Huayna Potosi via the French route (2 days)
Join a certified mountain guide and climb Huayna Potosí, one of the most well-known peaks of the Bolivian Cordillera Real. Enjoy a technical climb via the French route and put your skills to test on a less crowded path to the top of this beautiful Andean giant with stunning glaciers and exhilarating walls.
Private
Andes
2 Days
May - Oct
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Climb the famous Huayna Potosi via the French Route.
- Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Glaciar Viejo.
- Discover a gorgeous wall with a 250m drop, inclined at 65º / 70º.
Description
Would you like to explore one of Bolivia’s most emblematic mountains? Then come with us on this technical ascent to the top of the stunning Huayna Potosi!
Huayna Potosí is one of Bolivia’s most famous peaks, located in Cordillera Real near La Paz. At 6,088 m (19,974 ft) it stands tall and stately, and because it is so close to the city, it is a favorite among climbers. On this 2-day adventure, we will tackle Huayna Potosí via the challenging French route, a less crowded alternative for experienced climbers.
We will set off from La Paz and spend two days on the mountain. The route we will take will involve crossing a huge and challenging wall and then enjoying amazing views of the Altiplano, of La Paz, of Illimani and the Cordillera Real. It will be a challenging climb, no doubt about it, but full of worthy rewards. You can find a detailed description of the route we will take below.
Because this is a technical program, prior mountaineering experience is a must. A good fitness level is also necessary. Of course, we will be there to help and guide you every step of the way.
So, are you ready for an exciting Huayna Potosi climbing experience? Then contact us now and let’s start planning an unforgettable adventure.
Or, if you prefer, you can come with us on a fantastic 4-day climb of Illimani!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Mountain guide expenses
- Luggage transfer
- Drinks
Price details
- Spot Connect, Satellite Phone, Oxygen Tank, Oximeter. Last evening dinner in La Paz is not included.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: LA PAZ - CASA BLANCA – ROCK CAMP - HIGH CAMP (5.270 meters / 17 290 feet asl.)
Departure from la Paz to the Casa Blanca refuge (4795 meters / 15 732 feet asl., 2 hours drive). From there, we will hike on a steep rocky spur to reach the high camp. (5270 meters / 17 290 feet asl.).
Day 2: ASCENT OF THE HUAYNA POTOSI (6.055 meters / 19 865 feet asl.) / SOUTH PEAK FRENCH FACE - LA PAZ (3.600 meters / 11 811 feet asl.)
Technical climb (D + / II).
Around 3:00 am, departure from the glacier. We arrived in the first time to the Argentinean at 5470 m.
A little further, at 5550 m above sea level, we will take a left to the southwest to reach the foot of the wall. We will climb on this ice wall up to the summit (65º / 70º). After 2 hours of climbing, we will arrive at the summit, at an altitude of 6055m. We will descent via the normal route and pass several crevices before reaching the Casa Blanca refuge 3 to 4 hours later. Return to La Paz by private vehicle.
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Poles
Sunglasses
Goggles
Avalanche eqmnt
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Thaki Travel
5.0
(1)
Tour Operator
Thaki Travel was founded in La Paz, Bolivia in 2011 by Anne BIALEK and Jérôme BENASSI, two adventurous friends, passionate about Bolivia and who fell in love with the kindness of the Bolivians.
During your trip in Bolivia, we will be all the time with you, we personally know all our co-workers from the receptionist of a hotel to a mule-driver of the Cordillera Real.
We like to explore and innovate. Every year, we invest in field expeditions to open new routes and build new original itineraries for our clients. We focus on building strong friendships with local communities giving us privileged contacts and access to off the beaten tracks, like the north part of the Cordillera Real where almost no one else goes.
We are very sensitive to responsible tourism. We have carried out several social actions to improve the lives of local communities and we build all our itineraries in a sustainably-driven approach.
We are very serious about altitude.
All our programs are carefully planned to comply with the acclimatization process, we have trained all our guides to Altitude sickness and we have a partnership with a French Institute about training and research in mountain medicine (Ifremmont). We are the only local travel agency that offers to their clients access to a medical platform (any client having health problems related to altitude can contact a specialized doctor 24/7 through our satellite phones)
We use high quality equipment for our treks and mountain expeditions: North Face VE25 tent (for 2 customers), .., IFMGA mountain guide for 2 customers (English speaking), Oxygen, oximeter, hyperbaric box, satellite phone.
Languages
English | French
Certificates
AGMTB | UIAGM | IFMGA
What people are saying about Thaki Travel
Mattias
I had a fantastic experience climbing with Thaki Voyage and guide Hugo Ayaviri in Bolivia. Anne with Thaki organized a great sightseeing trip in Bolivia that also served as acclimatization time the first week of our visit. We spend time in La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and a five day trip to southern Bolivia including Uyuni salt flats and Andina Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Incredibly scenic with lots of amazing views and wildlife sightings including flamingos, nandus, vicuñas, viscachas, condors, etc. followed by a week of climbing in Cordillera Real, including Peak Austria, Huyana Potosi and Illimani. Hugo is an outstanding guide and very experienced and safety minded. Overall great arrangement and I would highly recommend Hugo and Thaki Voyage.
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