Bolivian Cordillera RealPequeno Alpamayo, 5329m and Huayna Potosi, 6088m

This trip is a superb introduction to mountaineering in Latin America. We tackle two peaks that are both respectable and popular mountaineering objectives, plus the option to climb a harder peak called Illimani for an additional week in Bolivia. It is quite a strenuous trip demanding fitness and experience camping outdoors, however we will be using mules and some base camp facilities along the way. There will always be one guide to three clients when climbing on the rope.  

The climbing averages PD+/AD (Scottish II) and does require confidence, experience on snow and ice and knowledgable use of crampons and ice axe. It is also required that members have experience of roped travel on glaciated terrain and steep ground. We will be asking applicants to send us some details of their climbing experience before acceptance onto this trip. 

We fly in to La Paz in Bolivia at 4000m but we do recommend that if you have time you may wish to arrive even earlier to get used to the altitude. It is definitely a very high starting point for a mountain trip. 

Start point La Paz (3627m) surrounded by glaciated peaks and rolling hills. Minimum two days acclimatising and visiting Lake Titicaca and the reed islands.

Pequeno Alpamayo (17,482 feet/ 5329m) climb is technical yet reasonable (AD). Ideal place to increase your mountaineering skills. 5 days practicing glacier and climbing skills, acclimatizing, climbing sub-peaks, and finally making our summit bid. The summit day consists of a moderate glacier, followed by two pitches of fourth class rock, and then steep ice or neve on a knife-edged ridge. After our team makes its summit bid, we will trek onto the next peak.

Huayna Potosi (19,975 feet 6088m, AD) is a short drive from La Paz to the base camp. Spend a day practicing steeper ice climbing skills on the glacier’s edge. Summit day route is comprised of steep glacier travel and a final airy ridge to the summit. A summit of Huayna is excellent preparation for longer routes on the big mountains of the world.

Optional third peak of Illimani (21,125 feet/6,439 meters), tallest in the Cordillera Real and graded a PD climb. After a beautiful approach through Bolivian farmland and small indigenous towns, arrive at base camp and move to high camp known as Nido de Condores at 18,372 feet (5,600 meters). Summit day takes us across an exposed ridge and then onto broad snow slopes, around crevasse fields, and eventually onto the final, classic, knife-edged summit ridge which can involve 55° ice climbing at an altitude of nearly 6,000m.

Huayna Potosi and Pequeno Alpamayo itinerary

The main trip is 15 days in-country. Add a day at either end for flights which will make it 17 days in total. However feel free to arrive a day or so early or leave a day or so later. 

If you would like to climb Illimani as well then the trip is 21 days in country, or 23 days with flight time. 

How fit do I have to be to climb Huayna Potosi and Pequeno Alpamayo?

This trip can be quite physically strenuous. This is mainly due to the effects of altitude, which exaggerate the exertion required during the trek and climbs. As this area of Bolivia is all at high altitude we are not able to work up from lower elevations.

We will land on our international flight into La Paz at close to 4000m, in most other locations you would try to take around a week working up to this altitude in stages. Therefore we spend the first few days of the trip visiting areas such as Lake Titicaca on a relaxed routine in order to help our bodies adjust to the altitude.

On the trek and climbs it will again be largely the effects of altitude that will dictate perceived difficulty, as we will move very slowly and steadily. However, it will be important to arrive on this trip in good physical shape and also healthy and determined.

The type of fitness you need to build up will focus on low-intensity but sustained cardio-vascular exercise. 4-6 hour walks with a light back-pack are ideal preparation. Swimming, cycling and yoga are also great ways to build up the right kind of fitness whilst minimising risks of injury. You may also chose to target some strength training on your upper legs, calves and back.

The trek follows established routes, though through rugged and remote terrain. It will be necessary to wear supportive trekking boots to protect your ankles.

The climbs ascend snow and ice slopes which are moderate in general but steepening considerably on the upper reaches, up to approx 55 degrees. Parts of the upper mountain also require careful traversing of snow ridges and steep aretes with some considerable exposure to large drops. This will all be protected where required but will require careful axe and crampon work. Training and skills refreshers in the necessary techniques will be given. However, care and a head for exposed drops will be essential.

Grading of the routes depends of course on the prevailing weather and snow conditions, however, a commonly accepted alpine grade for Huayna Potosi would be (PD/AD-) and for Pequeno Alpamayo (AD). Illimani is AD.

Previous experience of rock scrambling or climbing and use of crampons and ice axe on steep terrain are therefore considered essential for your enjoyment and safety of this trip. For more information on high-altitude peaks, click here.

Huayna Potosi and Pequeno Alpamayo kit list

• BAGS - Large rucksack + daypack ~45L, dry bags
• SHELL - Top and bottoms
• INSULATION - fleece layers, gloves, mitts, light down top, warm hat, buff, base layers
• TREKKING CLOTHES - shorts, shirts, trousers, sunhat
• FEET - Trekking boots, mountaineering double-boots or hybrids, sandals, trekking and climbing socks, gaiters
• SLEEPING - Warm sleeping bag rated to -15C and sleeping mat
• EATING/DRINKING - Water bottles, snacks, insulated cup, bowl and fork/spoon/knife
• WASHING & MEDICAL kit plus suncream and UV lip salve
• CLIMBING - Crampons, ice axe, harness, at least one sling, 2 karabiners (locking), 2 karabiners (snap), prussik, helmet
• EXTRA - Walking poles, sunglasses/goggles, camera/phone/charger, headtorch, repair kit, personal kit

Adventure Alternative will supply the climbing ropes, tents and cooking equipment. 

A lot of this equipment can be rented in La Paz or also from our rental outfit in the UK, however we would assume that people on this type of expedition will already have this equipment and clothing and be self-sufficient and experienced in its use. For more information about packing, see our detailed kit list.

Maps and routes

  
Bolivia is landlocked and almost halfway down South America on the western side of the continent. The main airport to fly to for mountain climbing is La Paz. From this high city the range of Cordillera Real run in a line to the north east of the city. On this map Illimani is slightly south east of the city. 

Pequeno Alpamayo route map

Huayna Potosi route map

Illimani route map

 Why climb with us in Bolivia? 

• This is an opportunity to experience travel, trekking and the summits of two peaks all within one trip. The process of staged acclimitisation allows us to safely combine all these fantastic alements.
  
  
• We have a planned ascent profile to manage the fact that La Paz, where we fly to, is already at high altitude. This will help to maximise your rate of acclimitisation to altitude. This not only improves your safety but also your enjoyment of the trip. However, it is a common reason for people feeling sick right at the start of the trip so if you would like to arrive earlier then please let us know. 
  
  
• The trek is led by safe and experienced UIAGM or MIC mountain guides from the UK and from our partner company in Bolivia.
  
  
• Financial security is guaranteed as we are ABTOT bonded.
  
  
• We are audited and registered as complying with BS8848, the highest standard for overseas expeditions.