At 6,088 meters, Huayna Potosí is one of Bolivia’s most accessible and affordable 6,000-meter peaks, located just 90 minutes from La Paz. Its proximity, combined with numerous guide companies offering affordable expeditions, makes it a popular choice for beginner and experienced climbers alike. For those looking to experience the thrill of high-altitude mountaineering, a Huayna Potosí climb is an unforgettable adventure that delivers stunning views of the Andes, La Paz, and even Lake Titicaca.
The climb typically takes two to three days, starting at base camp, which features a well-equipped refuge. High camp, located just below the snowline, also offers refuge facilities, making this peak even more accessible. From high camp, climbers tackle the glacier-covered slopes using crampons and ice axes, with the classic route offering a straightforward ascent. For more experienced mountaineers, the French route provides a steeper and more technical alternative. Whichever path you choose, the sunrise from the summit is spectacular, revealing the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Real and the sprawling Bolivian landscape below.
A Huayna Potosí climb is not only a gateway to high-altitude climbing but also an experience that rivals more difficult Andean summits. Its combination of affordability, stunning vistas, and the sense of accomplishment make it one of the best introductory peaks in the world. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first 6,000-meter climb or an experienced mountaineer seeking a quick, rewarding ascent, Huayna Potosí offers an adventure in a league of its own.
Prepare for an adventure climbing Huayna Potosi. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Climbers typically start the summit push around midnight to take advantage of the more stable weather and snow conditions in the early morning hours.
You should be in good physical condition with a strong level of cardiovascular fitness. The climb involves long hours of sustained effort, and the high altitude makes it even more challenging.
Essential equipment includes crampons, an ice axe, a harness, a helmet, warm clothing, and high-altitude boots. Many guiding companies provide the necessary technical gear, but confirm this in advance.
It's not required, and if you're experienced following the route isn't difficult - especially in season when the mountains so busy every night with groups to follow.
The final summit ridge is steeper and more exposed than the lower sections of the climb. It requires careful attention to footing and climbing technique, particularly in icy or windy conditions.
The best time to climb is during the dry season, from May to September. During this period, weather conditions are generally more stable and favorable for climbing.
Bolivia
Base Camp
High Camp
Summit
