Mountains Of Bolivia Expedition
Mountains of Bolivia Expedition
Bolivia is a climber’s dream.
Of all the Andean countries, Bolivia remains the least touristy and most adventurous. It offers all the attractions of its more popular neighbors but remains a well-kept secret from the masses. This provides a unique opportunity for adventurous climbers.
Mountains Of Bolivia Expedition Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive in Bolivia
Arrive in La Paz International Airport (13,200’/ 4,023m). Spend the day acclimatizing, followed by a team welcome dinner.
- Day 2
- Explore and Acclimatize
Visit the ruins of Tiahuanaco. Close to La Paz, the largest archaeological site in Bolivia lends insight into this country’s past, and its Amyara civilization. The ruins date back to 1600 BCE. Exploring these high altitude ruins will also aid our acclimatization. In the afternoon we will continue driving to Lake Titicaca.
- Day 3
- Explore Lake Titicaca
The world’s largest navigable lake, Titicaca sits at over 12,400’ / 3780m. We spend the day on the water, visiting Sun Island and the indigenous people who live there. We spend a second evening in the lakeside town of Copacabana.
- Day 4
- Drive to Tuni + Acclimatization Hike
By now, we are ready to climb! Today we drive to Tuni, a collection of alpaca herder’s huts at 14,000’ / 4267m. We set camp here and take an acclimatization hike.
- Day 5
- Hike to Basecamp
Hike (with llamas to carry our gear) to Condoriri Basecamp. Perched on the edge of a lake below six peaks over 17,000’/ 5,182m in height, it is a stunning place. We set up our base camp at 15,000’/4,572m.
- Day 6
- Climb to Pico Austria
Climb Pico Austria, a non-technical 17,000’ / 5182m peak with fantastic views of all the surrounding peaks. It is a 3-4 hour hike up sand and scree to the summit, and is ideal for acclimatization.
- Day 7
- Skills Day on the Glacier
After a big pancake breakfast we head onto the glacier below Pequeño Alpamayo for a full day of skills. We practice crampon and ice axe use, self-arrest techniques, roped travel, and crevasse rescue.
- Day 8
- Climb Pequeño Alpamayo
Summit Day on Pequeño Alpamayo! Afterwards, we’ll head back to La Paz for rest and recovery.
- Day 9
- Rest Day in La Paz
Rest day in La Paz.
- Day 10
- Head to Base Camp on Huayna Potosi
Today we drive to base camp on Huayna Potosi, near Laguna Zongo (15,700’/4,785m). After establishing camp, we head to the nearby glacier, where perfect ice serac walls up to 100 feet tall allow for some technical ice climbing practice.
- Day 11
- Summit Huayna Potosi
Summit Day on Huayna Potosi! Afterwards, we’ll head back to La Paz.
- Day 12
- Weather Day / Rest Day in La Paz
We’ve built an extra day into the itinerary for weather, or an extra rest day in La Paz.
- Day 13
- Depart / Drive to Illimani Trailhead
Drive east to the trailhead of Illimani. With the help of burros, we make the easy walk into our base camp at 15,000’/4,572m.
Those who are not joining the Illimani extension will depart.
- Day 14
- Climb to Illimani High Camp
Today we’ll leave Base Camp on Illimani and climb to High Camp for a few hours’ rest before an early summit push.
- Day 15
- Illimani Summit Day
A pre-dawn start takes us across Illimani’s glaciers. As the sun rises, we will be nearing the steeper upper slopes, which will test all of the skills we have learned through our two weeks in Bolivia. Reaching Illimani’s summit (21,125′/6,439m) will be a moment for each of us to savor, before descending all the way back to base camp.
- Day 16
- Return to La Paz – Or extra Summit Day
Return to La Paz. This day can also be used as an additional summit day if weather necessitates it.
- Day 17
- Depart for Home
Depart La Paz for home.
Our Guides
Mountains Of Bolivia Expedition Equipment List
Mountains Of Bolivia Expedition Questions
Read about 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.Read the story
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.Read the story
Climbing Pequeño Alpamayo: A Hidden Gem in Bolivia
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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.Read the story
- 32.653179° S, 70.010868° W
- 39.34° N, 72.88° E
