Join us for a 13-day trekking and climbing expedition to the heart of the Cordillera Real where glaciated peaks up to 20,000 feet in elevation, fascinating ancient cultures, and incredible alpine climbing opportunities await you.
Why Climb in Bolivia with Peak Mountain Guides?
We believe our Bolivia Expedition stands out amongst other providers because we offer small group sizes for more personalized attention, flexibility, and safety; our AMGA certified guides have many seasons of experience in Bolivia; and we have a dedicated and experienced local support staff. These qualities ensure your trip with Peak Mountain Guides will be safe, educational, enjoyable, and a great value.
The Beginning: Trekking and Acclimatization
We begin with a 3-day scenic trek to facilitate acclimatization, and to serve as an introduction to the ancient cultures of the altiplano region. Our path follows a pre-incan trade route that dates back thousands of years, and is still in use today by indigenous communities. We travel through quiet Eucalyptus forests, over high passes, and through small villages of stone homes, capturing a glimpse of the rich history and beauty of the Bolivian highlands. The trek segment of the expedition is optional, however we highly recommend it for it's diverse beauty — from a rocky 15,000' pass to a lush temperate cloud forest — and for it's ideal elevations that enable proper acclimatization.
Alpine Mountaineering: Instruction & Ascents
Once acclimated, we travel deep into the heart of the Cordillera Real to a 15,000' basecamp, nestled in an amphitheater of glacier-covered peaks. This region, known as the Condoriri Valley, will serve as our location for climbing skill instruction and two spectacular, classic mountaineering ascents. We begin by making a day trip onto a nearby glacier to learn and practice mountaineering skills such as rope team travel, crampon use, ice axe self belay, protection placement, and rescue techniques. Once our group has gained proficiency in team travel and safety, we will undertake our first climb, Pyramida Blanca (17,159'). The route we typically choose crosses vast, moderately angled glaciers interspersed with short steps of steeper cramponing, making it a great introduction to climbing in the Andes of Bolivia. Upon completion of Pyramida Blanca, and after our practice days on the glacier, our skills are sharp. Excited and well prepared, we attempt the gem of the valley and a classic known throughout the Andes: Pequeno Alpamayo (17,618'). With slopes to 50 degrees and a picturesque summit ridge, Pequeno Alpamayo is a centerpiece achievement for any climber.
The Final Summit: High Altitude Climbing on Huayna Potosi
For the culminating days of the expedition we travel south to our final climbing goal, Huayna Potosi. At 20,002' (6000 m), and blanketed with glaciers, Huayna Potosi is a true high altitude mountaineering objective. After establishing a high camp at 18,000 feet, we set out early the next morning for the summit. The route negotiates large crevasses and several steep headwalls, providing exciting opportunities for participants to employ the skills learned in the previous days of the program. The elevations we experience on this summit day are considerable, but our preparation and acclimatization earlier in the program ensure all participants a high chance of success. As we near the summit, views of the Amazon basin emerge in the distance, and an incredible view of the transition from Andes to Amazon unfolds. It is a thrilling conclusion to this unique expedition.
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