The Condoriri massif is one of the most beautiful and impressive mountain groups in Bolivia, located in the royal Mountain Range (Cordillera Real) with altitudes of over 5,000 meters. The glaciated massif includes 13 peaks that form an impressive circle, completed by natural mountain lakes with crystal-clear water. Its shape resembles a condor with stretched wings. Located in front of the highest peaks of the Condoriri group, the Cerro Austria looks impressive from a distance and it’s hard to believe that this rugged looking rock formation of over 5300 meters can be climbed without difficulty on easy paths. Cerro Austria rises directly above the base camp at the foot of the Condiriri group, from where a number of mountains in this region can be climbed. Therefore, it is often used as a warmup hike for the more difficult ascents such as the Pequeño Alpamayo or the Condoriri itself.

Itinerary:

In order to climb Cerro Austria in one day from La Paz, you drive quite a bit, via El Alto and over the Altiplano on the road to Lake Titicaca, until a gravel track takes us to the foot of the Cordillera Real. The scenic drive goes past Tuni reservoir (Laguna Tuni) and ends at the valley head in Rinconada, the starting point of the mountain climb. We start ascending at 4500m, and pass several smaller lakes along the way. The steep rock bastions of the Condoriri rise above us, impressively towering over the crystal-clear mountain lake of Chiar Khota (Laguna Chiar Khota). On the left hand side of the mountain lake, we climb up to a small saddle over a fairly good path across wide scree areas. Suddenly a clear view opens to the huge ice sheets below the Condoriri peak and the towering ice wall of Ala Izquierda. We now continue to climb the wide ridge, easy over steep rubble, still along a clear trail. From above, the profound views of the numerous small lakes and almost the entire Cordillera Real are impressive, on clear days you can even see Lake Titicaca, which is not too far away. We either descend via the ascent path to Rinconada or spend the night at the Refugio at Laguna Chiar Khota. Then return to La Paz. (Walking time approx. 7-8 h, 850 m ↑ ↓). (-/BL/-)

Requirements:

Good physical fitness.

Included in the package:

- English-speaking trekking guide (from/to La Paz)
- Private transport
- Meals according to program (B= breakfast; L= lunch; D= Dinner)

Reservation:

Please do not hesitate to contact us for price requests, reservation, general question, and individual tour inquiries, at: contact(at)landmarktravelbolivia.com

Link:

https://www.landmarktravelbolivia.com/bergsteigen-cerro-austria