Huayna Potosi

19,968 ft/6,088 m

Tour Overview

The imposing and impressive Huayna Potosi is Bolivia's most frequented mountain and resembles an ice pyramid. Some have described this mountain as the easiest 6,000 meter peak in the Bolivian Mountains. The "easy" has more to do with ease of access more than it's high-altitude climbing challenge. The drive takes less than two hours to reach basecamp from La Paz. It features glacier travel, 40 degrees climbing, and exposed ridges all at nearly 6,100 m. Below you during the climb, are panoramic views of the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, and the expanse of steely cumulus spackle smeared over the Amazon basin. It's a great warm up for Illimani or Sajama!.

    Highlights

  • The most accesible 6,000 m.
  • Beautiful views over Lake Titikaka, Amazon basin and Cordillera Real.
  • Plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Ideal for beginners and climbers who want to climb something higher afterwards.

    Land costs include:

  • Transportation. Bolivian Journeys has a private driver to provide in country transport, thus ensuring our safety and facilitating an independent schedule that does not depend on public transportation.
  • Food. We eat high quality meals using fresh local ingredients.
  • All group climbing gear.
  • Mules.
  • Professional mountain guide.

    • Land costs do not include:

  • Meals except while climbing.
  • Park fee .
  • Gratuities to guides and staff.
  • Insurance.
  • Rescue or medical expenses that may occur during the trip.

  • Day 1

    Departure 9:00 am, 2 hrs drive to Zongo pass 4,830 m (15,842 ft). A short 3 hours hike to High Camp 5,300 m (17,384 ft). We have the whole afternoon to "rest", at this altitude you should drink as much as you can, digestion works very slowly, so don't eat so much. A good advice "try to sleep".

  • Day 2

    Early wake up as our ascent can take up to 6 hours. Setting off from that camp with sunrise over the Amazon Basin to our east, we climb a beautiful route which includes serious glacier travel and intermittent sections of moderately steep ground - challenging climbing. With Huayna Potosi's summit a well-defined point at the end of a beautifully sculptured ridge, the last few steps to the top provide an exhilarating finish to a great climb. Around 8:00 am, on the summit already, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Titikaka, the Amazon basin, and the Cordillera Real. Two hours descent to high camp, and one more to base camp. Finally after a short drive you'll be in La Paz around 14:00.

    Tops

  • 1 lightweight, long sleeve polypropylene shirts
  • 1 medium weight fleece shirt or wool sweater
  • 1 fleece jacket
  • 1 outer shell jacket with hood *

    • Bottoms

  • 1 pair long underwear bottoms
  • 1 pair wind pants *

    • Footwear

  • 1 pairs wool socks
  • 1 pair light weight trekking

    • Boots

  • 1 pair trekking boots
  • 1 pair plastic expedition boots *
  • 1 pair gaiters *

    • Hand wear

  • 1 pair fleece mittens
  • 1 pair overmitts

    • Head gear

  • 1 wool hat
  • 1 pair glacier glasses
  • 1 sunhat

    • Sleeping gear

  • 1 down or synthetic sleeping bag (rated to 15 F) *
  • 1 full length closed cell foam pad

    • Pack

  • 1 daypack for approach hike and possible use on summit day and carry-on bag
  • 1 large (7,500+ cu.in.) duffle bag for gear, include small padlock

    • Climbing gear

  • 1 climbing harness *
  • 1 pair crampons *
  • 1 ice axe (60-70 cm) *
  • 1 locking carabiner *
  • 1 regular biner *
  • 1 equipment sling (1" tubular webbing, approx. 6' long)
  • 1 helmet *

    • Misc

  • 1 first-aid kit
  • 1 headlamp, include extra batteries *
  • 1 one quart water bottle
  • Lip balm (spf 30) and sun screen (spf 40)
  • Pocket knife
  • Adjustable ski poles (highly recommended)*

( * ) Items can be rented from Bolivian Journeys

Contact Us

Tour details:

Altittude: 19,968 ft/6,088 m

Days: 2 days

Difficulty: Beginner

Location: Cordillera Real