Mountaineering course in the Condoriri massif

Description

The Condoriri massif in Bolivia has a large dozen peaks above 5000 meters located around Ch'iyar Quta lake, in the Cordillera Real.

Given the rather simple logistics (refuge at the base camp, well maintained road...) and the proximity to the capital, it is the favorite playground of the Andinists. The program I propose here allows a gradual acclimatization and a progressive approach of techniques to the fascinating world of mountaineering in the Andes.

If you want to climb other beautiful peaks of the Bolivian Andes, I also suggest the following ascents:

• the Nevado Illimani,
• the Huayna Potosi,
• the Chachacomani and the Chearoco.

Program

D1 : Drive from La Paz to Peñas through the Bolivian Altiplano.
Acclimatization walk (4 hours of walking, 300 meters of positive elevation) around Peñas, to visit rock paintings of the Chiripa culture and colonial ruins. We take advantage of the surrounding rocks to review rope and abseiling techniques.

D2: Climb to the base camp and snow exercises.
The one hour hike allows us to reach our refuge located on the banks of a lake (4631m), in the middle of the massif. From there we visit the Cabeza del Condor glacier to perfect our crampon technique.

D3: Hike to Pico Austria (5350m).
This stony summit is reached by a 4 hours trek on a path winding among the moraines. In addition to allow a better acclimatization, it is a magnificent panoramic balcony over the surrounding glaciers. Eventually, the ascent can be done via the northeast ridge climbing route (4+).

D4: Ascent of the Piramide Blanca (5336m).
It's a glacier ascent without any particular difficulty apart from some interesting mixed passages in the final part.
4 hours of ascent, slightly difficult level.

D5 : Ascent of the Pequeño Alpamayo (5410m).
First we have to climb the glacier up to the summit of Pico Tarija (easy level). A short de-escalation allows to reach the final snowy ridge at 55°.
5 hours of ascent, somewhat difficult level.

D6: rest/reserve in case of bad weather.

D7: Ascent of the Cabeza del Condor (5648m) and return to La Paz.
To reach the upper glacier, you first have to climb an uncomfortable scree slope. A 70° mixed couloir gives access to the impressive summit ridge.
5 hours of ascent, somewhat difficult level.

The price includes

• Supervision by the English-speaking mountain guide (1 guide / 2 persons).
• Private transport La Paz - Peñas - Kinamarini (return trip).
• The cook and complete food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), with drinking water at will.
• Accomodation in a basic hut.
• Carriers and mules for carrying the bags.
• Collective equipment: rope, ice screws, crevasse rescue kit.
• Fees and other local charges.
• A small handcrafted souvenir.
• First aid kit, emergency oxygen, satellite phone...

Number of participants	1	2 or 3	4 to 7	8 to 10
Price per person	1510€	895€	775€	710€

The price does not include

• Return flight to La Paz.
• Hotel in La Paz (but I'll be happy to help you book it).
• Insurance.
• Sleeping bag and other individual mountaineering equipment (can be rented in La Paz at reasonable prices).
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• In a basic hut.

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