Climbing Pequeño Alpamayo: A Hidden Gem in Bolivia

When people think about South American mountaineering, they often focus on Peru’s Cordillera Blanca or Ecuador’s volcanoes. But Bolivia’s Cordillera Real is an overlooked alpine paradise—home to dramatic peaks, wild terrain, and high-altitude challenges that rival anywhere in the Andes. One of the most rewarding climbs on Alpenglow Expeditions’ Mountains of Bolivia trip is Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618’ / 5,370m), a striking pyramid of ice and rock that delivers an incredible summit experience with a technical finish.

A Climb with Everything You Want—Without the Crowds

What makes Pequeño Alpamayo special isn’t just the summit itself—it’s the combination of a remote feel, a dynamic route, and its role as a perfect stepping stone for bigger peaks. The approach starts in the Condoriri Valley, where climbers establish a base camp at 15,500 feet near Laguna Chiar Khota. This high-altitude setting is both stunning and ideal for acclimatization.

The climb begins with a straightforward ascent of Pico Tarija (17,060’ / 5,200m), a sub-peak that serves as a warm-up before the real technical challenge begins. From there, the route drops slightly before leading up Pequeño Alpamayo’s aesthetic southwest ridge—a mix of snow, ice, and rock that requires confident movement with crampons and an ice axe.

Technical but Accessible

The final push involves 60-degree snow slopes, making for an exciting but manageable climb. It’s steep enough to demand focus but well within the reach of climbers with basic technical skills. Short-roping and belayed sections keep the ascent secure, and the sense of exposure adds to the thrill.

One of the best parts? The descent follows the same route, giving you a chance to take in the views again—because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to fully appreciate the landscape when you’re laser-focused on each step.

Part of a Bigger Mountain Progression

Alpenglow Expeditions designed the Mountains of Bolivia trip as a logical next step for climbers who have trained on Ecuador’s volcanoes or Peru’s peaks and are looking for higher-altitude, slightly more technical objectives. Pequeño Alpamayo is an ideal introduction to steeper, more exposed terrain before heading to Huayna Potosí (19,974’ / 6,088m) or Illimani (21,125’ / 6,438m) later in the trip.

Bolivia’s mountains offer an experience unlike anywhere else in the Andes—less crowded, more adventurous, and packed with unforgettable climbs. Pequeño Alpamayo is one of those peaks that delivers exactly what you’re looking for: an approachable but rewarding alpine ascent in a remote and wild setting.

If you’re ready to climb in one of the most underrated mountain ranges on the planet, Bolivia is calling.