9-day Illampu guided climb, in Bolivia

Jenaro, a certified IFMGA guide, will take you to the summit of Illampu in 9 days. Join him in the most famous, and impressive, 6000 m peaks in Bolivia!

Andes

9 Days

May - Sep

Description

Illampu guided climb is a way to climb perhaps the most majestic mountain in Bolivia!

This 9-day Illampu guided climb will take you to the most desired mountain of Bolivia. Climbers worldwide consider the Nevado Illampu a celebrity. It rises on the north of the Cordillera Real. Close to the small and quiet town of Sorata. Despite being "only" 6368 m, it looks like a himalayan mountain seen from its southern neighbour Ancohuma.

The southwest ridge is the easiest route to the summit. although it's still rated Fairly Difficult. Some of its snow slopes are up to 65 degrees steep, it has long and steep ice headwalls and a 400 vertical meters ridge. But I have been climbing around this mountains since I was 15 years old. So I know my way around to take you to the summit safely.

This 9-day Illampu guided climb will start in La Paz. I'll pick you up and we'll drive to Sorata (2700 m), where we'll have lunch. After a short break we'll continue up in the vehicle to the small town of Ancohuma (4040 m). This will leave us in high ground to start walking the next day.

While the first hiking day will go up to 4600 m, we'll take the day after to acclimatize. Then I'll take you to the Higher Camps I (5500 m) and II (5600 m) on the following two days. And to the summit (6368 m) on the fifth day of the expedition.

So let me take you to this majestic giant of the Andes, I'll make sure you climb safely while I tell you about its great history! And if you don't have so much time to spare, you can check on some shorter trips like 6-day Cabeza de Cóndor or 3-day Chacapampa.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Porters
Luggage transfer

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Ancohuma

Drive from La Paz to Sorata (2700 m). Lunch. Drive in 4X4 WD to Ancohuma (4040 m).

Day 2: Ascent to Aguas Calientes Base Camp

Ascent to Aguas Calientes Base Camp (4600 m).

Day 3: Acclimatization Day

Acclimatization Day at Aguas Calientes Base Camp (4600 m).

Day 4: Ascent to Camp I

Trekking day to Base Camp I (5500 m).

Day 5: Ascent to Camp II

Trekking day to Base Camp II (5600 m).

Day 6: Summit Day

Hike to the Summit (6368 m). Trek down to Base Camp II (5600 m).

Day 7: Descent to Aguas Calientes Base Camp

Descent to Aguas Calientes Base Camp (4600 m).

Day 8: Descent to Ancohuma

Descent to Ancohuma with animal help.

Day 9: Departure

Drive back to La Paz.

Details

More info

An experienced cook will join us in the expedition. He'll cook three meals a day with a Vegetarian or non vegetarian option.

Meeting point

La Paz.

About the guide

-Jenaro

3.2

(5)

Mountain Guide

I work together with several IFMGA/UIAGM colleagues. So if I'm not available to guide you, one of my colleagues equally certified will guide you.

I began to climb the mountain when I was 15 years old. I was born in Pinaya (3.800 m.a.s.l.), a region located not far away from the top of the base camp of the majestic snow-covered Illimani (6.462 m.a.s.l.). I dedicated most part of my life to climb different ice and Rock Mountains through the Cordillera Real, Cordillera Occidental, and Cordillera de Apolobamba.

Certificates

AGMTB | UIAGM

Request more information

What people are saying about -Jenaro

Stephen

The overall experience was quite excellent. The guide as well as mountain were fantastic and I had an absolutely incredible time climbing this mountain. Jenaro is an fantastic example of hard working South American who wants best for his people as well as his clients. For example, when we initially met he found out how I was charged almost twice as much for a taxi as I should have been, chased the taxi driver down, and made them give me back my money. He is a very caring and very responsible guide. However, I was somewhat concerned about the overall organization of the trip. First and foremost, Jenaro is not actually the guide who goes up the mountain with you - he runs the organization that provides a guide as well as any gear you may need. In addition, at times the entire outfit seemed quite disorganized. For example, when I arrived to La Paz and let Jenaro know I had arrived he thought I was coming the next day and seemed to need convincing to let me hike the day I wanted to despite multiple back and forth discussions over WhatsApp. There were other small, yet very prominent, cases of of not having clear organization. As said before, Jenaro is a very caring and knowledgeable resource in La Paz however could certainly improve in organization and structuring his business.

Ishaaq

Jenaro and Pedro where highly Unmotivated to assist me in ascending Sajama. I had to stop them from changing the program to seeing the Salt Flats and seeing Copacabhana. They wanted me to see that first and then hike by myself there to "acclimatize " when El Alto is higher than those places. They talked about everything in Bolivia except Mount Sajama. They just wanted me to fail. Please do not advertise their services to other climbers on your platform, thanks. -Ishaaq

Arnaud

Jenaro was not my guide for this trip even if I was not aware of it