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Stories: Bolivia – Pequeño Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi, Illimani

Mountain adventures create the best stories, and we want to share some of ours with you. Dive into Alpenglow Stories to stay up to date on expeditions in the field, read blogs, and get tips and tricks from guides.

A view of the summit block of Pequeño Alpamayo in Bolivia.

Culture and Climbing in Bolivia

Our Mountains of Bolivia expedition is more than just a climbing trip—it’s a deep dive into Bolivia’s living history, spiritual traditions, and high-altitude landscapes. Over 16 days, we move from the vibrant energy of La Paz to the quiet, snow-covered summits of the Cordillera Real, all while immersing ourselves in the cultural heartbeat of the Andes.
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Huayna Potosí 101: Climbing One of Bolivia’s Most Accessible 6,000m Peaks

Located 25k from La Paz, Bolivia, this glaciated peak is a popular choice for climbers looking to break into high-altitude mountaineering.
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Climbing Pequeño Alpamayo: A Hidden Gem in Bolivia

Climbing Pequeño Alpamayo: A Hidden Gem in Bolivia
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The conical peak of Nevado Sajama.

“More Than Just a Climbing Trip”: Mike Pond on the Mountains of Bolivia

In November 2023, Alpenglow guide Mike Pond returned to Bolivia for the fifth time for a private climbing trip. Moreover, it reminded us of our responsibility as climbers to listen to the mountains. As much as we may think of ourselves as mountain guides, it is equally as important to remember that the mountains guide us as well.
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two climbers high-five on a glacier in Bolivia

Climbing Culture in Bolivia Runs Deep

On the edge of the Central Andes mountains, Bolivia boasts a rich tapestry of climbing history and culture with deep roots in the country’s rugged terrain and indigenous heritage. Climbing in Bolivia traces its origins back centuries, intertwined with the traditions of indigenous communities who traversed the Andean mountains for trade, communication, and spiritual purposes.
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Acclimatizing on a hike near a lake in the mountains of Bolivia.

Exploring Bolivia: A Unique and Ideal Intermediate Mountaineering Destination

Bolivia is the intermediate mountaineer’s hidden gem, offering a unique blend of adventure, challenge, and cultural richness. Nestled in the Southern Andes, Bolivia’s diverse landscapes and towering peaks make it an ideal destination for growing climbers seeking to expand their skills on Pequeño Alpamayo (17,482’/5,329m), Huayna Potosi (19,975’/6,088m), and Illimani (21,125′/6439m).
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Private Bolivia Expedition Updates

Read Private Bolivia expedition updates from Guide Mike Pond as they summit peak after peak in Bolivia!
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Acclimatizing on a hike near a lake in the mountains of Bolivia.

Trip Recap: Pequeño Alpamayo

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Updates from Bolivia

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7 Reasons You Should Climb in Bolivia

Written by Mike Pond This summer, an Alpenglow team of four led by guides Gaspar Navarrete, Mike Pond, and Isaac Laredo climbed Pequeño Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi and Illimani in Bolivia….
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