La Paz and Conderira Mountains

Crowded, dry, dusty and hectic La Paz provided me with the incentive to spend 3 days trekking in the Conderira Mountain Range, part of the higher Andes, and only a couple of hours away from La Paz. The local guide for the trek introduced himself as Felix, and his wife, Victoria, who provided the portering with the assistance of their mule, who carried the tents and cooking equipment and food. Though neither of them spoke much English we managed basic communication.
The 3 days were spent in the high Andes mainly in the vicinity of the 3 highest peaks, including Haughan Potosi, and their respective glacial formations. At times we were higher than some glaciers though did not walk on the glaciers themselves. We climbed passes up to 5,200 metres and I can state with honesty that I´ve now fells walked, though with my heart in my boots! The tents were pitched at 2 camps both with minimal facilities, showers were most definately not an option. Needless to say it was cold at night as on both occasions we were camped above 4,800 metres, and hot drinks of coca tea were very welcome in the early mornings.
The weather was sunny but with a persistant chill wind which brought the temperature down but there was still a need for sunscreen in the conditions. The landscape was of rocks and scree though the valleys had a covering of grasses with the presence of many lamma´s and alpaca´s, very hardy creatures and well suited to the climb.
After 3 days it was good to return to La Paz and the opportunity for a hot shower. Sadly my pleasure was short lived as a bogus policeman lifted my Ipod and camera (I was very annoyed that I´d fallen for the commonest scam in La Paz!!) therefore this blog will not include photos, disappointing as I´d promised Felix and Victoria copies of some of the trek photographs. Claiming on the travel insurance is fairly straightforward, and the Policia Turistica were very helpful in providing me with the necessary reports, so am optimistic that the claim will be paid , that is if the British post office delivers the claim (?).
The next stop will be Rurrabaque, where will be looking at an Amazon jungle trek, before flying on to Quito, Ecuador.