Huayna Potosi, climb to the summit

Duration: 3 days
Trails: T4 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day

> Spend an afternoon of basic mountaineering technique practice on a glacier
> Spend your nights at refugios
> Begin your summit attempt at midnight

Huayna Potosi is Bolivia’s most popular major peak in the Cordillera Real. Located just 32 km away from the city of La Paz, Huayna Potosi is known for its easy access and imposing beauty as well as the fact that it is 88 meters above the 6000-meter figure.

Huayna Potosi can be climbed by beginners with a competent guide and technical equipment. Beginners yes, but fit beginners; it’s quite steep toward the end and it’s a tough climb, but well worth the effort! Our three-day itinerary includes an afternoon of basic mountaineering instruction and a night of acclimatization at the 4700-meter base camp level, both of which increase your chances of summit success.

Itinerary

Day
1

An afternoon practicing basic mountaineering techniques on the glacier of Huayna Potosi

We will meet at our office at 9:00 AM and then travel on our private transport to the base camp of Huayna Potosi, located at 4700 meters.

We will have lunch at the base camp and then prepare our equipment for an afternoon of basic mountaineering technique practice on the glacier at the base of the mountain. Our walk to the glacier takes about 40 minutes and we will practice for around 2 hours before returning to the base camp for hot drinks and dinner. We will spend the night at the base camp.

Base Camp of Huayna Potosi

Info
Base Camp of Huayna Potosi
Day
2

Base Camp Huayna Potosi (4700 m) - High Camp (5200 m)

Duration: 02:00 h
Highest Point: 5200 m
Breakfast is at 8:00am, followed by some free time. During the morning we will check and prepare the backpacks with all the technical climbing equipment and personal belongings. At 12:00 we will have lunch to have enough energy for the ascent to the high camp (5200m), which will take about 2 hours. We arrive at the high camp refuge at around 15:00 where we will have hot drinks to rehydrate for the afternoon. We will have dinner at 17:00 and spend the night in the high camp shelter (5200m). We go to bed early at 18:30 to be well rested for tomorrow's adventure.

High Camp

Info
High Camp
Day
3

High Camp (5200m) - Summit attempt (6088m) - Return to La Paz City (3600m)

Duration: 09:00 h
Lowest Point: 3600 m
Highest Point: 6088 m
Our day will start very early as we wake up around midnight. We will get dressed with our climbing clothes and equipment and have breakfast. Around 1:00am we will start the ascent with short breaks to rest, eat chocolate and drink water. We plan to reach the summit (6088m) around sunrise to enjoy the wonderful views of the highlands, the surrounding Cordillera Real, Lake Titicaca and the ever unique sunrise itself. Our descent to high camp will take 2-3 hours and on arrival we will have vegetable soup and hot drinks. At high camp we repack our backpacks and make the 1 hour descent to base camp. We usually arrive in La Paz City (3600m) between 13:00 and 14:00.

Included

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation in refuges

    During your trek, you stay in refuges. These are simple in nature but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Mountain and climbing equipment

    All mountain equipment necessary such as crampons, harness, plastic boots, windproof pants and jacket, ice axe, gloves, gaiters, helmet, and balaclava are included in the price of the trek.

  • Water

    Enough drinking water will be provided during the trip.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Sleeping bag

    You must bring your own sleeping bag with you. You can rent a sleeping bag from your trekking company.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

FAQ

  • Where is Huayna Potosí?

  • Huayna Potosí - Difficulty

How to Book

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Sierd van der Bij
Sierd van der Bij
This trek is operated by
Jiwaki

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