Summit climb Huayna Potosi

Route

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, pack our backpacks with all of our technical climbing equipment and personal items, and then hike for 2 hours to our high camp, located at 5170 meters. Upon arrival at our high camp, we will have hot drinks, snacks, and dinner and go to bed around 6:00 PM.

For all of our activities on this day, we will dress in traditional hiking clothing.

Our day will begin very early. Wake up time will be around midnight and we will get dressed with the climbing clothing and equipment and have breakfast.

Around 1:00 AM we will begin the ascent. We will have short breaks to rest and eat chocolates and drink water during the ascent.

We plan to arrive at the summit around sunrise in order to appreciate the wonderful view 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 upon arrival, we will have vegetable soup and hot drinks. At the high camp we will re-pack our backpacks and make the 1-hour descent to base camp.

We usually arrive at our office in La Paz around 1:00 PM.

What's Included?

Included:

√ Transport
All private transport required during the trek is included. On the first day, we will drive you from La Paz to Paso Zongo. On the last day, we will drive you back to La Paz.

√ Professional guide
You will be accompanied at all times by a professional English speaking mountain guide. There will be 1 guide every 2 trekkers.

√ Meals
All meals mentioned in the itinerary, including drinks at camp, are included in the price of the trek. 

√ Accommodation
You will spend the night at the High Camp refuge. The Refuge is simple in nature, but strong enough to keep you safe and warm during the night. Sleeping bags are not included.

√ 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.

Excluded:

× Airfare
You have to make your way to La Paz. The total amount is exclusive of flights to and from Bolivia. 

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

× 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.

× Sleeping bag
You must bring your own sleeping bag with you, it won't be provided by your trekking company. You can rent a sleeping bag (- 8 º C) from Jiwaki for USD 10,-.

× Tipping
Tipps for the guide are not included in the price of the trek. You decide how much to tip, but if you got a good service from your guide, be generous.

Accommodation

FAQ

Where is Huayna Potosí
Huayna Potosí, 6088 m, is an emblematic mountain that is part of a bigger mountain range, the Cordillera Real. This huge and impressive massif is located in the western side of the country, close to the Peruvian border, and is one of the icons of the city of La Paz.

La Paz is one of Bolivia’s main cities, together with Sucre. Which of the two is the capital of the country has been a heated debate for years. According to the Bolivian Constitution, Sucre is the Capital City of Bolivia. However, the president an administration of the country reside in La Paz.

Best season
If you are planning your Huayna Potosí ascent, you must choose your dates carefully, especially if this is the first time you will be climbing at high altitude. The best months for trekking in the Cordillera Real mountain range are from April to November. During these months it rains the least and the skies are clearer. However, you must know that during these months, days are shorter, and temperatures can get as low as -20°C. During the rest of the year, temperatures are warmer, that is true, but rainfall is quite abundant, and winds tend to blow stronger.

Tipping
Tipping your guide and porters after the trek is not customary in Bolivia, however, it is always appreciated. There is no rule as to how much you should tip your crew, but USD 10-15 for each, per trekker, is what the trekking companies recommend.

Training
Although Huayna Potosí is usually deemed as the easiest climb over 6000 meters, it should not be taken lightly. Huayna Potosi can be climbed by complete beginners, that is true. It is also true that it is a great way to get ready for higher mountains, but you need to be ready for it.

If Huayna Potosí is in your plans, then start training a few months in advance. Trek a few hours a day, climb stairs, train with a backpack, and if you can trek in the mountains, that is even better. Get to your trek as fit as you can. That will rise your chances of making it to the top, as well as making the whole journey more enjoyable.

Packing List

You can rent at their office:
- Sleeping bag (- 8 º c): USD 10,-
- Backpack (50 – 70 liter capacity): USD 10,-
- Headlamp: USD 7,-
- Walking sticks: USD 7,-

Safety

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks.

Jiwaki

Jiwaki

Welcome to Jiwaki. Kiwaki means "Beautiful" in Aymara, the native language of the Bolivian Andean Highlands. We created Jiwaki to share the beauty of the Bolivian Andes, including Huayna Potosi, with you. We have a passion for mountains, trekking, and unique adventures. Our priority is sharing Bolivia with you through trips that are scenic, fun, and challenging; all while caring for your safety.

Our agency offers a variety of programs that highlight some o our favorite trip in the Bolivian highlands. Your security and happiness is our priority! Jiwaki allows you to travel with an expert staff, to give you confidence at every step and get where you have never been before.

How to Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your deposit.

Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.