Climbing and acclimatization school
Huayna Potosi - We depart from La Paz at approximately 9:00 am, embarking on a journey towards the mountain range. Our first stop will be at the gear shop to ensure proper fitting of boots, jackets, and trousers necessary for the ascent.
After a two-hour drive, we’ll reach the refuge where we’ll enjoy lunch. Post-lunch, we’ll head to the lower glacier for some practical training.
Participants will be taught how to use an ice axe to arrest a fall, navigate with crampons, and understand overall mountain safety. The instruction will be in Spanish, so knowing the language is beneficial. However, the techniques are visually demonstrable to an extent.
The High Camp
Huayna Potosi - The day involves an easy trek of about 2 to 3 hours to the high camp situated at an altitude of 5200 meters.
Dinner is served around 5 or 6 pm, followed by an early bedtime in preparation for the climb that begins early in the morning.
The Ascent
Huayna Potosi - The climb commences at around 1 am. The ascent is chilly, dark, and gradual, but it’s punctuated by extraordinary moments. You’ll witness the nocturnal city lights of El Alto and La Paz from above, scale a 30-meter ice wall, and navigate across crevasses.
The final 200 meters challenge climbers with a steep 45-degree slope of packed snow, which is particularly tough due to the altitude’s impact. This is when determination is crucial. However, the reward is unparalleled views of the mountain range and an indelible sense of accomplishment.
- Private transportation
- Qualified Spanish-speaking mountain guide
- Full equipment including climbing boots, ice ax, crampons, and appropriate clothing
- Meals and shelter accommodations at camp and high camp
- headlamp (we can provide it if batteries are supplied though)
- Low thermal pants (optional), wool jacket and thermal upper body clothing
- Sleeping bag (for mountain you can rent from us - with a deposit)
- warm gloves for the use of gloves inside the mountain, hat
- Water (2 to 4 liters - Spare parts available in shelters)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lipstick (essential)
- Snacks - Chocolate or high-calorie candy
This peak is impressive and justifiably popular. It is one of the easiest 6000m peaks in Bolivia. the peak is high and acclimatization is essential before climbing.
At 6,088 meters or 19,974 feet, Huayna Potosí (literally, “The Young Riches”) is a beautiful and huge glacier peak that dominates the view as they come to land at La Paz airport. Multiple route choices are available ranging from a series of standard routes in the beautiful east face along some of the most difficult and direct routes that can be found in the Andes on the imposing west face.
Do not believe how easy the guides make this climb seem! Something over 6000 meters is difficult and climbing for 7 or 8 hours is annoying for anyone at high altitude. That said, if you are well acclimatized, very fit and very determined, then there is a good chance that you will, and have an unforgettable experience of your life.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
