Huayna Potosi

| Climbing Grades

19,968 feet/6,088 meters

The imposing and impressive Huayna Potosi is Bolivia's most frequented mountain and resembles an ice pyramid. Some have described this mountain as the easiest 6,000 meter peak in the world. The "easy" has more to do with ease of access more than it's high-altitude climbing challenge. A jeep ride takes less than two hours to reach basecamp from La Paz. It features glacier travel, 50° climbing, and exposed ridges all at nearly 6,100 m. Below you during the climb, are panoramic views of the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, and the expanse of steely cumulus spackle smeared over the Amazon basin. It's a great warm up for Illimani or Sajama!

LENGHT	2 or 3 days
RATIO	2 clients 1 guide
DIFFICULTY	Beginner
COST	$us 219

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The most accesible 6,000 er
• Beautiful views over Lake Titikaka, Amazon basin and Cordillera Real.
• Plenty of photo opportunities.
• Ideal for beginners and climbers who want to climb something higher afterwards.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Average fitness.
• Acclimatized and determined people.
• Beginners to experienced climbers.

Itenerary

Day 1. Departure 9:00 am, 2 hrs drive to Zongo pass 4,830 m (15,842 ft). A short 3 hours hike to High Camp 5,300 m (17,384 ft). We have the whole afternoon to "rest", at this altitude you should drink as much as you can, digestion works very slowly, so don’t eat so much. A good advice "try to sleep".

Day 2. Early wake up as our ascent can take up to 6 hours. Setting off from that camp with sunrise over the Amazon Basin to our east, we climb a beautiful route which includes serious glacier travel and intermittent sections of moderately steep ground - challenging climbing. With Huayna Potosi's summit a well-defined point at the end of a beautifully sculptured ridge, the last few steps to the top provide an exhilarating finish to a great climb. Around 8:00 am, on the summit already, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Titikaka, the Amazon basin, and the Cordillera Real. Two hours descent to high camp, and one more to base camp. Finally after a short drive you’ll be in La Paz around 16:00.

LAND COSTS INCLUDE:

• Transportation. Bolivian Journeys has a private driver to provide in country transport, thus ensuring our safety and facilitating an independent schedule that does not depend on public transportation.
• Food. We eat high quality meals using fresh local ingredients.
• All group climbing gear.
• Porters
• Cook
• Professional mountain guide.

LAND COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals except while climbing
• Personal gear
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Insurance
• Rescue or medical expenses that may occur during the trip.