Preparation and summit Huayna Potosí

This program is one of the most classics in Cordillera Real in Bolivia. It is an excellent program to ascend Huayna Potosí (6088 m), one of the most renowned and high mountains of the country. From the top you can see the Altiplano, La Paz, Illimani, etc.

Huayna Potosí is located at 25 km North from La Paz.

I really like it because the area is impressive and there is a great diversity, in technical terms, in a same sector. This allows me to adapt to different kind of groups. I enjoy spending time with groups there.

The huts in this sector also make it confortable (compared to Condoriri, which is more a “tent” expedition). Maybe we will have the chance to eat some trouts or observe some vizcacha, part of the local fauna.

For this expedition you need already to be acclimatized. I can also propose you options for a previous acclimatization.

The best period to do this climb is from May to October and the highest season is in particular June-July.

For this 7-day trip, I propose to you the following itinerary.

Day 1
La Paz – Tuni – Chiarkhota.

Day 2
Base camp – Pico Austria – Base camp.

Day 3
Pico Tarija (5150 m). It’s before Alpamayo pequeño. Good chance of success and so it is a good preparation to Huayna Potosí. The slope is not so steep. No climbing. Then from the top you can see the Alpamayo Pequeño and from there you can see almost the same view. You can also see Yungas, i.e. the valleys there.

Alternative Day 3
(more technical)
Base camp – climb Pequeño Alpamayo. This ascent is quite technical. The slope is 50 degrees, with 2 lengths of rope. We’ll take care by gathering. You need good experience, but the most important is to be well acclimatized.

Day 4
Hike from PA base camp – Maria LLoco (trek for 7 h).

Day 5
Hike from Maria Lloco – base camp of Huayna Potosi (5 h).

Day 6
Base camp H.P, high camp HP (3:30 h).

Day 7
High camp H.P. – Summit – Base camp. Finally we return to La Paz city.

Does this mountaineering trip in Cordillera Blanca sound interesting? Then please get in touch with me, I would love taking you there! And if you want to get acclimatized with a prior climb, I can also guide you there!