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Provincia Los Andes

Condoriri mountain
Condoriri mountain
by Runa 59

Runa Photography © 2012 © All rights reserved, don´t use this image without my permission.

When you travel around La Paz, you will have the chance to see a very beautiful mountain formation, the Condoriri Range. One of its main mountains is "La Cabeza de Condor", (literally, the Condor's Head), and next to it, on each side the Ala Izquierda and the Ala Derecha (or right and left wing). This very interesting group is a place where the alpinist can practice a variety of techniques in mountaineering, from classic rock to alpine ice, and from simple expedition to the summits to alpine style climbs via several gullies, faces and slopes. Moreover, there are several other mountains to be climbed in the area, making it a Chamonix or a Zermat in South America and making worth a visit.: Pequeño Alpamayo, Ilusion, Ilusionsita, Tarija, etc. Indeed, given the right weather and physical condition, one can climb one mountain each day and rest another for 10 days or more.

The Cabeza de Condor is, on its normal route, a grade III climb, AD/AD+, 55 degrees if hard snow in the gully or a 5.0-5.4 rock. via the full ridge. The ridge, sharp as a knife, is very exposed. The route is not technically hard, but the length and altitude of the final ridge make it a serious endeavor for the alpinist.

Thanks to all Phoide contributors to Provincia Los Andes!
Most notably Runa 59.