Bolivian Alpinist Expedition, Huayna Potosi (6088m) summit, 14 days

Day 1: Arrivals in La Paz

Arriving to La Paz is something unique. Either landing at El Alto airport, or driving by towards the center of La Paz is an experience hard to compare. And it is the perfect way to begin our adventure. However, the city rises at 3.640 m. Thus, everyone feels the effects of the altitude. So we’ll spend the next couple of days acclimatizing, taking tours of the city and around it.  

Day 2 to 3: Acclimatization at Lake Titicaca

We’ll begin our second day driving to Copacabana, at the shores of Lake Titicaca. A boat will be waiting for us to take us to the Isla del Sol (The Island of the Sun). After hiking across the main village on the island and its Inca ruins, we’ll check in at the Ecolodge for the next 2 nights. First day will be crucial for acclimatization. Then, on the second one we’ll keep exploring the island, and learning about its history and culture.

Day 4: Journey to Condoriri Base Camp

After our adventure at Lake Titicaca we’ll return to Copacabana, where a 4×4 vehicle will  drive us to the trailhead that leads to the Condoriri Base Camp. We’ll load donkeys and begin our ascent, through glacial lakes. Then, we’ll head towards the Chiar Khota Lagoon (4,680 m), where we’ll set our camp on its far side, and at the foothills of Nevado Condoriri.

Day 5 to 6: Acclimatization Days with Climbing Skills Review

We will begin our acclimatization and practicing the mountaineering skills we’ll require for the ascent. So, we’ll go over techniques on cramponing, rappelling and self-belay, belaying on snow and ice, and anchors for fixed and running belays. Also, we’ll review ice axe positions and principles of glacier travel. And, we’ll practice crevasses rescue procedures, and route finding. We could also a climb at 5,200 meters, and hike towards Pico Austria. Finally we can return to base camp.

Day 7: Ascent of Little Piramide Blanca (5,250m)

On this day we’ll climb Piramide Blanca. And we’ll cross a glacier on the way to the summit of Little Piramide Blanca, using the route up and back down.

Day 8: Rest Day at Base Camp

We’ll use the day to rest and review other skills such as the selection and use of ropes, knots and harnesses, as well as design and selection of personal and technical gear.

Day 9: Ascent of Pequeño Alpamayo (5,370m)

To stand at the top of Pequeño Alpamayo, we’ll first need to reach the summit of Tarija (5,320m). After crossing an exposed and narrow ridge we’ll reach the top. Then, we’ll rappel a couple of sections down. And we’ll head back to base camp.

Day 10 to 11: Return to La Paz and Rest

First we’ll pack our camp. Then, a vehicle will take us to La Paz, to the Rey Palace Hotel for two nights.

Day 12: Drive to Huayna Potosi High Camp (5,130m)

After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll drive to the Zongo Pass. Then, we’ll hike towards the Huayna Potosi High Camp, with the assistance of porters. Finally, we’ll use the afternoon to prepare for the ascent. And we’ll sleep under a dazzling bed of stars at high camp.

Day 13: Summit day on Huayna Potosi and return to La Paz

We’ll begin our ascent with a magnificent sunrise over the Amazon Basin. Then, we’ll pass by a roped up glacier travel area as well as intermittent sections of moderately steep terrain. We will climb via the North Ridge, and descend via an enchanting trailhead, where we’ll stop for lunch, before returning to La Paz. Finally, we’ll stay at the Rey Palace Hotel for the our last night.

Day 14: Fly Home