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One of the best hikes in the world is the
Condoriri to Huayna Potosi
Treks in the same region are known as:
- the Condoriri Trek, Condoriri Circuit, Condoriri Base Camp
- Tuni to Milluni
- ... and many other names
 Bolivia should be one of the best hiking countries in the world. But government instability & a lack of infrastructure delay the arrival of that glad day. Trekking in Peru is far easier.
Note: This page is a stub. You can expand it by e-mailing comments, recommendations and links in the appropriate sections below. Our editors will add your comments. Thanks for your help!
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
Quick access from La Paz to demanding high altitude alpine trekking in the Royal mountains (Cordillera Real) of Bolivia.
- it's a fantastic trek through the Condoriri group of 13 peaks higher than 5100m (16,732ft)
- spectacular close-up views of glaciated peaks
- distant views of Lake Titicaca
- tranquil alpine meadows
- good chance to spot condors & Andean flamingos
- plenty of photogenic llamas
- no permit is required as yet
- travel in Bolivia for as little as US$20 / day (2005). It's the least expensive country in South America.
- you can extend the trek with an ascent of Huayna Potosi 6,088m (19,974ft)
- longer, tougher hiking alternative is the Transcordillera trek
- an easier and far more popular hike is the Choro Trek
- ... add a comment here
CONSIDERATIONS
- this is demanding high altitude walking
- altitude sickness is a serious risk with passes higher than 5000m
- much of the route is higher than 4000m (13,123ft)
- happily, most hikers are somewhat acclimatized from days in La Paz 3810m (12,500ft)
- in case of trouble evacuation is difficult
- we recommend you hire pack animals and a local mule driver (arriero)
- route finding & scrambling may be necessary, especially if visibility impaired by cloud
- independent hiking is problematic
- tent camping only, no mountain huts available
- strong tent with extra tie-downs recommended for this harsh, windy, intensely glaciated region
- be self-reliant & carry a good first-aid kit
- storms may keep you tent bound for a day or two
- finding transportation to & from the trailheads can be a hassle for independent hikers on this trek. This is another reason to sign on with a trekking company who will arrange this for you.
- best time to hike is during the Andean dry season, May to September
- good UV rated sunglasses recommended
- a multi-fuel stove is recommended for cold temperatures at altitude, though you can buy propane/butane canisters in La Paz
- a good reason to avoid Bolivia altogether are frequent strikes, demonstrations & even states of siege
- you can survive in La Paz and on this trek without being able to speak Spanish, but you wish you could
- ... add a comment here
ROUTES
LOGISTICS
- it can be dangerous to fly to La Paz directly — it has the highest international airport in the world 4050m (13,287ft)
- slightly better is to fly to Cuzco, Peru 3326m (10,912ft) to start acclimatizing. Later travel to La Paz by bus or plane.
If you sign on with a guided trip, logistics will be organized for you. This section is for fearless independent hikers.
- trailhead is Estancia Tuni (below Laguna Tuni)
- from La Paz, the capital, there is no public transport to Tuni so you need arrange a private vehicle
- there are no facilities in Tuni so arrive there as early in the day as possible & start hiking
- if, as we recommend, you finish in Mulluni, a deserted tin mine with no facilities except a police post, you again need private transport back to La Paz
- some hikers start or finish at Laguna Zongo / Paso Zongo which offers accommodation
- police & military roadside checkpoints require you carry your passport on this hike
- ... add a transportation comment
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
It is risky trying to do this trek independently. Hire at least pack animals for the first few days.
You will have no problem in La Paz signing on with one of the many trekking agencies on Calle Sagarnaga. Or browse some on-line options:
You might be able hire help yourself in the trailhead village of Estancia Tuni. Budget approximately:
- arriero (mule driver) = US$12 / day
- pack animals = US$12 / animal / day
- porter = US$12 / day
- guide = US$25-50 / day
- tip = about 25% if you are happy with service
Do you know the current fixed rates in Estancia Tuni? If so, please email to update this section.
Independent hikers need also budget:
- for campsites, some of which may charge a small fee (US$1-3 / person / night)
- our policy is to smile & happily give a small donation if a receipt is provided. If not, then offer whoever makes the request a small bit of food, instead, as a token of friendship. But no money.
- we generally do not give anything to children who beg
- ... add a recommendation here
LOCAL INFORMATION
In La Paz, the trekking agencies on Calle Sagarnaga are happy to supply information.
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS
Most travellers prefer Lonely Planet. But many swear by Footprint Guides which, sadly, includes advertising.
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
BEST MAPS
- Walter Guzman Cordova 1:50,000 Cordillera de La Pa-Central (Nigruni-Condoriri) and Cordillera Real O de La Pa-Sur (Huayna Potosi-Chacaltaya) is likely the best though not perfect.
- O'Brien Cartographics 1:135,000 A New Map of the Cordillera Real de Los Andes provides the big picture.
- ... add a recommendation here
Other maps of low quality are available in La Paz. We recommend you rely on a guide or arriero on this trek.
The simple trekking guidebook maps are definitely useful.
On-line maps:
BEST WEBSITES
After this page, the best links are not much help. If you search for "Condoriri" on the web, most of the hits concern mountaineering, not trekking.
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
MOVIES, VIDEOS, DVDs
- Bolivia
 , 2005, feature film directed by Adrián Caetano
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