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Illimani 6439m. – 3Days

3 Days 2 Nights
Climbing Illimani, Bolivia Rising to 6,438 meters (21,122 ft), Illimani is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real and the second-highest peak in Bolivia. Revered as the guardian of La Paz, Illimani dominates the skyline and can be seen towering above the city from countless viewpoints. Illimani is an imposing massif with several snow-capped summits and vast glaciers. The ascent to its highest peak is both demanding and spectacular, offering breathtaking scenery throughout. Due to its steep, icy, and heavily glaciated terrain, Illimani is recommended only for climbers with prior high-altitude and technical mountaineering experience. Physical Requirements Climbing Illimani is extremely physically demanding, primarily due to its high altitude. A very high level of physical fitness and proper acclimatization is essential to make the climb safer, more manageable, and enjoyable. To prepare for Illimani, the following climbs are excellent acclimatization and training options: Climbing Illimani Route: Most climbers ascend via the West Ridge of Pico Sur, which is the normal route. This route involves a steep and challenging climb across a heavily crevassed glacier, requiring solid glacier travel skills and confidence on steep snow and ice. Weather Conditions Due to its extreme altitude and location in the Cordillera Real, Illimani is cold year-round. Temperatures frequently drop below 0°C, especially at night and during summit attempts. Best Season to Climb Illimani The best time to climb Illimani is during Bolivia’s dry season, from May to October. These months typically offer the most stable weather and optimal climbing conditions.

ITINERARY:

  • Day
    1

    La Paz City (3,600m. / 11,811ft.) to Base Camp (4,700m. / 15,419ft ).

    At 8:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in La Paz City (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) and begin our adventure by private transportation. Our scenic journey will take us through the impressive landscapes between La Paz and the village of Pinaya, crossing diverse agricultural areas and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Bolivian Andes.

    From Pinaya, we will continue toward Puente Roto, the base camp area of the magnificent Illimani Mountain. Upon arrival, our team will set up the tents while you relax and take in the spectacular surroundings of this remote Andean setting.

    As the day comes to an end, enjoy a remarkable sunset over the mountains, with the warm colors of the evening light creating an unforgettable atmosphere beneath the towering presence of Illimani.

    Overnight at Puente Roto Camp (4,495 m / 14,750 ft).

  • Day
    2

    Ascent from Base Camp (4,700m. / 15,419ft ) to High Camp. (5,500m. / 18,045ft)

    We will spend the day hiking  around five to six hours traversing gradually across the lower slopes of the mountain until a climb of the final exposed rocky ridge brings us to Nido de Condores (Condor’s Nest) from the Base Camp (4,700m. / 15,419ft ) to  High Camp (5,500m. / 18,045 ft). We will spend the night at Nido de Condores Camp in tents.

    • Hiking time (including breaks): 5–6 hours
    • Distance: 3.9 km
    • Highest elevation: 5,500 m (18,045 ft)
    • Elevation gain: +1,004 m (+3,295 ft)

  • Day
    03

    Summit attempt High Camp. (5,550m. / 18,208ft) - Summit (6,439m. / 21,125) and - La Paz City (3,600m. / 11,811ft.)

    Our day will begin very early. Wake up time will be in the early morning hours and we will get dressed with the climbing clothing and equipment and have breakfast.
    Once prepared, we will begin the ascent. We will have short breaks to rest and eat chocolates and drink water during the ascent. On the way we climb up icy ridges and weave around crevasse hazards before reaching the most difficult section, a 200 meter slope with an inclination of around 50 degrees.
    After completing the rising traverse to the summit (6,439m. / 21,125) , we enjoy views of the Andean plateau, the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Real, and the surrounding lower peaks of the Illimani massif.
    Our descent to high camp will take around 3 hours and upon arrival we will have soup and hot drinks. At the high camp we will re-pack our backpacks and make the descent to base camp. We will then return directly from base camp to La Paz via (3,600m. / 11,811ft.) our private transport.

    • Summit Day:

      • Hiking time: 9–10 hours (High Camp → Summit → High Camp), plus approximately 3 hours from High Camp to Base Camp
      • Distance:
        • High Camp → Summit → High Camp: 5 km
        • High Camp → Base Camp: 3.5 km
        • Total distance: 8.5 km
      • Highest point: Illimani Summit – 6,439 m (21,125 ft)
      • Elevation gain/loss:
        • Ascent: +940 m (+3,080 ft)
        • Descent: –1,943 m (–6,375 ft)

INCLUDED FOR THE TOUR:

  • Professional Mountaineering Guide
    A Mountaineering guide for every 2 customers. 

 

  • Technical Mountain Equipment: It is recommended that you bring your own technical mountaineering equipment, especially your mountaineering boots. Climbing in boots that you have already used and broken in is more comfortable, provides a better fit and performance.

If you do not have your own equipment, the following technical gear are provided:

  • Crampons
  • Harness
  • Double mountaineering boots
  • Ice axe
  • Gaiters
  • Helmet

 

  • Optional Clothing (We recommend bringing and wearing your own clothing for the best fit, comfort and personal preferences.)
    If you don’t have your own Clothing, don’t worry — we provide the following items:
    • Windproof jacket 
    • Windproof pants
    • Mittens (mitts)
    • Flecce Pants
    • Facemask
    • Flecce Jacket

 

  •  
  • Private Transportation
    • La Paz City – Pinaya Town 
    • Horse or Transport from Pinaya Village to Base Camp to transport meals, kitchenware, climbing gear and personal belongs of customers. 
    •  Base Camp  -  La Paz City.  

 

  • All meals included during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner):
    • Day 1 (lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner).
    • Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, hot drink in the afternoon, dinner).
    • Day 3 (breakfast, lunch).

 

  • Porter

    •  Porter  to transport meals, kitchenware, and tents from Base Camp to High Camp then from  High Camp to Base Camp.

    • Personal Porter
      •  A personal porter will be provided to carry your personal climbing equipment, including boots, crampons, ice axe, gaiters, helmet, harness, sleeping bag, and other essential climbing gear. from Base Camp to High Camp then from  High Camp to Base Camp.

 

  • Accommodation:
    • Fist Night  at Base Camp ( Mountaineering Tent).
    • Second Night at High Camp (mountaineering Tent).

NOT INCLUDED:

 

  • Travel Insurance.

It is important that your travel insurance also covers mountaineering at a high altitude.

Packing List (Required for All Participants):

To sleep:

  • Sleeping Bag (–15°C to –20°C rating): A high-quality, cold-weather sleeping bag designed to keep you warm during the night.

Backpacks:

  • Daypack (35 liters) – for summit day.
  • Bagpack (55 - 70 liters) – used at from Base Camp To High Camp.   

Headwear:

  • Beanie – should be warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking, made from materials like merino wool or synthetics to keep your head and ears insulated and dry in cold, high-altitude conditions.
  • Buff - A must-have for all outdoor activities
  • Sun Hat - Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well
  • Sunglasses – with strong UV protection
  • Headlamp –A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 200-300 lumens of output.

Handwear:

  • lightweight liner gloves
  • Insulated mittens or expedition gloves, no worries if you don’t have your own—we provide them.

Clothing (Layered System for High-Altitude Climbing):

  • Base Layer – thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Mid Layer – fleece or insulated jacket and pants
  • Outer Layer – waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
  • Down Jacket – for cold summit conditions

Footwear:

  • Socks – Bring three pairs of light–midweight wool hiking socks, plus one heavyweight pair for cold weather.
  • Hiking Shoes – sturdy and broken-in for comfort
  • Mountaineering boots
    • We Recommend to bring your own muntaineering boots, because as you’re already accustomed on them and they will be more comfortable during the climb.
      • However, no worries if you don’t have your own—we provide a suitable pair for you.

Accessories & Essentials:

  • Sunscreen – high SPF
  • Personal Medication – any prescription or altitude-related meds
  • Toilet Paper – personal supply
  • Personal Hygiene Items – toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Other Items:

  • Snacks – energy bars, nuts, dried fruit for the summit attempt
  • 100 BOB (Bolivianos) – entrance fee for the national park
  • Cash for Guide Tips – tipping is appreciated and customary

  • Optional Rentals (If Needed):

    • Sleeping bag (-15 °C): USD 30
    • Trekking poles: USD 30

Jiwaki is a Mountaineering and trekking tour operator in Bolivia. Jiwaki means beautiful in Aymara, the native language of the Bolivian Andean highlands. We created Jiwaki to share the beauty of the Bolivian Andes with you. We have a passion for mountains, trekking, and unique adventures. Our priority is sharing Bolivia with you.

+591 - 68172652
Email.- jiwaki-@outlook.com

+591 - 68172652 / +591 - 64066741 / +591 - 73062646

See it online https://jiwaki.com/trip/climbing-illimani-bolivia-3days/