Classic Two Week Mountaineering Trip in Bolivia

Follow Rodrigo, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, on a two-week adventure to some of the classic peaks in Bolivia´s Cordillera Real: Pequeno Alpamayo, Huayana Potosi, and Illimani.

Andes

1 Day

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate

Description

See the beauty of Bolivia on a two week excursion to some of its most thrilling peaks! Join a mountaineering expedition to Pequeno Alpamayo (17,618 ft), Huayana Potosi (19,974 ft), and Illimani (21,201 ft) for exciting climbs and dramatic views!

Located in the western part of Bolivia, in the Andes Mountains, Pequeno Alpamayo, Huayana Potosi, and Illimani look out over various features below. From La Paz and Lake Titicaca to the Amazon Basin and the surrounding plateaus, this region is loaded with outstanding panoramas.

The proximity to the capital city makes it a tempting adventure, and it would be my pleasure to take you to these classic peaks. Pequeno Alpamayo has a glacier that, while not extremely technical, is a great way to get acclimatized to the environment.

Huayana Potosi offers a little bit of snow climbing as we make our way to its summit. Located in the epic Cordillera Real, it is a true gem and another step in preparing for an ascent of Illimani, the highest peak in the Cordillera Real.

This mountain, at 21,201 feet, is the tallest in the Cordillera Real, and will give you access to the best views of the surrounding Andes and its valleys.

Our two week excursion will begin in La Paz, within close proximity to all of our destination peaks. The culture of the city is an added bonus for our time spent getting acclimatized to the environment.

My vast knowledge of the Andes, this region, and climing in general will ensure we have a fun and safe program together. I would love to show you my favorite trails and locations in such a unique and inspiring land.

This is a long trip, so you should be in good physical condition to take part in it. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and have the mental fortitude to take on such a sustained program.

Book this classic Bolivian expedition and get mountaineering experience on three fantastic mountains in the Andes!

I can also offer you a more technical climb in Bolivia on a 16-day mountaineering expedition! Or we can try a three-day heliskiing trip in the Maipo Valley!

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Porters

Price details

This is the price to join one of our group programs.
The price includes the guiding fee, two nights in a hotel in La Paz, transportation during the trip, burros / llamas, porters, camp guardian, cook, meals while in the mountains, group equipment (ropes, ice screws, pickets, etc.), group camping gear (tents, cooking equipment, etc.), and the National Park fee.
The price does NOT include flights to and from La Paz, any lodging beyond the first two hotel nights in La Paz, any meals when you are not climbing, personal equipment and camping gear, laundry, tips, personal items, and personal snacks and drink(s).

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in La Paz

We will meet in La Paz to check our gear, go over the itinerary, and start getting acclimatized to the Andes.

Day 2: La Paz

We will take an extra day to acclimatize in La Paz. You can take advantage of this opportunity to see the beautiful culture and history of the city.

Day 3: Condoriri Valley

We begin by heading to the Condoriri Valley to rent burros to take us to Base Camp. We will settle in next to a beautiful and scenic lake after a few hours of hiking.

Day 4: Summit Pequeno Alpamaya

A moderate hike through the main glacier will take us to a steep ice and snow climb. After we take in our accomplishment, we will head back to Base Camp.

Day 5: Head for Huayana Potosi

We will start moving towards our next goal, Huayana Potosi. With the help of porters, we will set up our Base Camp in the foothills.

Day 6: High Camp

This day is reserved for moving us to the High Camp.

Day 7: Summit Huayana Potosi

Starting early, we will brave the snow climbing and reach the top of Huayana Potosi. Descending down, we aim to make it back to La Paz.

Day 8: Rest Day

We will stay in La Paz for a well-deserved rest day.

Day 9: Head for Illimani

We will begin our journey to the highest peak of the Cordillera Real. We will meet the llamas and their handler at 15,000 feet.

Day 10: Carry Day

We will carry a load to High Camp at 18,000 feet, and then return to Base Camp.

Day 11: High Camp

We will move to our High Camp, and enjoy the views that accompany our altitude.

Day 12 to 13: Summit Illimani

We will start early and trek across the glacier crevasses of Illimani. A steep face leads us to the summit, with incomparable views of the rest of the Andes.

Day 14: Return to La Paz

We will return to La Paz for a celebration dinner, and to reminisce on a wonderful adventure!

About the guide

-Rodrigo

5.0

(5)

Mountain Guide

An Internationally Certified UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide, Rodrigo has been a guide for 30 years. He has led 24 expeditions to Denali and 28 expeditions to Aconcagua — the highest peaks in North and South America, respectively. He has been a member of expeditions to Shisha Pangma and Cho Oyu in the Himalaya, and his climbs in Patagonia include the North and Central Towers of Paine, Agujas Guillaumet and Poincenot, as well as Cerro Torre attempts. He’s made Patagonian Ice Cap explorations including the first east-west traverse of the northern Ice Cap. He holds first ascents in Antarctica, the Andes and Alaska; speed ascents of Denali, Aconcagua, and Juncal. He’s guided the Ellsworth Mountains and Mt. Vinson in Antarctica and has extensive climbing and guiding experience in Yosemite and the Alps, including Frendo Spur and the Grand Jorasses. He’s a former Technical Committee member for the American Mountain Guides Association and a Senior Guide at Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rodrigo speaks fluent English, French and Spanish.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

ANGM | UIAGM

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