Join us for an exciting technical climb to the summit of breathtaking Huayna Potosí, featuring a gorgeous wall with a 250m drop, inclined at 65º / 70º.
Huayna Potosí is among Bolivia’s best known peaks, rising in the Cordillera Real just outside La Paz. Reaching 6,088 m (19,974 ft), this impressive mountain towers over the surrounding landscape and, thanks to its proximity to the city, is a popular objective for climbers. On this two day trip, we’ll ascend via the demanding French route, a quieter and more technical option suited to experienced mountaineers.
Departing from La Paz, we’ll spend two full days on the mountain. Our chosen route includes crossing a massive, challenging face before being rewarded with spectacular views of the Altiplano, La Paz, Illimani, and the entire Cordillera Real. This climb is certainly demanding, but the sense of achievement and scenery make every effort worthwhile.
As this is a technical ascent, previous mountaineering experience is required, along with solid physical conditioning.
ITINERARY:
8:30 a.m. Departure from La Paz City (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) to the Huayna Potosí Base Camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), approximately a 2-hour drive.
At base camp, we will have lunch and prepare all our climbing gear.
After lunch, we will hike for about 2.5 hours along a steep, rocky trail to reach the High Camp (5,300 m / 17,388 ft).
Early dinner will be served around 5:00 p.m., followed by rest and overnight stay in the mountain lodge.
Technical climb (D + / II).
Around 3:00 a.m., we begin our early morning departure across the glacier, heading toward the upper sections of Huayna Potosí. Our first milestone is the Argentinian Camp at 5,470 m (17,946 ft).
Continuing the ascent, at approximately 5,550 m (18,209 ft) we turn left toward the southwest, reaching the base of the ice wall 250m. . From here, we begin an exciting technical climb on ice, with slopes ranging between 65° and 70°, leading us directly to the summit.
After about 2 hours of climbing, we reach the summit of Huayna Potosí at 6,055 m (19,865 ft), where we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Real and the Altiplano — a truly unforgettable moment.
The descent follows the normal route back to High Camp, where we will rest and regain energy with hot vegetable soup and warm drinks. After reorganizing our backpacks, we continue descending to Base Camp, where our vehicle will be waiting.
We then return to La Paz, concluding the expedition at approximately 2:00 p.m.
