From: £843
From: $1,122
Leaving at 09.00 from La Paz, we drive for two hours, passing the cementery of Milluni, to our base camp (4,750m/15,584ft).
After lunch, we hike to the base of Glacier Viejo (4,850m/15,912ft) to practice basic ice-climbing techniques with all our climbing material (ice climbing, crampon and ice axe).
We return to base camp to spend the night in a basic mountain refuge.
After breakfast, we start trekking up a rocky track through the morrianes of Huayna Potosi.
This is typical of walks in to the base of glaciers in a high mountain environment and does not require the use of any climbing equipment.
After two to three hours we arrive at Refugio Rocas (5,200m/17,060ft), located right near the glacier base.
Here we will cook up some supper and spend a short night. This is an extremely basic mountain refuge.
After breakfast at 01.00, we will prepare our mountain gear to start our summit climb at 02.00.
The normal route is not particularly technical though it does help if you have previous high mountain experience and some knowledge of use of an ice-axe and crampons.
The ascent presents two steep sections, the first at 5,700m/18,700ft, and the second at 5,900m/19,357ft.
We will be roped up at all times and the guides will be instructing in how best to move all the way up.
After 5-6 hours we will reach the summit (6,088m/19,974ft) and enjoy an incredible 360º view.
Returning to high camp (3 hours), we have a quick lunch and return to base camp (1 hour) from where we return by vehicle to La Paz, arriving there late afternoon.
We use two local mountain refuges on this route – both are basic.
You need to have a good level of fitness for this trip, as summiting a peak higher than 6,000m/19,685ft requires fitness and determination.
You will need to have spent a good few days acclimatising in La Paz (3,655m/11,911ft) or higher, as well as doing some acclimatisation walks to higher altitudes – please ask.
Ideally, take our mountaineering course before trying the Huayna Potosi climb.
The trip is open to anyone with a positive attitude, but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it as climbing at high altitude is always a breath-taker.
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 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, quinoa, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.
All guides are certified, bilingual, English-speaking guides who have worked with us for many years.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
Exceptional guides and unforgettable wildlife made this Amazon trekking experience in Bolivia truly extraordinary.
A breathtaking Huayna Potosi ascent delivered unforgettable sunrise views, icy landscapes, and exceptional guide support.
Huayna Potosi, despite its mighty 6,088m/19,974ft, is a straightforward climb and a great challenge for anyone looking to end a trek in style.
The summit provides amazing views of La Paz, El Alto, Illimani, Mururata, the Amazon Basin, Condoriri, the Cordillera Real, the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca.
You can warm up for this summit attempt with our Mountaineering Course – qualified guides show you all the ropes so you can climb safely.
From: $1585 per person
Duration
5 days
From: $4450 per person
Duration
17 days
From: $1386 per person
Duration
4 days
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.
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.
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:
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.
For the extreme cold, we recommend a 3-layer scheme:
All other non-personal trekking and camping equipment is provided, e.g. tents, cutlery etc.
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:
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.
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.
Exceptional guides and unforgettable wildlife made this Amazon trekking experience in Bolivia truly extraordinary.
A breathtaking Huayna Potosi ascent delivered unforgettable sunrise views, icy landscapes, and exceptional guide support.
