Join a community of
mountaineers
Huayna Potosi
Height: 6,088 m
Country: 
Bolivia
BoliviaA very accessible climb near La Paz (90 minutes), with countless guide companies competing for your custom making it also one of the cheapest 6s in the world. Base camp and High camp both have refuges, there's snow only from high camp.
The classic route is straightforward, alternatively the French route is way more fun if you have some experience climbing at altitude already.
Either way, the sunrise and views from the top are in their own league. Both La Paz and Lake Titicaca can be seen, along with many other neighbouring Andes peaks.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on one of the world’s iconic climbs. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
When to go
- June to August
Permits
- 1 permit is needed
- costing around $7 total
These are pictures taken while climbing Huayna Potosi. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Huayna Potosi, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Huayna Potosi. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Huayna Potosi. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
 Jiwaki | view guides trip webpage | from $160 |
| SOUTH TREKS | view guides trip webpage | from $250 |
| Bolivian Mountaineering | view guides trip webpage | from $425 |
 Grupo Alpamayo Tours | view guides trip webpage | from $1,250 |
The climb starts at Base Camp (4700m), moves to High Camp (5130m) for acclimatization, and finally pushes for the Summit (6088m). This route involves straightforward glacier travel but requires good acclimatization and early starts for the final ascent.
Base Camp
Starting point for the climb, located at the base of Huayna Potosí. Drive here from La Paz (90 minutes). Sleeping here is optional based on acclimitisation.
4,700 m
High Camp
Also known as Campo Roca or Campo Argentino, this is the primary camp above base camp where climbers acclimatize before the summit push.
5,130 m
Summit
The final goal of the climb, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
6,088 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Huayna Potosi. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.
You can drive straight to base camp, staying there is optional. From there it's a three hour walk up to high camp on decent paths without snow/ice. From high camp (the refuge) it's 4-6+ hours to the summit, all on snow. Alternatively there's the 'French route' which breaks off from the main trail an hour or so after high camp and goes up to a lower summit (traversing to the main summit is possible, but not typical).
Huayna Potosi Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
There is both a base camp and high camp refuge. Multiple at each camp. Base camp is of course nicer, high camp is one big dorm.Food
You can get food at both base camp and high camps, but generally at high camps the kitchens are used by guides for their groups, and you'll need to bring your own food.Guides
There are infinite guides for this route.Porters
Porters are available.Huayna Potosi permits
What permits are needed for climbing Huayna Potosi
For climbing Huayna Potosí, you'll need to pay a National Park entrance fee, which can be obtained locally at the base camp.
1. National Park Entrance Fee
- $7 (~50 in the local currency)
- This fee grants access to the national park where Huayna Potosí is located.
- Can be purchased locally just before reaching the base camp.
Huayna Potosi access - getting there
How to get to Huayna Potosi
Easy drive from La Paz (90 minutes). 4x4 is best for the route, but not strictly necessary.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Huayna Potosi. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Huayna Potosi video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Huayna Potosi. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.
Huayna Potosi questions
What to know about climbing Huayna Potosi
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Huayna Potosi Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Huayna Potosi route.