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Huayna Potosi
Height: 6,088 m
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A 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.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
When to go
- June to August
Permits
- 1 permit is needed
- costing around $7 total
Profiled guides
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTH TREKS | more info | from $250 |
| Bolivian Mountaineering | more info | from $425 |
 Jiwaki | more info | from $160 |
 Grupo Alpamayo Tours | more info | 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
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.
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.