Huayna Potosi (6,060m), 8-day expedition to the summit, near La Paz

Seize the spectacular Andean nature of Bolivia as you make your way across Huayna Potosi on an 8-day expedition with mountain leader Gaston.

Group

Andes

+1 Days

Jul, Aug

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Conquer the incredible Bolivian Andes and reach sublime heights.
Take in the spectacular natural beauty surrounding the capital.
Benefit from having a mountain leader accompanying you.

Description

Located along the great granite Cordillera Real range in Bolivia is the captivating peak of Huayna Potosi.

Soaring to 6,060 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest peaks in the whole of Bolivia, and is just 25 kilometers from La Paz. This makes the mountain one of the more popular hiking spots with a good level of access.

La Paz, the de facto capital of Bolivia, rests among the mountains at 3,650 meters above sea level and is considered the highest capital in the world. Because of this, acclimatizing from the capital to the summit of Huayna Potosi is relatively easy.

The very first ascent of Huayna Potosi, after a number of earlier failed attempts, was in 1919 by a German team when they climbed the south summit.

The route is fairly straightforward but steep and exposed sections, and involve glaciers and a collection of crevasses.

Along the way on our expedition, we’ll acclimatize to Lake Titicaca, which is just northwest of the Cordillera Real. The spectacular large and deep lake is considered the highest navigable lake in the world, as well as the largest in South America.

Also, before the Huayna Potosi summit, we’ll climb Nevado Charquini (5,350 meters) and practice ice climbing near the basecamp.

Get in touch now to reserve your place on a thrilling 8-day expedition to the summit of the dramatic Huayna Potosi in Bolivia.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Porters

Price details

Mountain equipment included. Food in the city not included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in La Paz

Day 2: Acclimatization to Lake Titicaca. Transfer to Condoriri Base Camp.

Day 3: Acclimatization in Zongo Refuge

Day 4: Ice Climbing Workshop

Day 5: Climb Charquini (5,400m)

Day 6: High Camp to Huayna Potosi (5,600m)

Day 7: Huayna Potosi Summit. Return to Base Camp and La Paz

Day 8: Fly back home

About the guide

Gastón

4.4

(12)

Alpine Guide

Come and let me show you amazing views in the Andes mountain range. Get in touch with me, I can offer you unique experiences!

I'm an instructor, Mountain Guide and professional photographer. I have more than 35 years of professional experience in expeditions such as the Himalayas, the Alps, the Antarctic and the Andes. I've reached more than 300 summits, such as the Aconcagua South Wall, Gasherbrum ll in Pakistan, Pilar of the Brenva Mont Blanc, Mount Everest, Mount Shisapagma in the Tibet and the Aconcagua, between many others.

I was a founding member of the National Mountain School, member of the expeditions commission of the UIAA (based in Switzerland), member of ANENA (France) and founding member of the Chilean Exploration Association. I've published 6 books related to mountaineering and produced several TV documentary films.

I currently work as an independent mountain guide and I organize expeditions and treks in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Nepal, Chilean Patagonia and Chilean Andes. I'm also teacher at the San Sebastián University.

Languages

English

Certificates

ACMG

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What people are saying about Gastón

HENRIK

We summited Ojos del Salado on December 8th, 2023. We where a small and nice group of 3 mountaineers and 2 guides. Gaston was a very friendly senior guide. Very helpful was his admirable experience as a mountain guide. He provided a reasonable and balanced program consisting of acclimatization hikes, driving and rest days. Explore-Share was the only provider who offed me this expedition for a reasonable price at suitable dates and assisted very well in finding the right guide. It was an unforgettable trip I can recommend to everybody, who loves mountaineering and outdoor adventures.

Biff

We loved Gaston - he was very nice - BUT - one of the team members was not prepared - at all - for this type of climb which significantly hampered the performance of the other team members. I would STRONGLY encourage a stronger process of weeding out those who have no business signing up for such a climb - I will admit, my entire experience was 'ruined' because of the weak climber - we had to take long, long, long breaks in order for her to catch up making the rest of us extremely cold - it was so unfortunate - additionally, I would suggest a higher hiker to guide ratio - since we were required to carry our own gear to the high camp - and one of the members was not strong enough to pull their own weight - this added additional burden to the other climbers! I am so frustrated that due to the lack of training, responsibility, and knowledge of one climber it ruined the entire experience for the rest of us!

I recommend Gaston as an example of a first rate mountain guide. Very attentive to his clients and an excellent chef. I have never been so well looked after on an expedition. Thank you all very much.

The trip to Aconcagua with Gastón was really nice. Gaston was a great guide and we all learned a lot from him. In addition to his mountaineering skills he is an excellent story teller and we enjoyed his company a lot. It was unfortunate that we were not able to summit, but I was expecting that may be the case with weather so I was not disappointed. All in all, I was really pleased of the service, food, wine, company, mountain. I can not think of anything bad to say.

Gaston is the most experienced guide and trustworthy person that I've ever met in my life. We summited Aconcagua in 9 days and it was the best adventure in my life. Definitely recommend!