Tuni – Condoriri trek in 5 days
Join Jaime, IFMGA certified guide, in this 5-day hike through the impressive Cordillera Real. The first destination is Tuni, just one of the area's wonders!
Private
Andes
5 Days
Apr - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Spend 5 days exploring the Condoriri massif.
- Discover stunning lakes in the mountains.
- Contemplate great views of Cordillera Real.
Description
The Condoriri massif is part of the impressive Cordillera Real, a region of the Andes, in Bolivia. I planned here a 5-day hiking tour in the area of Condoriri. In fact, the starting point of the trek itself is the beautiful Tuni.
From Tuni, we will progress through some famous lakes in the area. First, we will reach the Laguna Jurikhota. In fact, a highlight of this location is the wonderful sight of the Condoriri massif. Then we will go to the glacial Laguna Congelada, to Laguna Chiarkhota and Laguna Wichu Khota. During the trek, we will also enjoy the wonderful views over Imilla Apachita, Maria Lluko and Huayna Potosi.
On average we walk 4-6 hours per day, therefore you need to be in good physical shape.
Do you want to join me in this 5-day hiking trip in Bolivia? Then contact me for more information! And if you have more time in the area, why not going on this 8-day hike?
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Mules and horses
- Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: La Paz - Laguna Tuni - Laguna Jurikhota (4700m)
We leave from La Paz by private vehicle at 8AM. After 3 hours we reach the Tuni village, the starting point of our trek. After going by the Laguna Tuni, we reach a pass at 4900m. Then we go down until the Laguna Jurikhota. There are beautiful views of the “head of the Condor” (5648m), forming, with its 2 adjacent summits, the Condoriri massif. It has the shape of a condor with folded wings. Walking time: 4 hours D +500/-250m
Day 2: Laguna Jurikhota - Laguna Congelada - Austria pass - Laguna Chiarkhota (4670m)
From the lake we go up a steep hill to reach the small Laguna Congelada. Here, two glaciers literally fall in the frozen water. It’s a jewel at 4900m, at the foot of Condoriri (5650m). Then we reach the Austria pass (5120m) and we go back to the Laguna Chiarkhota (4670m). It’s the base camp for the ascent of Condoriri and Pequeño Alpamayo. Before the pass, we can ascend the Austria peak (5300m), which offers sublime views over Condoriri and the Cordillera Real (45 min ascending and 20 min descending). Walking time: 6 hours D +645/-670m
Day 3: Laguna Chiarkhota - Laguna Wichu Khota (4680m)
We leave Condoriri behind and start at the foot of the Black Needle until the Jallayko pass (5025m). We are in a beautiful valley, Jistaña. Then we go up to the Tillipata pass (5000m). From there, we enjoy amazing views of the lakes, a great reward for all the effort. Then we descend to the Laguna Wichu Khota, where we set camp at the foot of María Lloco (5522m). Walking time: 7 hours D +845/-935m
Day 4: Laguna Wichu Khota - Maria Lluko (4800m)
We move between the lakes until the old camp of the Santa Fe mine. A short detour to the small summit dominating the camp allows us to admire the lakes one more time. We ascend until the camp, surrounded by the summits Imilla Apachita, Maria Lluko and Huayna Potosi (6088m). The views are breathtaking! Optional: continue until the Huayna Potosí glacial lake. The path here is a true belvedere. Walking time: 6 hours D +320/-200m
Day 5: Maria Lluko - Base camp - Huayna Potosi refuge - La Paz (4700m)
Today we reach the Milluni pass (5000m). The Milluni valley opens up. We go around the Huayna Potosi to our left before reaching the valley, that we follow until the refuge (4700m). We return to La Paz by 4×4 private transfer.
Details
More info
We will have a cook and there is an option for vegetarian food.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be?
This trek is suitable for individuals in good physical condition. While it is not extremely technical, a basic level of fitness and some prior hiking experience at high altitudes are recommended. If you are unsure about your fitness level or experience, feel free to ask for further advice.
How many hours a day will we walk? How much weight will we have to carry in our backpack?
We will hike for approximately 5-7 hours each day. You will need to carry your personal belongings, including clothing and snacks. Tents, mats, and other camping equipment will be transported by mules.
How can I get to the meeting point?
We will meet in La Paz. From there, we will use private transportation to get to the starting point of the trek. Detailed meeting arrangements will be provided upon booking.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
Accommodation will be in tents provided by us. We will also handle all meals during the trek, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You do not need to bring additional food unless you have specific dietary requirements.
What should I bring with me?
You should bring suitable hiking boots, clothing for cold and warm weather, personal toiletries, a water bottle, and a small first aid kit. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Is this guided hiking tour suitable for children or older people?
The trek involves significant physical activity and high altitudes, making it more suitable for adults in good health. If you have any concerns about suitability, please discuss them with me in advance.
Can I join a group?
Yes, it is possible to join an existing group if other participants are booked for the same dates. If you prefer a private trek or have specific dates in mind, we can arrange that as well.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
We monitor weather conditions closely. Safety is our top priority, and we will make adjustments to the itinerary if necessary. In extreme cases, the trek may be postponed or canceled.
What type and size of backpack should I bring? What type of hiking shoes?
A medium-sized backpack (around 40 liters) is ideal for carrying your personal items. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Avoid using new shoes to prevent blisters.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
Mules will be used to carry group equipment and heavier items. You will only need to carry your personal belongings.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
No special permits or vaccines are required. However, it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking. Ensure your insurance policy includes coverage for trekking activities up to 5000 meters.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The best time for this trek is during the dry season, from May to September. During this period, the weather is more stable, and the trails are in better condition.
Where will we stay during the trip? Huts, hotels, camping?
Accommodation will be in tents at designated camping sites. We provide high-quality camping equipment to ensure a comfortable stay.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
-Jaime
4.8
(26)
Mountain Guide
IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide from Bolivia.
I organize mountaineering and trekking trips in different regions of Bolivia, and community tourism as well. I spend my free time exploring new destinations and discovering new mountains and cultures in remote regions.
I have more than 20 years of experience working in Cordillera Real, and I live in Tuni, Condoriri. I worked as mule driver, porter, cook, trekking guide assistant, trekking guide, and finally became IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide in 2008.
I made several ascents in Bolivia and neighboring countries like Argentina, Chile and Peru. Some of them: Ojos de Salado, Wallatiri, Urus, Azangate, Huayna potosí, Illimani, Chir oco, Chachacomani, Sajama, Illamapu, Acohoma, Chapi orco, Acotango, Parinacota… These experiences prepared me to organize and guide expeditions.
I like to provide a top level service to people from all around the world, help them get in contact with the local culture, and of course help them reach their objectives in the mountains.
Languages
French | English | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AGMTB
What people are saying about this trip
Nathalie
Immersive journey ... shared with the all Jaime's family at the village ... the small hotel is a paradisiac place where customers can enjoy together the diary, in an incredible and very quiet, majestic and preserved scenery at 4400 mt. of altitude...🤩🤩🕉
Courtney
We were very happy with the beauty and challenge we found on this trek. We were also pleasantly surprised by some of the more luxurious aspects of it: we had the option to sleep indoors most nights, we had hot lunch served to us riverside one day and were served dinner and breakfast every day, and a car transported equipment we did not need during the day to our next base camp. Our guide, Abraham, was experienced in our route and very knowledgeable. We got food poisoning symptoms pretty badly after three days and had to cut our trip short. Abraham and Dennis were able to get us back to La Paz as soon as we were ready to leave. While we had a great experience in the end, a couple aspects did not match what we were told to expect and made us nervous in the beginning. The TripAdvisor post lists Jaime as the guide and he is who we talked to about details all the way up to when we were picked up. However he never made an appearance and we were never told this would happen or why it happened. We had also requested two sleeping bags each, in case it was too cold, and that information was not passed on correctly. It seemed like our guide thought we were bringing our own sleeping bags, although that was not said not on the packing list. Luckily they still had one sleeping bag for each of us and it was plenty warm. Lastly, it seems the itinerary is subject to change, so don’t count on doing the exact plan sent to you. We were originally told there would be no huts and that we would only stay in Tuni the first night and neither of these turned out to be true. Again, everything worked out in the end, but allowing someone to take you into the wild and handle preparations takes a lot of trust and these miscommunications hampered our ability to fully feel comfortable. I would recommend this company and this trek to anyone interested. I hope the company takes this review as constructive feedback to help make guests feel safe.
Michael
Jaime was a great guide. He was friendly, showed a love for the terrain, and demonstrated clear interest that I have the best possible trek; he asked both before and during the trip which foods I would prefer, provided hot water bottles each night for my sleeping bag, and checked in frequently about my level of acclimatization. I knew I was in great hands.
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