Exploring Cordillera Blanco's Reach: Does It Extend Into Bolivia?

The Cordillera Blanca is a breathtaking mountain range in South America, encompassing some of the highest mountains on the continent. It is located in west central Peru and is considered the world's highest tropical mountain range. The Cordillera Real, on the other hand, is a mountain range in the Andes, specifically in the Cordillera Oriental. It is located in Bolivia, to the east of La Paz, and extends into Ecuador. This range was admired by Spanish conquerors for its beauty and was once worshipped by the local Aymara civilisation. Both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Real offer stunning landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Cordillera Real, Bolivia: a prime destination for climbers

The Cordillera Real mountain range in Bolivia is a prime destination for climbers from all over the world. Located in the Andes, on the eastern side of the Altiplano, between Lake Titicaca and the Amazon basin, it is close to the Bolivian capital of La Paz. The range shelters most of the country's higher summits, six of which exceed 6,000 metres in altitude.

Weather conditions

The Cordillera Real offers relatively stable weather conditions for climbers. From May to the end of September, the climate above 4,000 metres is very stable, with ongoing perfect blue skies. The best months to climb are June, July and August, which fall within the Bolivian winter. This period is dry, with occasional snowfalls. The wind starts in July, and as the season progresses, more crevasses appear in the glaciers. From November to March, the temperature is higher, but rain makes climbing unpleasant and dangerous.

Accessibility

The Cordillera Real is accessible from La Paz, which can be reached by plane or bus. The range is about 150 kilometres long, stretching from Lago Titicaca in the north-west to the suburbs of La Paz in the south-east. The different groups of mountains within the Cordillera Real can be accessed by bus or by hiring a 4x4 vehicle.

Climbing options

The Cordillera Real offers almost infinite possibilities for mountaineering, with huge glaciers, clean granite cliffs, and ice cascades. Some parts of the mountain chain see clean granite cliffs emerge from it, which are great for multi-pitch rock climbing. The range offers both easily accessible climbs, such as Huayna Potosi, which is probably the easiest accessed 6,000-metre summit in the world, and remote and empty climbs, where opportunities for first ascents are still numerous.

Hiking options

Apart from climbing, the Cordillera Real is a beautiful place for hiking, with incredible landscapes of high mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Walking in the Cordillera Real is a great way to acclimatise before attempting a summit, as hikers will go through 5,000-metre passes. Popular hikes include the 3-4 day trek from Tuni to Huayna Potosi base camp, the 7-day trek around Illampu, and the 3-day hike to Laguna Glacial within the Illampu range.

Cordillera Blanca: the world's highest tropical mountain range

The Cordillera Blanca, or "White Range", is a mountain range located in the Ancash region of Peru. Part of the larger Andes range, it extends 200 kilometres (124 miles) in a northwesterly direction between 8°08' and 9°58'S and 77°00' and 77°52'W. The Cordillera Blanca is the most extensive tropical ice-covered mountain range in the world and has the largest concentration of ice in Peru.

The Cordillera Blanca includes several peaks over 6,000 metres (19,690 ft) high, with 722 individual glaciers recognised until the 1990s. The range is home to Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru, which rises to an elevation of 6,768 metres (22,205 ft). Huascarán National Park, established in 1975, encompasses almost the entire range of the Cordillera Blanca.

The Cordillera Blanca acts as a continental divide, with the Santa River on the west draining into the Pacific Ocean, and the Marañón River on the east draining into the Atlantic Ocean. The snowmelt from the Cordillera Blanca provides part of northern Peru with its year-round water supply, while 5% of Peru's power comes from a hydro-electrical plant located in the Santa River valley.

The Cordillera Blanca is renowned for its biodiversity, with 112 registered species of birds, including residents and migratorials, and 779 species of plants belonging to 104 families and 304 genuses. The area's flora and fauna have adapted to the climate and elevation of the mountainous terrain. Almost all of the Cordillera Blanca is protected by Huascarán National Park.

The Cordillera Blanca is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering, offering stunning views of the highest mountains in the range. The Santa Cruz Trek, the Laguna 69 Trek, and the Alpamayo Base Camp Trek are among the most well-known hiking trails in the area.

No, the Cordillera Blanca is located entirely within Peru and does not extend into Bolivia. However, Bolivia is home to its own mountain ranges, such as the Cordillera Real, which offers similar trekking opportunities to the Cordillera Blanca.

Cordillera Blanca's must-see attractions

Cordillera Blancas Must-See Attractions

The Cordillera Blanca is a mountain range located in the Andes, encompassing some of South America's highest mountains. It extends for 124 miles and has about 700 glaciers, giving it its name "the white mountain range". Here are some must-see attractions in this breathtaking region:

• Huascaran National Park: In 1975, the Peruvian government designated the Cordillera Blanca as a national park, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The park covers 840,158 acres and boasts incredible ecological value, with unique conditions that impact the area's biodiversity.
• Laguna Paron: The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, Laguna Paron is a gorgeous natural reservoir surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
• Llanganuco Valley: Take a dirt road from Yungay that ascends 1350m over 28km to reach the Llanganuco Valley, known for its two robin-egg blue lakes.
• Pastoruri Glacier: Witness the rapidly retreating Pastoruri glacier, one of the few remaining glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca.
• Nevado Alpamayo: Soaring to a height of 19,511ft, Nevado Alpamayo was once termed "the most beautiful mountain in the world" by the Austrian Alpine Club.
• Nevado Huascaran: Standing tall at 22,205ft, Nevado Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru and one of the most impressive sights in the Cordillera Blanca.
• Huaraz: Nestled in the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a small town that serves as a gateway to breathtaking hikes and adventures. It offers authentic Peruvian culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
• Laguna 69: This popular day trek takes you to a stunning blue lagoon at the foot of glaciers. It is the perfect option for those short on time but seeking a memorable experience.
• Santa Cruz Trek: A challenging 3-4 day hike, the Santa Cruz trek offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine with a local chef accompanying the trip.
• Huayhuash Trek: For those seeking a longer and more demanding expedition, the Huayhuash Trek is a challenging 8-12 day hike through the neighbouring mountain range, accessible via Huaraz.

Bolivia's Cordillera Real: an uncrowded alternative to the Inca Trail

Bolivia's Cordillera Real is a stunning mountain range that stretches for fewer than 80 miles, with peaks reaching over 21,000 feet. It is a landscape of dramatic beauty just a few hours from downtown La Paz, offering endless possibilities for adventurous travellers seeking an alternative to the popular Inca Trail in Peru. In this article, we will explore why Bolivia's Cordillera Real is a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds and experience the beauty and culture of the Andean mountains.

The Cordillera Real Trek

The Cordillera Real trek takes hikers through breathtaking scenery, including snow fields, glaciers, alpine lakes, and traditional villages. During the six-day trek, hikers will have the opportunity to interact with local Aymara people, who have strong cultural ties to the region and pre-date the arrival of the Inca and Spanish empires. The Aymara language is still widely spoken in the area, and hikers may find themselves exchanging greetings with local herdsmen and women.

Seclusion from Mainstream Tourism

One of the main advantages of choosing the Cordillera Real over the Inca Trail is the seclusion it offers. While the Inca Trail can see up to 500 hikers, porters, and guides each day, the trails in the Cordillera Real are often free of visitors. This seclusion allows hikers to truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Jeff Sandifort, the owner of Climbing South America, a guiding company, highlights the remoteness of the area, stating that hikers can "really get off the beaten trail" and experience a different side of the Andes.

Cultural Resilience and Indigenous Rituals

The Cordillera Real is not just a natural wonder but also a testament to the cultural resilience of the Aymara people. Despite centuries of colonisation and struggle, the mountains have remained a central part of Aymara life, customs, and beliefs. Today, under an indigenous Aymara-speaking president, ancient rituals are gaining new prominence in mainstream Bolivian life. On the recent Aymara New Year, celebrations took place at sacred sites across the country, including one led by the president himself.

Diminishing Snowpack and Melting Glaciers

However, one important consideration for travellers is the changing climate. The snowpack is diminishing, and glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. Between 1986 and 2014, glaciers in the Cordillera Real shrunk by 41.9%. This means that travellers may need to plan their trips soon to see the mountains in their current state. Despite the changes, the Cordillera Real remains a shining challenge for adventurous travellers, offering technical peaks and walking trails just beyond the skyline of La Paz.

Practical Information

For those interested in hiking the Cordillera Real, guided day hikes and overnight trips are available from outfitters based in La Paz. The 5-night, 6-day route can cost around US $785 per person, including pack animals and guides. It is important to allow for acclimatisation, as the trek reaches high altitudes. Additionally, Bolivia has faced political turmoil and protests in the past, which can disrupt travel, so it is essential to stay updated on the current situation before planning a trip.

Cordillera Real: a beautiful place for hiking

Bolivia's Cordillera Real is a hiker's paradise. This compact mountain range, just a few hours from downtown La Paz, offers endless possibilities for adventurous travellers. The Cordillera Real is an uncrowded alternative to the Inca Trail in neighbouring Peru, where the famed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sees up to 500 hikers, porters and guides each day. In contrast, the trails in the Cordillera Real are almost entirely free of visitors, allowing hikers to enjoy the dramatic beauty of the landscape in seclusion.

The Cordillera Real is a sub-range of the Andes mountains situated in Bolivia. The range was named by 16th-century conquistadors for its majestic snow-capped peaks. As the crow flies, it is approximately 125 km long and 25 km wide, with nine peaks over 6,000 m and more than 600 peaks over 5,000 m. Geographically, the Cordillera Real is located in west-central Bolivia, with Lake Titicaca and Peru to the west and the vast Amazon Jungle to the east.

The Cordillera Real offers a variety of hiking options, from day trips to multi-day treks. The range is characterised by high alpine lakes, ancient ruins, and deep valleys. The hiking trails wind through dramatic landscapes of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and glaciers. The Cordillera Real is home to the Aymara people, whose language and culture pre-date the arrival of the Inca and Spanish empires. The Aymara have strong cultural ties to the peaks and high plains of the Andes mountains.

When planning a hike in the Cordillera Real, it is important to consider the altitude. Ninety percent of the hiking is over 4,400 m, and there are 23 passes in a span of only 241 km. Acclimatisation is crucial before embarking on a hike in this region. Spending a few days in La Paz, which is situated at 3,640 m, is a good way to adjust to the altitude.

There are several trailheads and hiking routes in the Cordillera Real, allowing hikers to customise their trip according to their fitness level and preferences. The northern terminus of the range is Sorata, located at the base of Nevado Illampu. Sorata is easily accessible by regular buses from La Paz. The southern terminus is Cohoni Village, at the base of Nevado Illimani, which can be reached by irregular buses from La Paz or by hiring a private transfer.

The Cordillera Real offers a range of hiking difficulties, from established paths to cross-country routes. The terrain varies from high alpine lakes and glaciers to deep valleys and rocky passes. Camping is abundant throughout the range. Water is readily available from glaciers and valleys, but it is recommended to treat water from lower elevations where there is livestock.

Hikers should be aware of potential security concerns in the northern part of the range, particularly around Laguna San Francisco and the village of Cocoyo. It is advisable to research the latest information on safety in this area before planning a hike.

The Cordillera Real is a hiker's paradise that offers stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to explore relatively untouched trails. With its high altitude and numerous passes, the range presents a challenging but rewarding experience for adventurous travellers.

Frequently asked questions