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Illimani
Height: 6,438 m
Duration: 3 - 5 days
Country: 
Bolivia
Bolivia
Illimani, the guardian of La Paz is a striking sight and equally stunning climb. Just a few hours from La Paz, and with a well trodden base camp and high camp, make this challenging peak a nice step into higher altitude climbing. The classic route is challenging enough to be interesting without being too demanding. The views from the top are sublime. La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and other Andean peaks - and of Illimanis lower north summit are a sight to behold.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure climbing Illimani. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
Route
- 2,738 m gain over 3 - 5 days
- starting in Pinaya or Base camp if you drive up
- ending in Pinaya or Base camp if you drove up
- approach: walk in, drive
Walk in
- +700 m over a 12 km approach
- 0 - 1 days in
- 0 - 1 days out
Climb
- +2,038 m over 2 days.
- 1 high camp. Typically, climbers use the high camp at Nido de Cóndores (5500m) for acclimatization and the final summit push.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
- AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)
When to go
- June to August
Permits
- 1 permit is needed
- costing around $7 total
These are pictures taken while climbing Illimani. 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 Illimani, 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 Illimani. 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 Illimani. 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 (4400m), ascends to Nido de Cóndores (5500m) for acclimatization, and culminates at the Summit (6438m). The route involves glacier travel and high-altitude exposure, demanding basic technical skills and acclimatization.
Base Camp
A field where base camps are erected. There is a good water source, and even two toilets have been built.
4,400 m
Nido de Cóndores
High camp located at 5,500 meters. A flat platform with exception views, the ice / snow starts immediately after.
5,500 m
Summit
The highest point of Illimani, offering spectacular views of the Andes.
6,438 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Illimani. 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.
Either walk from Pinaya to base camp, or drive up if you have your own transport. From there it's a three hour walk up to high camp, and then around 5 hours to the summit.
Illimani weather
How is the weather on Illimani, and when is the best time to go.
The best months to climb Illimani are typically from May to September, when the weather is more stable, and the chances of precipitation are lower. During these months, temperatures are cold, especially at higher elevations, but climbers can generally expect clearer skies and more predictable conditions. Outside of these months, the weather can be more variable, with higher chances of rain and snow, making the climb more challenging.
The best time to climb Illimani is in these months:
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
Illimani Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
There's plenty of space to camp at base camp and high camp. Base camp has a good water source and toilets, and high camp there is ice/snow to melt.Guides
Many guides are available for this route.Porters
Porters can be arranged in Pinaya, the starting village. Either to base camp and high camp, or arranged just for base camp to high camp (and back).Illimani permits
What permits are needed for climbing Illimani
For climbing Illimani, you will need to obtain a national park entrance fee, which can be purchased locally.
1. National Park Entrance Fee
- $7 (~50 in the local currency)
- This fee grants access to the national park area where Illimani is located.
- Can be purchased locally in the village of Pinaya.
Illimani access - getting there
How to get to Illimani
A 4x4 is best for the route up to base camp, but a normal vehicle can probably do it.
To Pinaya you could find local transport going there. All guided trips would have this arranged for you / your group.
From Pinaya to base camp there is only private transport options - or walking.
It's just a few hours from Illimani, but half the journey is on bumpy roads.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Illimani. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Illimani video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Illimani. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.
Illimani questions
What to know about climbing Illimani
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Illimani Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Illimani route.
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