2d1n Pequeño Alpamayo

Pequeño Alpamayo 5.450m, climbing

Technical facts:

Length: 2 days 1 night
Height difference: 750 m.a.s.l
Technical difficulties: AD (difficult) AI 2
Medium slope angle: 40/ 50 / 55 degrees.
Base Camp: at 4,620 m.a.s.l

Highlights:

• Solitary landscape which treasures pristine lakes and Andean fauna such as geese, ducks, ibis, and lots of llamas and alpacas.
• Climbing Pequeño Alpamayo, mountain
• Enjoy the great views of the landscape as well as the pyramidal shape of this glacier
• Summit attempt

The Condoriri National Park displays a great natural potential. Beautifully preserved, it is tucked away in the mountains dotted with crystal clear mountain lakes, a product of the constant thawing of the glaciers. Observe stunning ice stalactites forming their unique shapes down cascading waterfalls.

As you ascend the mountain chains around La Paz, the Andean landscape appears to become even more brilliant due to the presence of numerous lakes of various colors. In its frigid waters live trout of great sizes that can easily be fished with simple equipment.

The surroundings are very interesting because it ascends from completely solitary mountains; the complete silence of the mountains is only disturbed when passing llamas break up the ice underneath their hooves, creating small trickles till they eventually wind their way down to Lake Titicaca. From these altitudes you can observe the silvery shimmer of light reflected by the world’s highest navigable lake, while trekking in the company of numerous llamas, the occasional alpaca (they are shy) and many smaller animals such as chinchillas, lizards, ibises and gulls.

 

1st Day: La Paz – Base Camp

The tour starts at 08:30 when you are picked up from your hotel, where we then head in a private vehicle to the Rinconada (4600 m) which takes 2 and a half hours. Around 11:30 we have lunch in Rinconada and after an hour we begin the trek towards Chiarkota Lagoon (4650 m) on a simple path where we will see some lagoons surrounded by mountains of the Bolivian High Plateau. Along the way we take a break of 15 minutes. Afterwards we continue the tour on the same path and at 14:00 we get to Chiarkota Lagoon (4.620 m) which is located in the foothills of Condoriri Mountain 5.648m, where we have free time to enjoy the views while the guide prepares the dinner. 

Meals: lunch and dinner

Night: basic lodge

 

2nd Day: Attempt to the summit – base camp – La Paz

We start this day with breakfast at 01:00 and around 02:00 we leave heading towards the Pequeño Alpamayo (5.450 m) on a rocky path where we you don’t need crampons. After 1 and a half hours of hiking we will arrive at the glaciers. From this point that we use the crampons and the ice axe. The central part of the glacier is a bit difficult, going through the peak of Tarija at 5.368m, 2 hours after the start of our ascent. After a short descent we approach the Pequeño Alpamayo, 80m of technical climbing with a slope of 55 °, to reach its peak  and after another 2 hours we will attempt to reach its top, after this effort, we will get back to base camp, along the same route. Once we arrive back to the base camp we have some time to rest, and have some hot soup and main course. Then we pick up the equipment and return to the village of Rinconada arriving there at 13:00. Afterwards we return in private transportation to La Paz arriving at the hotel at approximately 17:00.

Included in the program:

• Round trip private transportation
• Specialized high mountain guide: 1 guide to take 2 clients in the rope
• Climbing equipment that our company provides at no additional cost: (ropes, climbing carabineers, crampons, gaiters, harness, ice axe, mountain helmet)
• Fresh and tasty meals during the expedition
• 1 night in a high mountain refuge
• Oxygen bottle at base camp
• Mules that will carry most of the mountain gear and meals from “La Rinconada" to the base camp and back

 

Not included in the program:

• Warm clothing, sunglasses, personal toiletries
• Hiking boots, sleeping bag (optional to rent)
• Medical and/or evacuation expenses, health insurance, evacuation costs
• Charges incurred as a result of delays or changes to your itinerary beyond the control of Pukina Travel, we recommend having insurance that covers unexpected costs.
• Tips/gratuities (optional)
• Bottled drinks, 2 liters is suggested for the first day
• Alcoholic drinks
• We recommend limiting the weight of your luggage to 8 kilos / 17 pounds
• Extras