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Get to Pico Austria (5350m), Bolivia even without a guide

We did this trip with a guide, but this has a GPS track to follow, which I’ve recorded, if you decide to go without a guide. There are no technical difficulties and should be easy to do if you are acclimatized well enough. Check also the short video from the trip!

This hike is also great for acclimatization if you plan to do higher peaks (6000+m) in the following days. You can choose to stay here for more days at Refugio Condoriri (situated around 4630m) and do the surrounding 5000+m peaks.

Leave behind La Paz and observe how beautiful are its surroundings.

Hide and seek.

We are thankful for the roads, which take us to the feet of the mountains.

That sweet snow is coming down from the mountains. Start the hike easy from 4500m.

It ain’t only the altitude that might get breathtaking, but the views. Stop for a pic.

First lagoon along the way.
Talk to the lamas, they have big ears to listen.
Don’t worry about motivation, the landscape will take care of that.

Almost at Refugio Condoriri next to Lagoon Ch’iyar Quta / Chiar Khota.

One step comes after the other.

Bring your walking sticks, if you have them at hand. If you go with a guide, ask him to bring one. It will help you a lot.

Next to Lagoon Ch’iyar Quta / Chiar Khota, hiding from the wind.

Don’t eat too much, as your digestion might be slower at these altitudes, but don’t run out of fuel on the mountain!

Lagoon Ch’iyar Quta / Chiar Khota
Ascent further from Refugio Condoriri
Watch your back! It will always amaze you.

Last steps to the top.

Almost there.

Beauty and sadness when thinking about the future. Glaciers of Bolivia are disappearing.
Catch your breath at 5350m on Pico Austria.
The sun is on its way to set. Descent.
Looking back to our way to the top.
Leaving behind the gorgeous views. Silence and cold drops down on the mountains.

We’ve ended this trip with headlamps, because getting away from La Paz was difficult of the traffic. Try to leave earlier than 8am.

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