Mountaineering in bolivia
Why climb in Bolivia
Less visited than other Andean countries, but with an exceptional range of peaks. Many within a comfortable drive of the capital La Paz. La Paz, at 3600 meters, is also a great base to help with acclimitization. Apart from the busiest peak Huayna Potosi, you'll often have the mountains you climb to yourself. It's also a very cheap country - to climb, and spend time.
There's a plethora of guide agencies on Sagarnaca (the street leading up beside the big church). Here you can have a trip to practically any peak arranged. Even those further away in Sajama (there are many guides in that town too, but many just make one trip from La Paz).
When to climb in Bolivia
The best time to go climbing in Bolivia is:
- December to February
- May to October
May to October is the conventional climbing season, but really it depends on the peaks.
May/June/July are the best months for the peaks in the Cordillera real north of La Paz, with peaks further north like Illampu being best climbed May/June. By July already most climbers are heading north to Huaraz in Peru.
Those in the west (Sajama national park) are good May to October, except the higher Sajama which will wrap up September. Parinacota/Acotango are still realistic into October however.
Where to climb in Bolivia
Bolivia's main regions for climbing 6000-meter peaks are the Cordillera Real and the Western Cordillera. The Cordillera Real, near La Paz, includes notable peaks like Illimani and Huayna Potosí, offering diverse technical challenges. The Cordillera Real extends further north, where still within five hours of La Paz you have Illampu and some lesser known peaks.
The Western Cordillera, home to Bolivia's highest peak, Nevado Sajama, presents a rugged, high-altitude climbing experience in a remote volcanic landscape.
Climbs in Bolivia
There are 11 Climbs in Bolivia. Get an idea of what separates them here:
Most popular
The classic climbs in Bolivia:
Lesser known
Escape the crowds and get of the beaten path in Bolivia with these climbs:
Most difficult
If you want to challenge yourself, consider these climbs in Bolivia:
Other climbs in Bolivia:
Climb difficulties in Bolivia
How many of each difficulty grade can you find a route for.
| French Alpine | Difficulty description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| F | Easy. Suitable for beginners, minimal technical skills required. | 3 |
| PD | Not very difficult. Some technical skills required, with moderate exposure. | 4 |
| AD | Fairly difficult. Requires good technical skills and experience, with significant exposure. | 5 |
| D | Difficult. Requires advanced technical skills and experience, with high exposure. | 2 |
| TD | Very difficult. Requires very advanced technical skills, experience, and serious commitment. | 0 |
| ED | Extremely difficult. Requires exceptional technical skills, experience, and high commitment. | 0 |
Guide costs for climbing in Bolivia
There are 35 guides listed for Bolivia. Trips range from $160 to $2,950, and average $1,340 per expedition.