Climbing Huayna Potosi (6088m) in 3 days, near La Paz, Bolivia
Join one of the certified guides from Climbing South America and head to the top of one of the most popular 6,000+ meter mountains, Huayna Potosi, on a three-day guided climb near La Paz that is exhilarating, breath-taking, and an all-around unforgettable Bolivian mountaineering experience.
Private
Andes
3 Days
May - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Summit a peak over 6,000 meters in formidable Andes.
- Learn climbing techniques and skills over the course of a three-day ascent.
- Have an absolute blast in the remote yet accessible beauty of Bolivia.
- Admire incredible views of the Cordillera Real from the top of Huayna Potosi.
- Try easy technical climbing and improve as a mountaineer.
Description
Take your mountain climbing skills to the next level and scale one of the most rewarding mountains in the world! This three-day guided mountain climbing program takes you to the top of 6,088-meter Huayna Potosi, near La Paz, a wellspring of pride for Bolivia and a thrilling objective for all levels of mountaineer!
The city of La Paz in mountainous Bolivia is no stranger to heights. It is the highest capital city in the world by altitude, sitting at 3,640 meters above sea level. It is nestled between an array of exciting peaks, none more impressive than Huayna Potosi to its north. Just 25 kilometers away in the Cordillera Real, the 6,088-meter mountain is one of the mountaineering gems in all of the country.
For climbers, this is one of the most manageable peaks above 6,000 meters. Beginners are able to take on this mighty summit while practicing some easy technical climbing along the way. Our program allows you to put a huge objective on your resume and prepare you for other climbs in the Cordillera Real, the Andes, and the world. This is one of the trademark climbs of Bolivia, and I am thrilled to share it with you.
Our program will follow the Normal Route, the most common and straightforward path to the summit. Over the course of three days, we will practice and use mixed climbing skills while taking in the incredible scenery. Because of the dry season, you can expect mild temperatures during the day that become cold in the night. The days will begin early to provide us with time to enjoy the ascent and safely complete our journey.
We will begin the trip by driving from La Paz to Paso Zongo and going over ice climbing and mountaineering techniques. You will have a great opportunity to practice on ice falls in a controlled environment, finishing up with a stay in a mountain refuge. The hike to the high camp is reasonable and gorgeous, so you will have plenty of time to prepare for the summit day and the ensuing approach.
The next two days will test our climbing strength, passing everything from steep ridges and glaciers. You will have a great time utilizing newly acquired climbing techniques while having fun in a beautiful setting. Looking out from the summit, and for much of the climb up and down, you can see the Altiplano, La Paz, and Lake Titicaca. There are few panoramas as evocative as the Cordillera Real.
For those who want to complete the program in two days, we can take on the same exciting terrain in a shorter amount of time. There are also group programs open for two or more people for both two and three day options. No matter which option you choose, we guarantee a low guide ratio for safe and satisfying ascents.
You should have a good fitness level to embark on this trek and at least some previously climbing experience. The climbs are Grade II/AD-, and feature some steep areas of 50 degrees. I will ensure we have a safe and fun climb while taking on this incredible mountain.
Book this remarkable three-day Huayna Potosi mountaineering program NOW and conquer a 6,088-meter peak near La Paz for the ultimate Bolivian thrill!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- The price listed is for the threeday private program only. The other options are priced as follows:
- Private 2-day trip for one person: $274
- Group 2-day trip for two or more people: $178 per person
- Group 3-day trip for two or more people: $225 per person
- The price includes the guiding fee, mountain equipment, meals and water, climbing gear (ice axe, harness, crampons), accommodation in mountain hostels, entrance fees, transportation to and from the base camp, and shared mountain equipment. The price does NOT include personal gear and equipment, sun protection, cost of porters, sleeping bag, and anything not explicitly mentioned as “included.” If you have any questions about possible rentals, please contact me upon booking.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paso Zongo (4,700m)
After driving to Paso Zongo, we will drop off our gear in the refuge and have lunch. The rest of the day includes mountaineering training at a nearby glacier to practice our climbing skills. You will have small ice walls to go over techniques with your guides before heading back to the refuge.
Two hours of trekking.
One and a half hours of driving.
Day 2: High Camp (5,150m)
Our day begins with a hike up to the rocky buttress of the High Camp. We can rest and rehydrate once we are there, preparing for the summit push the following day, which will begin very early in the morning. The night is spent in the refuge.
Two to four hours of trekking.
Day 3: Huayna Potosi Summit (6,088m)
Departing from camp around 1:00am, we begin our journey to the top. The first part of the climb is on a glacier, and we do have a few steep sections to climb. Once around 6,000 meters, you will climb to the summit along an exposed ridge where you can see other magnificent peaks like Illimani (6,439m) and Illampu (6,368m).
After taking in the immaculate views, we will return the way we came. There is a chance to catch your breath at the High Camp before returning to Paso Zongo and driving back to La Paz.
Nine to thirteen hours of climbing.
Details
More info
Group trips will feature a guide ratio of 2:1 or 1:1. Gear fitting is usually done the day before your begin your trip. This includes trying on harnesses, double boots, etc. If you plan on using gear other than your own personal equipment, you will need to attend a gear fitting at our office in La Paz. Depending on your departure date, please come to the office Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm for the gear fitting. We can also fit on Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm. If you miss your appointment the day before, we have availability for a gear fitting the morning of your climb. Contact me upon booking for more information regarding gear fittings.
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Climbing
4.4
(5)
Mountain Guide
Jeff has had a lifelong passion for climbing and exploration of all sorts.
Born in Australia, he qualified as a mineralogist before realizing that climbing up rocks was much more interesting than digging down to look for them. (That being said, he still maintains a firm knowledge and interest in minerals). He then made it his business to travel the world climbing challenging peaks from Pakistan to New Zealand, and his experience lead him to work as a guide.
He first arrived in South America in 1995 as a backpacker seeking adventure in the remote peaks and jungles of the continent. Strategically locating himself in Bolivia, he has now made the country his home and the base of Climbing South America.
He lives happily with his Bolivian wife Giovanna and has 2 daughters, Nathalia and Kaila.
Languages
English | Dutch
What people are saying about this trip
Yona
Very happy with Climbing South America - no complaints. Karin and the others in the office were very helpful before the trip. The guide Silverio was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun - he made sure we had a very memoreable experience. We would recommend Silverio, as well as Climbing South America in general. Thanks guys!
ROLAND
tres bien
Menfis
Excellent trip, Rodrigo was an exceptional guide, definitely I recomend the Agency
Emma
Everything was great and worked perfectly. The only issue was that nobody came to meet us at climbing southamerica for the gearfit at the agreed upon time. But we could postpone this. What was also great was that I was a bit sick and asked to move the dates, which was no problem.
James
Guides and everything on the Bolivian side are amazing. The Bolivian team in the offices of La Paz are amazing. Flexible, professional, knowledgable, reliable, and deliver an incredible experience. The guide Tia was 99% responsible for my positive review. Tia the guide needs to receive a higher percentage of the money.
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