There are many trekking opportunities from La Paz and many adventure companies.  We chose a trek for 2 people with Zig Zag Eco Tours starting in the peaceful mountainside town of Sorata (2700 metres), 3 hours north of La Paz.  The bus makes its way down a spectacular valley dotted with communities and their colourful fields of maize.

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Together with our experienced guide Ivan and great cook Syrle, we began the punishing climb up to the sacred Lake Chillata at 4200 metres where we camped for 2 nights beside the lake. The snow capped mountains were reflected in the still water, the fog rolled in and out.  Our packs and the rest of the gear went up ahead on 2 mules led by Don Vicente.

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The next morning we set off in the mist to climb up to Laguna Glacial at 5038 metres.  Syrle had made a delicious picnic lunch which we enjoyed beside a stream below the glacier at 4800 metres with views  down to Lake Titicaca.  Lack of time and fitness as well as the high altitude prevented us from going all the way to the lake but we were more than happy to turn around where we did.

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Our final day was the steep descent back down into the cloud filled valley.  The weather was perfect, the Illampu mountains clearly visible behind us as we trekked towards Sorata.

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