The Cordillera Real of Bolivia
Located in the western half of Bolivia, The Cordillera Real makes up a section in the eastern range of the Andean Mountains. This section lies to the east of La Paz and stretches from the north to south where it joins with the Cordillera Central.
Further to the west of the Cordillera Real and straddling the border with Chile is the Cordillera Occidental. The land between these cordilleras is called the Altiplano, a high plateau that represents the widest section of the Andean mountain range. The city of La Paz is located on the Altiplano at an elevation of 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) making it the highest capital city in the world.
The Cordillera Real offers some of the most spectacular climbs in South America. With over 500 peaks towering above 5,000 meters and a wealth of alpine routes, it has become hugely popular for climbers around the globe. The peaks within the Cordillera Real are heavily glaciated providing excellent snow and ice routes as well as breathtaking mountain scenery.
This year’s itinerary concentrates on four peaks — three of which lie in the Condoriri Group located in the central Cordillera Real. What makes this group of mountains so special is that over 13 peaks can be approached from a single base camp providing a continuous assortment of climbs for days or even weeks without moving basecamp.
Pequeño Alpomayo 17,615 feet (5370 meters)
Located in the Condoriri Group of mountains, this beautiful snow and rock pyramid is one of the most popular peaks to climb in Bolivia. The mountain is quite accessible and the routes vary from a moderate ridge route to a steeper face climb. The mountain can generally be climbed in one day and makes for a great warm up to more difficult climbs ahead.
Piramide Blanca 17,154 feet (5230 meters)
Also located in the Condoriri Group, Piramide Blanca, a neighbor to Pequeno Alpamayo, can be climbed in one day. Although the peak was once covered in snow and ice, hence the name, today it is mostly rock. This peak is one of many in the Cordillera Real showing signs of glacial retreat due to a drier climate.
Cabeza Del Condor 18,530 feet (5648 meters)
This peak is the mainstay of the Condoriri group and has been called the Matterhorn of Bolivia. The mountain juts upward towering above two winglike peaks that flank each side giving it the appearance of a condor taking to flight. Cabeza Del Condor means “head of the condor” and has become a very popular climb with reputable exposed ridge.
Ancohuma 21,086 feet (6427 meters)
Located in the northern part of the Cordillera Real, Ancohuma is the third highest peak in Bolivia. When looking east from the shores of Lake Titicaca, the impressive snowcapped peaks of Ancohuma and Illampu share the skyline. Although Illampu is 194 feet shorter than Ancohuma, it’s far more difficult climb. Ancohuma provides a great high altitude climbing experience. Not too long ago this peak was believed to be the highest in South America.