMESTAY

Day 12: PARINACOTA SUMMIT

We start early and head out in a 4x4 vehicle toward Parinacota High Camp (16,730 ft / 5,100 m). From there, we begin the climb on foot, navigating mixed terrain (volcanic rock and sand) before moving onto snow and ice. Crampons are required, as the route reaches a maximum incline of 45°. The summit push to Parinacota (20,826 ft / 6,348 m) takes between 6 and 7 hours; the summit rewards us with spectacular views of the surrounding national park and the massive volcanic crater stretching below us. We descend back to the vehicle along the same route and head to nearby natural hot springs for a well-deserved rest and a soak. / OVERNIGHT AT HOMESTAY

Day 13: SAJAMA – LA PAZ

After breakfast, we visit nearby geysers for a short stroll before beginning our journey back to La Paz. / OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL / END OF SERVICES

Bilingual Bolivian Mountain Guide(Spanish - English)

Private Transport

Mountain Equipment/ Helmet,Ice axe,Harness,Gaiters,Ropes,Mountaineering boots, crampons.

Camping tent (NORTH FACE OR SIMILAR)

THERMAREST PLUS ROLL MAT

Dinning tent at base camp

Cooking utensils

Food during the expedition.

Logistics transport equipment (donkeys / mules/porters)

National Park tickets

Souvenir.

Please take with you:

Rucksack (35Lts)

Big Rucksack or duffel bag (To be carried by porters or mules)

All season´s sleeping bag

Trekking boots

Waterproof gloves

Winter Underwear

Water proof pants and jacket

Sunscreen

Sunglasses with UV filter

Bottle of water (NALGENE)

Tour details:

Altittude:6,088m./19,974 ft

Days:13 days, 12 nights

Season:April to november

Activities:Mountaineering & trekking

Difficulty:A.D. - D+

Location:Cordillera Real

Guide:English Speaking

Experience:Basic/Medium

Cost:From $ 3.510