Climbing
Bolivia is one of the most challenging places in South America featuring the highest peaks of the region
Scroll down to see our programs for this type of experience
Andes Mountain Range
Bolivia is surrounded by mountains and mountain ranges. The Andes pass through the Bolivian highlands and their snow-capped peaks are a permanent feature of trips in the area.
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Our Climbing Programs
ILLIMANI
6462 mts
Base Camp: 4700 mts
High Camp: Nido de Cóndores 5500 mts
Duration: 4/5 days
Technical Difficulty: AD/AI 2.
Day 1
We leave La Paz in 4x4 early in the morning to the southeast of the city; The Illimani is the guardian of La Paz City, so you can enjoy it even without being close to the mountain. After approximately three hours of driving, we will get to the small town of Cohoni, where we meet our muleteers and mules, ready to load our gear and start our ascent to the base camp. On the way we will experience the intriguing countryside life and enjoy fresh meals prepared by our cook. We camp at 4500m.
Day 2
Today our porters will help us with most of our gear. The hike goes all the way uphill until we reach our camping site at “Nido de Cóndores” (Condor’s Nest) at 5500m. 5 hour climb approximately. From up here we have the most fantastic views. Other mountains such as Huayna Potosí at 6088 m and even Sajama at 6500 m can be seen far in the distance as well as Lake Titicaca.
Day 3
An early start is recommended in order to reach the summit of Illimani’s south peak before sunset. As we ascend we pass hefty crevasses that plunge into the deep. Here we will eventually reach our last real obstacle, a steep but small wall sloping 65º. After this last effort the way up to the summit turns less steep, making it now a lot more probable that we will make the summit. After a well-deserved break, at the summit, we start climbing back down again.
Day 4
We hike down to the small town of Cohoni where our transport will be waiting to drive us back to La Paz.
HUAYNA POTOSÍ
Base Camp: at 4700 m.a.s.l
High Camp: 5150 m.a.s.l
Duration: 2/3 days
Height difference: 1100 m.a.s.l
Technical difficulties: AD (difficult) AI 2
Medium slope angle: 40/ 50 / 55 degrees.
DAY 1
Early in the morning we leave from your hotel and transfer to the platform of Zongo (two hours by car). On the way we appreciate amazing scenery. This afternoon we will do some practice climbing at the old glacier (Top rope) and with the expert guide we will get more familiar with the use of our mountain gear and the peak characteristics.
DAY 2
After a good breakfast we start our ascent to “campo alto” at 5000 meters. The route is well marked and leads to an evident moraine edge, once at the refuge and after a short break we will begin to check and verify the mountain gear. We will eat early and try to get some rest in order to be refreshed for when we commence our summit attempt, on the following morning.
DAY 3
After a very early breakfast (around midnight) we will begin heading up the glacier, aiming towards the east face and arriving at the Pala. We then continue all the way to the top arriving at the summit of Huayna Potosí (6080 m) after about six hours of ascent. Once at the top we will have some time to enjoy the breath-taking panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the rising sun in the east. After a while we start descending arriving once again at “Campo Alto”, and then on to the base camp, where our vehicles will be waiting for us to drive us back to La PazSAJAMA CLIMBING
6549 mts
DAY 1
La Paz (3600m) – Sajama village (4220 m)
From the city of La Paz we leave for to the Sajama National Park. We arrive in Tomarapi at our accommodation, the Ecolodge belonging to an Aymara community. We will take lunch there, and in the afternoon we will visit Caripe and observe the development of crafts and the handling of the camelid wool existing in the region. In the afternoon we return to Tomarapi, walking and observing wetlands and the habitat of this Aymara community. A welcome dinner follows.
OVERNIGHT IN TOMARAPI ECOLODGE
DAY 2
Sajama village – Base camp (4600m)
At a convenient time we will walk in the north part of Sajama Mountain the views of Sajama are in front of us, an easy walk will take to the base camp. 3 to 4 hours (BLD)
OVERNIGHT BASE CAMP
DAY 3
Base Camp – High Camp
Walking on rock and moraine we will cross up over a ridge and continue to climb up to high camp. We will make our high camp on a ridge next to a rock tower and have views of the Altiplano.
4 to 5 hours (B, L, D)
OVERNIGHT IN HIGH CAMP
DAY 4
High camp – Summit (6549m) – High camp – Base camp
An early start from our high camp as it will be a long day, and we will leave wearing our crampons. We will follow the ridge and climb through snow fields, to finally reach the summit. Where we can see The Twins and on a clear day we can see the Cordillera Real. After a short break we start the descent, stopping at the high camp to meet the porters who will carry all the equipment and personal gear. We will finish the day back at the base camp and then to the lodge 10 to 12 hours (B, L, D)
OVERNIGHT IN TOMARAPI ECOLODGE
DAY 5
Sajama Village – La Paz
We will rest in the lodge and visit Laguna Huayñakota hot springs where we will enjoy a dip. Return to La Paz. -
Inca Trails Hard
YUNGA CRUZ TRAIL
DURATION: 5 DAYS
One of the most exciting but difficult of the Inca trails, this trek takes us from an altitude of 4,500 to 1,500 meters above sea lev
A pre-Columbian trail dominated by the presence of Illimani (6,480m); the trail crosses the entire mountain range and descends into the subtropical Yungas region. Enjoy breath-taking sceneries whilst walking past extensive coca leaf plantations, vegetable and fruit-producing areas. The trail is one of the best preserved pre-Hispanic trails in Bolivia. You will be sure to enjoy a variety of ecosystems, from the high mountain scenery down to the green forest.
DAY 1
Leaving La Paz, we go south of the city heading towards the guardian mountain of the city, Illimani. As we approach the massif, it becomes more and more impressive. We arrive to Chuñavi mid-afternoon and set up our tents. The porters will join us to prepare the expedition for the next day.
DAY 2
Observe a different ecosystem commencing with flowers and birds such as eagles, hawks, vultures and hummingbirds along the route. We need to reach the pass at 4,300m on the hill of Khala Ciudad (Stone City) where an incredible view of the Cordillera Real will await us if the weather is good. On the way we will also observe different native plants, characteristic of this inter Andean valley. We will then set up camp.DAY 3
On the way we will observe flora, orchids, tree ferns, gymnosperm of European pine, birds and mosquitoes in this ideal ecosystem for nature lovers. We will walk around Laguna Kasiri and then hike up in order to reach the pass at 4,200m, from where we start to descend until we come to Cerro Yunga Cruz, a good place for setting up camp.
DAY 4
The vegetation becomes thicker and the temperature increases. The path will get wider and we will observe the deep depressions of this humid area during the early season when few people have passed through. A machete is a useful piece of equipment since the vegetation might obstruct our way. From this point we continue to the right of the hill and start climbing down and to camp in Durasnuni.
DAY 5
After an easy trek we will arrive at the road into the village of Sikilini. We will find good viewpoints as well as terraced coca leaf plantations. From this point our trail will soon turn into a dirt track down to the village of Chulumani (Capital of the South Yungas section) and have time to wander around. After lunch we will drive for around 3 ½ hours back to La Paz. -
Lake and Mountains Trails
CONDORIRI AND HUAYNA POTOSÍ - THE ANDEAN FORCE
DURATION: 7 DAYS
DAY 1
LA PAZ – LAGUNA KHOTIA – LAGUNA AJWANI (4720 m.a.s.l.)
Difficulty: Altitude trek with one or more passes over 5000 m.a.s.l. each day. 4 to 6 hours walking each day. Good physical condition required. Depart from the hotel at 8.30 a.m. by private transport for the Cordillera Real (3 hour trip) and Laguna Kothia (4470 m.a.s.l.) to join our mules and start hiking on the right-hand side of the lake, on the southwest slopes of the Cordillera. Clear the first pass (Paso Contador, 4760 m.a.s.l.) before crossing a swampy area, near Laguna Surakhota. After about 4 hours walking arrive at Laguna Ajwani (“lagoon of the birds”, 4720 m.a.s.l.). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 4/5 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +500m/-300m
DAY 2
LAGUNA AJWANI - LAGUNA JURIKHOTA (4700 m.a.s.l.)
Set off following the hillside, clear a first pass at an altitude of 4920 m.a.s.l. (Paso Milluni / 2 hours), continue on to Laguna Sistaña (4660 m.a.s.l. / 45 mins.).
In the afternoon ascend to a second pass (Paso Janchallani, 4900 m.a.s.l. / 1½ hours), before the last descent of the day to Laguna Jurikhota (4700 m.a.s.l. / 1 hour). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 5/6 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +665m/-560m
DAY 3
LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – LAGUNA CONGELADA – PASO AUSTRIA - LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (4670 m.a.s.l.)
From Laguna Jurikhota ascend up a steep slope to reach, an hour and a half later, Laguna Congelada, (two glaciers literally drop into its icy waters), a jewel nested at an altitude of 4900 m.a.s.l. at the foot of El Condoriri (5650 m.a.s.l.). From there we climb to a second pass (Paso Austria, 5120 m.a.s.l. / one hour ascent) before descending on the other side towards Condoriri and the Pequeño Alpamayo base camp, at the edge of Laguna Chiarkhota (4670 m.a.s.l. / 1½ hour descent). Just before the pass climb Pico Austria (5300 m.a.s.l. optional) to admire the incredible views over the Cordillera Real (45 minute climb, 20 minute descent). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +645m/-670m
DAY 4
LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA (4680 m.a.s.l.)
Leave Condoriri, pass the base of the Black Needle and eventually reach the Jallayko Pass (5025 m.a.s.l.). Drop into the beautiful, steep Jistaña Valley, before ascending the Tillipata Pass (5000 m.a.s.l.) with spectacular views of lagoons below. More downhill to the Wichu Khota Lagoon to camp at the foot of María Lloco (5522 m.a.s.l.). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 7 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +845m/-935m
DAY 5
LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA – CAMPO CANAL (4800 m.a.s.l.)
Pass by lagoons to the old Santa Fe miners’ camp. A short detour to a small peak nearby overlooking the camp provides a good view out over the lagoons.
Climb up to camp, surrounded by the peaks of Imilla Apachita, Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosí (6088 m.a.s.l.) for a spectacular view (4/5 hour walk). Hike to Laguna Glacial from Huayna Potosí. The trail, an ancient dried out stone canal on the hillside, provides wonderful views (2 hour round trip). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +320m/-200m
DAY 6
CAMPO CANAL – HUAYNA POTOSÍ ASCENT / DAY 1 (5100 m.a.s.l.)
After loading the gear on llamas, head for the Milluni pass (5000 m.a.s.l). From there, we overlook the Milluni Valley. Keep on going towards the shelter passing Huayna Potosí on the left. The Andes abruptly drop into the Yungas, a green and tropical area, at this point.
Ascend to the Rock Camp (5100 m.a.s.l.). Approximately a 2 hour walk. Cold lunch. All included. Night in mountain refuge.
Note: Team of porters for the second day ascent.
Hiking time: 6 hours; elevation gain/loss: +600m/-300m
DAY 7
ASCENT OF HUAYNA POTOSÍ / DAY 2 (6088 m.a.s.l.) – LA PAZ
Leave at 2 a.m. to attempt to reach the summit. Descend to the shelter. Return to La Paz by private transport. Lunch included. Dinner open. Hot
Ascent time: 10 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +1000m/-1400mTREK THE ISLAND OF THE SUN - LAKE TITICACA
DAY 1
COPACABANA – TREK YAMPUPATA - ISLA DEL SOL – YUMANI
Go by motorboat to the cave of Lourdes to start trek on the Yampupata peninsula crossing the unchanged village of Sampaya. Reach the village of Yampupata where a boat awaits to take us to the nearby Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) (30 minute-crossing). Disembark at the Inca site of Pilkokaina, an ancient Inca palace. A 30 to 40-minute walk to the village of Yumani. Cold lunch.
OVERNIGHT IN AN ECOLODGE
NB: During the following 2 days, a boat will be at our disposal to transport the group as well as all equipment during the walks.
Hiking time: 4 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +200m/-100m
DAY 2
YUMANI – ISLA DEL SOL – CHALLAPAMPA - COPACABANA
Start the trek from Yumani by following the crest of the Island to the Inca ruins of Chincana (labyrinth in Aymara) in the north (3 - 4 hour walk). Continue on to the village of Challapampa to visit the Marka Pampa museum. Return to Copacabana by motorboat. Lunch included. Dinner open. Hot / Lake view.
Hiking time: 5 hours; Elevation gain/loss: +100m/-200m
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Only for experienced
LAGUNA GLACIAR + ANCOHUMA - TREKKING ON THE SLOPES OF ILLAMPU – CORDILLERA REAL
DURATION: 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS
FROM MARCH TO NOVEMBER
This trek winds along the slopes of the imposing mountain range of Illampu and Ancohuma, two of the “giants” of the Cordillera Real.
From the quiet village of Sorata, at an altitude of 2700 metres, climb up to Laguna Glacier, at 5038 m.a.s.l. This is an altitude trek, with the Apolobamba range and Lake Titicaca as the backdrop. Option to experience the daily life of an Andean community, a unique and enlightening experience.
DAY 1
LA PAZ – SORATA (2700 m.a.s.l.)
Depart from the hotel at 9 a.m. by private transport for Sorata (around 3 ½ hours) a sleepy village nestled in a green valley at the foot of the majestic Illampu (6368 m.a.s.l.). If the weather is clear great views of the snowy peaks behind the palm trees in the village square, at an altitude of 2700 metres. Lunch and dinner open. Hot
DAY 2
SORATA – LACATIYA (3900 m.a.s.l.)
Difficulty: Altitude trek. 5 to 7 hours walking each day. Good physical condition required.
Meet mules on the outskirts of the village in the morning and start trek uphill to the village of Lacatiya (3900 m.a.s.l.), first bivouac. Illampu dominates the scenery (6430 m.a.s.l.). Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac in the community.
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: +1200m
DAY 3
LACATIYA
Spend the day in the community of Lacatiya participating in family and community activities (taking llamas to graze, gathering plants and firewood, cooking, etc.). The programme is flexible as this a day for meeting and sharing, for discovering the lifestyle, customs and, perhaps more importantly, the warmth and generosity of the people of the Cordillera. A half-day optional hike to the Paso Illampu to enjoy views of the north peak of Illampu (6370 m.a.s.l.) and the Pico Schulze (5950 m.a.s.l. +850 m elevation gain). All included. Bivouac in the community.
DAY 4
LACATIYA – LAGUNA ILLAMPU - LAGUNA CHILATA (4200 m.a.s.l.)
Climb from Lacatiya to Laguna Illampu (4300 m.a.s.l.), then follow the slopes of the Illampu mountain range to set up camp at Laguna Chilata. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: +400m / -300m
DAY 5
LAGUNA CHILATA – LAGUNA GLACIAR (5038 m.a.s.l.)
Leave in the morning for the ascent to the Laguna Glacier. Wonderful views over Lake Titicaca, Sorata Valley and the Andes. In the afternoon, short walk around the Laguna Glacier. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Hiking time: 5 hours; Elevation gain: +850m
DAY 6
LAGUNA GLACIAR (5038 m.a.s.l.) – CAMPO ALTO ANCOHUMA (5800 m.a.s.l.)
Grade II/AD, Max 50º - with mountain guide
Quick ascent to the glacier, cross the glacier to high camp. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Note: Team of porters for the 2 days’ ascent
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: +800m
DAY 7
ASCENT OF ANCOHUMA (6430 m.a.s.l.)
Grade II/AD, Max 50º - with mountain guide
Very early morning start from high camp. Attempt the summit. Descend to Laguna Glacier. Cold lunch. All included. Bivouac.
Ascent time: 10 hours; Elevation gain: +650m / -1390m
DAY 8
LAGUNA GLACIAR – SORATA (2700 m.a.s.l.)
Descent to Sorata. Afternoon open. Lunch and dinner open. 2 star hot
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: -2340m
DAY 9
SORATA – LA PAZ
Return to La Paz by private transport in the morning (3-4 hours). Lunch and dinner open.
ANDEAN RANGE TREK
DURATION: 16 DAYS
DAY 1
LA PAZ
The airport of La Paz is located roughly 14 km from the city centre with viewpoints set along the length of the main route providing exceptional views of the city and of the snow-capped mountain chain of the Cordillera Real
Overnight in La Paz Hotel (B)
DAY 2
CITY TOUR
At a convenient time, we will pick you up to begin a City Tour This tour provides an exploration of the most representative sites of the city: San Francisco church, the Witches’ Market and visit museums at the last colonial street, we continue to the Plaza Murillo Square where the Legislative and Governmental Palaces are located. We will explore the Witch’s Market where the various artefacts used for religious ceremonies are sold and after hearing about religious beliefs and myths. Leaving the centre of La Paz we pass through the residential zones to arrive in the unique landscape of the Valley of the Moon, an area of striking natural geological formations.
Overnight in La Paz Hotel (B, L)
DAY 3
COPACABANA –ISLANDOF THE SUN
Today our destination is Copacabana. En route we will stop off in Huatajata, a village where we will visit the museum of the native reed boats. Later we cross the Stretch of Tiquina. This divides the Greater and the Lesser Lakes which together comprise the ‘Magical Lake Titicaca’. We will continue by road enjoying the surrounding landscape until our arrival in the Ancient Sanctuary of Copacabana, where one discovers the mysticism of both colonial and pre-colonial cultures. From the town’s entrance one can distinguish distinct types of archaeological remains, such as Intinkala, El Asiento and the Horca del Inca. We will also visit the church and the town in the afternoon transfer to the Island of the Sun.
Overnight on the Island of the Sun (B, L, D)
DAY 4
ISLAND OF THE SUN
Early in the morning we walk around the three communities of the Island; during the day we observe Huacani Bay, Chincana Ruins, Sacred Rock and a aymara ceremony place.
Overnight on Island of the Sun (B, L, D)
DAY 5
LA PAZ – LAGUNA TUNI – LAGUNA JURIKHOTA (4700 m.a.s.l.)
Departure from La Paz at 8 a.m. in our private vehicle for the village of Tuni, starting point of our trek (a 3-hour trip). After skirting the lake of the same name, we go over a pass at an elevation of 4900 m.a.s.l. before descending to Laguna Juri Khota (a 4-hour walk). From there we have a very beautiful view of the “Cabeza de Condor”, or the Condor’s Head also known as El Condoriri, dominating the scenery (5648 m.a.s.l.). It forms, with the two adjacent summits, the Condoriri range, in the shape of a condor with tucked wings.
Ascent time: 4 hours; Elevation gain: +400m / -200m
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 6
LAGUNA JURIKHOTA – LAGUNA CONGELADA – PASO AUSTRIA - LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA (4670 m.a.s.l.)
From the laguna, we ascend the steep hills to reach Laguna Congelada, a gem nestled at an elevation of 4900 m, at the foot of Condoriri (5650 m.a.s.l.). Two glaciers literally drop into its frozen water.
We then clear Paso Austria (5160 m.a.s.l.) before descending to Laguna Chiarkhota (4670 m.a.s.l.), the base camp for the ascent of Condoriri and of Pequeño Alpamayo. Before clearing Paso Austria, we have the option to climb Pico Austria (5300 m.a.s.l.), offering an excellent view of the Condoriri and of the Cordillera Real.
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: +460m / -490m
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 7
LAGUNA CHIARKHOTA – LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA (4680 m.a.s.l.)
We leave the Condoriri behind us, pass at the base of the Black Needle and eventually reach the Jallayko Pass (5025 m.a.s.l.). Before climbing up Tillipata Pass we pass through the beautiful valley of Jistana (where we can admire a myriad of lagunas). Later on, another downhill takes us to Laguna Wichu Khota, where we set up our camp, at the foot of María Lloco (5522 m.a.s.l.).
Hiking time: 7 hours; Elevation gain: +645m / -635m
Camp overnight (B, L, D)DAY 08
LAGUNA WICHU KHOTA – CAMPO CANAL (4800 m.a.s.l.)
We progress amongst the lagunas, until the ancient camp for mine Santa Fe. A short detour to a small nearby summit dominating the camp allows us to get a good view over all the lagunas. We then climb up to our camp, surrounded by the summits of Imilla Apachita, Maria Lloco and Huayna Potosí (6088 m.). The view is amazing. The most courageous will be able to hike over to Laguna Glacial del Huayna Potosí. The trail, an ancient dried out stone canal on the hillside, offers wonderful scenery. Camp at 4800 m.
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 9
CAMPO CANAL – ASCENT OF HUAYNA POTOSÍ (5100 m.a.s.l.)
After loading the gear on our lamas, we head for the Milluni pass that we reach in the middle of the morning (5000 m.a.s.l) and from where we discover the Milluni Valley on the other side. We go around the Huayna Potosí mountain range until we arrive at the refuge (4700 m.a.s.l.). At this point the Andes are dramatically dropping into the Yungas, a green and tropical area.
Ascent to the “Rocks Camp” (base camp. 5100 m.a.s.l.).
Hiking time: 6 hours; Elevation gain: +600m / -300m
Refuge Overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 10
ASCENT OF HUAYNA POTOSÍ (6088 m.a.s.l.) – LA PAZ
Departure at 2 a.m. for a tentative ascent of the summit. Later on, we descend to the shelter (approximately 10 hours total). Return to La Paz with private vehicle. Lunch included. Dinner open.
Ascent time: 10h; Elevation gain: +1000m / -1400m
Overnight in La Paz Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 11
Free day
Overnight in La Paz Hotel (B)
DAY 12
PINAYA – PUENTE ROTO
We leave La Paz in 4x4 early in the morning to the southeast; After approximately three hours of driving, we will get to a small town Cohoni,; where we meet our muleteers and mules, ready to load our gear and start our ascent to the base camp. On the way we will experience the intriguing countryside life and enjoy tasty meals prepared by our cook. We camp at 4500 m.
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 13
NIDO DE CONDORES
Today our porters will help us with most of our gear. The hike goes all the way uphill until we reach our camping site at “Nido de Cóndores” (Condor’s Nest) at 5500 m. 5 hours climb approximately. From up here we have the most fantastic views. Other mountains such as Huayna Potosí at 6088 m and even Sajama at 6500 m can be seen far in the distance as well as Lake Titicaca.
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 14
ILLIMANI SUMMIT
An early start is recommended in order to reach the summit of Illimani’s south peak before sunset. As we ascend we pass hefty crevasses that plunge into the deep. Here we will eventually reach our last real obstacle, a steep but small wall sloping 65º. After this last effort the way up to the summit turns less steep, making it now a lot more probable that we will make the summit. After a well-deserved break, at the summit, we start climbing back down again.
Camp overnight (B, L, D)
DAY 15
LA PAZ
We hike down to the small town of "Cohoni" where our transport will be waiting to drive us back to La Paz.
Overnight in La Paz Hotel (B, L)
DAY 16
Airport transfer and end of the services.
