Bolivia Climbing & Mountaineering Course
Join our climbing and mountaineering course and learn to climb in the Andes.
Huayna Potosi in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real mountain range is the setting for our climbing course.
This introduction to climbing teaches a range of fundamental skills useful for accessing ice-covered Bolivian peaks.
More on climbing and mountaineering course
Most of the course takes place on a glacier at around 5,000m/16,404ft and is open to complete beginners.
Top level, professional guides show you how to plan and execute a successful climbing expedition.
We begin by taking a look at the hazards that snow covered mountains present.
Next, we teach you the skills and techniques necessary to help you climb and enjoy the mountains.
Skills covered
- Hypothermia treatment and prevention
- Route finding
- Crevasse rescue
- Rope team travel
- Snow/ice anchors
- Belay systems
- Climbing knots
- Glaciology
- Self arrest
- Top rope management
- Introduction to vertical ice climbing
Trip Highlights
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Challenge yourself to hit new heights in a beautiful mountain area, a truly memorable tour.
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Learn climbing techniques and equip yourself to tackle Andean peaks.
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Qualified guides ensure you learn safely, thoroughly and how to climb well in the future.
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Use your new skills to climb Tarija (5,300m).
The ice climbing in Bolivia was one of the craziest thing we've ever done, we're still looking back at it and can't believe we did it.
Osvaldo was excellent, very friendly and safety conscious. The equipment was great and so was the cook Maria!
I found the last day of the climb very very hard, but absolutely delighted I did.
T. McGrath, Climbing course
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Depart La Paz by vehicle, walk to base camp (L,D)
We leave La Paz at 0900 (approx.) and travel by vehicle to the La Rinconada (4,400m/14,436ft) in the Palcoco valley.
From here, it’s a two-hour walk to base camp in the Condoriri National Park (4,650m/15,256ft).
In the afternoon, we familiarise ourselves with technical equipment and learn the most important knots needed for climbing and mountaineering in the glaciated peaks of the high Andes.
Day 2: Walk to glacier, climbing practice, camp (B,L,D)
We walk 1 ½ hours to the glacier at 4,850m/15,912ft.
Here, we spend several hours learning and practising basic crampon and ice axe techniques, including the art of self-arrest (if snow conditions permit).
Other areas covered will include crossing technical terrain, rope team travel, snow and ice anchors and belay systems, ice climbing.
Camp.
Day 3: Climbing practice, camp (B,L,D)
Today, accompanied by your instructor, you’ll have an opportunity to put your newly learnt mountaineering skills into practice on the mountain.
We set off very early from camp, around 4 am, to enjoy the snow at its hardest. We kit up with crampons, ice-axe, harnesses etc and head up on to the ice.
It’s a 3-hour ascent to the summit of Tarija (5,300m/17,388ft); an eight-hour round trip from base camp, with gradients of up to 40°.
There are superb views from the summit of the surounding peaks, including Pequeño Alpamayo (5,450 m/17,881ft).
There may be an option to continue on to Pequeño Alpamayo peak if you are feeling strong and conditions permit.
Pequeño Alpamayo involves climbs at 55° gradients, and is recommended for climbers with reasonable technical ability. The total ascent involves a 10-hour (or more) round trip.
Return to camp.
Day 4: Break camp, drive back to La Paz (B)
Return to La Paz, 4 hours walk approx.
Note: Following the course you may wish to stay on and climb one or more of the less-technical peaks in the Cordillera Real.
The choice of accessible peaks includes Huayna Potosi.
Prices From $1,320 / £1,073 per person
What's Included?
Private transport to & from trail head, instructors with basic English (max ratio of 4 to 1 on course and 2 to 1 on climb), tents, cooking equipment & cook, all meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 4 (bring your own snacks), mules for transporting kit to & from camp, personal technical gear – harness & karabiners, plastic mountaineering boots, walking ice axe, prussic loops, gaiters, crampons, group technical kit – ropes, snow stakes, snow screws & technical ice axes.
What's Not Included?
All snacks in between meals, dinner on the night of the 4th day, head torch and spare batteries, hotels in La Paz, international flights (we can look for these), tips, insurance, meals not listed
Accommodation
Camping – we use top quality, high mountain, two-man tents.
Tour Staff
Our guides are experienced mountaineers and we typically employ one mountain guide to every four clients on courses, and one guide to two clients on climbs.
They will not just show you the way but will teach and empower you to succeed in the mountain environment.
All are UAIGM-qualified and selected for the attention to detail and, above all, safety and assessment of mountains, conditions and your capabilities.
Guide’s decisions are always final as they do so based on many years of experience of climbing among Bolivia’s peaks.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local, nearby communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
Meals
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans.
Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups, meats, salads and fish, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too.
The campsites are comfortable and around 17.00 hot drinks, popcorn and other snacks are served to help you recover energy.
Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.
Activity Level
To get the most out of this expedition you should be in very good physical condition. We suggest you talk to your doctor if you are in any doubt as to your physical capability.
We have classified this as a strenuous tour.
Any previous wild camping and winter experience are a plus, but experience in crampon and ice axe use is not essential as your guide will be teaching you the skills you need.
You will carry your own kit as well as some group kit, so expect a backpack to weigh between 15 and 25kg, depending on how much you take in. Your return backpack should be lighter as there will be less food to carry. Expect to get involved in all aspects of camping as every part of the course is part of the mountaineering lesson.
Summit day you wake very early, around 0300, to maximise summit chances.
Practical Information
An introduction to Bolivia
Land-locked Bolivia is a country of dramatic landscapes and fascinating native cultures and traditions.
The Altiplano or “High Plain”, averaging 3,800m, is its most populous region. The vast, luminous plateau is flanked to east and west by parallel Andean ranges.
La Paz, the world’s highest capital, lies in a deep canyon at the edge of the Altiplano, and at the foot of Illimani (6,400m). It is a striking city for its dramatic setting and its strong Indian character.
Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. It was sacred to the Incas; according to legend, their founding emperor-gods rose from these waters to give birth to their empire. Just south of the lake stands the sacred pre-Inca site of Tiahuanaco.
Geography of Bolivia
On the south-western Altiplano are the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest in the world. Here, the shimmering white salt pan and deep blue sky combine to create a truly magical spectacle.
The stunning Cordillera Real is a mountain range dominated by huge snow peaks, including Illimani and Illampu (6,380m). The Real divides the northern Altiplano from the tropical forests to the east. The Cordillera Real’s eastern slopes are characterized by the deep, sub-tropical Yungas gorges.
Further south, the tropical Chapare is the agricultural heart of Bolivia. East of this band of high forests and plantations lies Bolivia’s Oriente, a vast swathe of Amazonian jungle and savanna accounting for 2/3 of the country and featuring some of the last untouched wilderness on earth.
In the north-eastern Department of Beni, some 50% of the country’s mammals and birds reside. Below, and in no special order, we outline some of the top places to go and things to do.
Weather in Bolivia
Bolivia lies within the tropics, between latitudes 10º and 22º south. The climate, as varied as its geography, is affected by latitude and, especially, by altitude.
The best time to travel is the winter (dry season) between May and Oct when, typically, weather systems over the Andes are stable, and overall you can expect bright sunny days and cold clear nights. Most of the rain falls from Dec to March. Climate can be divided into these distinct zones:
The Andes and the Altiplano
There is relatively little precipitation on the Altiplano, especially in the dry season – most rainfall is from Dec to March. However, there is periodical, localised rain on high peaks and valleys all year round.
The further south and west you go on the Altiplano, the drier are the conditions; around Uyuni, semi-arid conditions prevail. The Andean sun’s rays are very strong.
Temperature-wise, the Andes and Altiplano experience significant fluctuations over a single day. At 4,000m, the pre-dawn temperature can drop to -15ºC, while noon temperatures at the same location can reach 20ºC.
Southerly cold winds mean the southern Altiplano is not only drier, but also noticeably colder and windier than the north (pre-dawn temperatures at Uyuni in July regularly drop to -20ºC).
On treks in the Cordillera Real in the dry season, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m (where pre-dawn temperatures sometimes reach -15ºC); warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings. Conditions are generally dry, but note that mountain weather is fickle and localised, and precipitation is not unusual in the dry season.
Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
The city of La Paz (3,630m) is relatively sheltered. Average high/low temperatures range from 1-17ºC in June and July (coldest months) to 6-19ºC in Nov and Dec (warmest months). In June and July, it rarely rains more than 1 or 2 days per month, while in January there are on average 15 wet days.
The tropical lowlands & yunga (Amazon)
Year-round, weather conditions in the Amazon basin are hot and humid and always with the chance of rain.
There is a ‘cooler’, drier winter season between May and October. During this ‘dry season’, the average daytime high temperature is between 25-31°C and the average nighttime low is between 16-22°C.
In the dry season, heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Note that around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Bolivia’s northern lowlands – occurs in the wet season, Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – surazos – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9°C. (Surazos usually last between 1 and 3 days).
The Yungas shares the same dry/wet months but varies from quite wet to very wet depending on whether it is the ‘dry’ or rainy season. Average temperature is 24°C.
Kit list
Good kit is vital for every trip.
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When planning for the extreme climatic conditions encountered on high peaks in the Andes, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system. It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.
To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers.
Layers should have the following qualities:
- Breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat);
- Isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces); and
- Impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Note that it’s our extremities that stand to suffer the most, and on high Andean peaks the poorly-equipped mountaineer is at risk of becoming frostbitten. Hence, much thought should be given to deciding how best to protect hands, feet and head.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
Feet
- 2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax)
- 4 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.
- Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support. Given the extreme cold, plastic mountaineering boots (e.g. Koflach) are also required. These are indispensable. (see ‘TECHNICAL KIT’ below)
- Gaiters (1 pair), heavy and large enough to fit over plastic boots.
- Trainers/sandals, for city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.
Legs
- Base layer leggings (1-2 pair).
- Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).
- Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).
- Trekking trousers (1 pair).
- Shorts – wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.
Body
- Thermal base layer shirts (2).
- Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).
- Shirt/T-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun.
- Fleece jacket or similar (1).
- Warm jacket (down or synthetic) with hood. For camp and upper slopes.
- Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.
- 1-2 sports bras/tanks (for women)
Head and neck
- Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
- Warm hat, fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).
- Balaclava/full-face ski mask (1)
- Sunglasses with UV filter and nose and side-pieces.
- 1 pair of glacier compatible sunglasses (full coverage – ask salesperson if you are not sure)
- Scarf for cold.
- Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
- 1 cap with visor
Hands
For the extreme cold, we recommend a 3-layer scheme:
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex shell gloves
- 2 pairs of removable fleece glove liners
- Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).
Technical kit
- Large backpack (80-90 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
- You will need another bag to store belongings left at hotel during expedition.
- Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
- Plastic mountaineering boots (you can rent these)
- Crampons, strap-on or step-in (can be rented)
- Walking ice axe (can be rented)
- Pair of telescopic trekking poles. (can be rented).
Other expedition kit
- Sleeping bag – a good warm bag (‘4-season’, minimum) and liner will be necessary for high-altitude camping.
- Sleeping mat, a foam mat is provided
- 2 x water bottles (2 litres each approx).
- Pee bottle.
- Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
- Towel & wash-kit.
- Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
- Sunscreen (factor 40+) and lip salve.
- Head-lamp (Plus spare bulbs and batteries x 2 at least).
- Penknife.
- Thermos flask (1 litre) Stainless steel.
- Alarm clock.
- Plastic bags ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
- Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
- Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.
- Binoculars.
- Spanish/English phrasebook.
- Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.
All other non-personal trekking and camping equipment is provided, e.g. tents, cutlery etc.
ATOL holiday protection
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.
You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.
If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.
Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
Bolivia’s Amazon rainforest
The gateway to the Bolivian Amazon lies at the lively town of Rurrenabaque.
Motorised canoes will take you into the rich and verdant realms of the Madidi National Park, a hub of ecotourism in the Bolivian Amazon basin.
On a network of paths and waterways you can immerse yourself in the hot and humid tropical paradise that is the rainforest.
Wildlife such as howler monkeys and pink river dolphins, as well as a colourful indigenous culture, are a magnet for those who like to experience not only the Andean climates of Bolivia but to venture further into the depths of this fascinating country.
Condoriri and the Cordillera Real, Bolivia
The Cordillera Real of Bolivia is a range of awe-inspiring snowy peaks just south of La Paz.
The towering peaks of this mountain range, dominated by Illimani (6,400m/20,997ft), Illampu (6,368m/20,892ft) and Ancohuma (6,427m/21,086ft), form a magnificent barrier which separates the Altiplano from Bolivia’s extensive rainforest.
The range is criss-crossed by ancient pilgrimage and trading routes and gives avid trekkers plenty of options to escape civilisation into the incredibly dramatic high Bolivian altitudes.
In the Condoriri Range you still won’t meet many fellow hikers but will find yourself in the company of majestic peaks, high altitude passes with stunning views, grazing herds of llamas and alpacas and soaring condors.
La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is a capital like no other, set in high Andean climates and surrounded by the magnificent Andean Cordillera Real mountains.
Here you can sit at a cafe and watch the local ladies in their bowler hats and colourful traditional costumes. Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of its indigenous population.
Take a cable car ride on the Teleferico to El Alto, the enormous satellite city spread across the Bolivian Altiplano high above La Paz.
Marvel at the views and its bustling streets.
Visit the craft markets, full of colourful weavings and woolly jumpers, there are souvenirs to suit every taste.
Don’t forget to explore and haggle at the intriguing Witches’ market, home to all sorts of potions.
La Paz really is full of life.
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca is home to the lively lake side town of Copacabana.
Stay for a few days to explore the lake shore and the islands. Copacabana is likely to be your entry point if coming overland from Puno in Peru and heading for La Paz.
Pass the 12 stations of the Cross as you hike up to the nearby hill for views over the lake to the Islands of the Sun and the Moon with a beautiful mountain backdrop, the high ice-covered peaks of the Cordillera Real shimmering in the distance.
Take a one day or overnight trip by boat to the islands, Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, where you can learn something of traditional island life as you wander along the ancient networks of paths.
Sajama, Bolivia’s highest peak
Sajama National park offers fabulous off the beaten track trekking and some easy Andean peaks amid amazing natural beauty.
A few hours from La Paz by four wheel drive brings you to Sajama National Park.
In this beautiful remote high mountain area you have the opportunity to explore a little visited part of southern Bolivia, right on the border with Chile, in the shadow of Bolivia’s highest peak – Nevado Sajama (6,542m/21,463ft).
Snow-capped volcanoes fringe the vast altiplano and lagoons lie only a walk away in the mountains.
Geysers and hot springs await and you can be sure to see a variety of typical Andean wildlife, such as llama, vicuna, alpaca, Andean flamingos and viscachas.
Torotoro National Park, Bolivia
Torotoro National Park is a jewel for those seeking to escape the crowds – offering caves, canyons and fossilised dinosaur footprints.
The stunning Torotoro National Park is still an off the beaten track destination in Bolivia and well worth a visit.
Its highlights include some of the best preserved dinosaur footprints in South America, as well as stunning geological formations from an era long gone.
There are day walks across volcanic landscapes and you’ll pass by remote Andean villages, giving an insight into true Andean culture.
Uyuni and the Salt lakes, Bolivia
The dazzling, white Salt Flats of Uyuni stretch as far as the eye can see. The salt flat is dotted with small islands where only cacti grow.
The sheer expanse of the flats (nearly 11,000 sq km) will leave your mind boggled, and that’s before you’ve even ventured further into the surrounding high desert of the Bolivian Altiplano.
It is there that you will find desert landscapes that transport you into another world.
The desert is home to beautiful lagoons of many hues, home to flocks of elegant flamingos.
In the world of little water there are hot springs to soak in, weird other worldly stone formations and spouting geysers.
All of this set against a backdrop of snow covered volcanoes and vast open skies.
Available Dates
Dates & Prices
Prices From $1,320 / £1,073 per person
2024 price for two people, per person
Daily departures / private groups:
Shared tent basis
2 people: USD 1320 per person
4 people: USD 890 per person
1 person: USD 1,900 per person
Shorter/longer climbs possible
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