Difficulty: 3 – 4 moderate fitness / Good physical fitness
Departure Place: La Paz City
Destiny: Illampu
Altitude: 6368m
Availability: Year Round
1.103$
Description
Illampu (6368m) is the northern most mountain in the Cordillera Real, and according to indigenous folklore is considered the King of the mountains. Despite being 6356m, which is 200m shorter than Sajama (6549m) the tallest peak in Bolivia, Illampu is one of the hardest climbs – both physically and technically – both in the Sorata massif and in Bolivia. This climb offers steep snow climbing, and spectacular views of the Cordillera Real, Lago Titicaca (3810m), Cordillera Apolobamba and to the east, the dark green mass of the Amazon Basin spreading out to the horizon .
Prices:
$860 US each based on 4 people minimum
With Spanish speaking guide:
$805 US each based on 4 people minimum
Special prices for smaller groups. Discounts for larger groups.
We can also arrange accommodation in La Paz at an additional cost.
Please note that you can also add various other tours and treks onto this package, for example any tour starting or ending in La Paz or Sorata. Whatever you want to do please contact us and we will tailor make your holiday.
Our first day is the drive to Sorata. As we head out of La Paz into the city of Al alto with have great views of La Paz city and the surrounding mountains.
Later we cross the Altiplano were we pass most of the Cordillera Real, it’s rugged peaks breaking the horizon. After 2 hours we reach a pass which takes us down into the valley of Sorata.
Along the way we stop for photos of Illampu, one of the most impressive peaks in the Cordillera Real. Once in Sorata we notice the warmer cliate due to the lower altitude, and take advantage by relaxing in the plaza with a cool beer. 3 – 4 hours driving (LD) Hostel.
Day 2 ■Sorata (2700m) – Lachathiya (4200m) – Base camp of Illampu, Aguas caliente (4200m).
Today we head to the base camp. First we drive up the new road to Lachathiya where we meet the mules to carry our gear up to base camp. We climb up the valley to cross over the pass of Huilakota (4886m), and then descend down the other side to reach the base camp of Illampu.
We still won’t be able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind other peaks. 1 hour driving, 3 – 4 hours walking (BLD) camping.
Day 3 ■Base camp – High camp (5200m).
Porters will carry all equipment and personal gear up to the high camp. We will climb over the old glacier slabs and climb along the valley of the mountain. We will make camp just below the last glacier. 6 – 7 hours (BLD) camping.
Day 4 ■High camp – Summit (6368m) – High camp – Base camp.
This is a very long day and we will need to leave very early in the morning. There will be a 2 hour walk up to the base of the wall, from where we will start to pitch up the wall, climbing on ice up to 60° for 400m.
We then have a further 300m on the ridge until the summit. After a short rest we head back down the same way. 12 – 17 hours (BLD) camping.
Day 5 ■Base camp – Lachathiya – Sorata – La Paz.
In the morning we pack up camp and meet the mules. We head back up to the Huilakota pass. From the pass we have an easy walk back down to Lachathiya.
Here we meet our transport. First we have to drive back to Sorata and then onto La Paz. Drop off at hotel. 2 – 3 hours walking, 4 hours driving (BL)
you need comfortable walking shoes. Your feet will appreciate.
Is this tour for me?
Of course if you want to travel. The perfect match if you’re planning to visit Bolivia’s most popular destination.
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Highlights
Sorata paradise
Sorata is one of the most interesting little towns that exist in Bolivia, it has among its main tourist attractions, a snow-capped mountain called Illampu and it is at the foot of this city.
High camp base
We will climb over the old glacier slabs and climb along the valley of the mountain
Summit of Illampu
Mountaineers consider it the most difficult mountain to climb of all those over 6,000 meters in Bolivia.
Professional English speaking mountain guide, guide ratio 2 clients to 1 guide
Meals as mentioned, including drinks at camp meals (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
All private transport
Mules, up to base camp and back down
Porters, up to high camp and back down to base camp
1 Night hostel (Sorata)
Full camp, includes: tents, kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, dinning tent etc
Cook
Equipment for the mountain, ropes and protection
Not Included
Personal gear
Personal insurance
Tips
Extra services not mentioned in the program
Recommended
What to bring
Muy agradecido de haberme encontrado con William. Me dio una mano cuando la necesitaba.
Cálida y dedicada atención.
Un amigo en La Paz.
Saludos desde Argentina.
Si gustan de hacer Huayna Potosí, Uyuni o Copabana háganlo con South Treks!
I did Illimani with my guide Felix and it was a big adventure cause we were the only people on the mountain :)
Thank you William for organizing this great trip
Super guide et organisation!!! Le camino de la muerte en toute sécurité. Equipement fourni, explication, histoire, photos et vidéos inclus :)
Top!!
Juste l’almerzo à 17h30 😕
Mi experiencia al ir al Glaciar Italia fue ¡espectacular!!! E inolvidable. Yo recomiendo a las personas que quieran conocer este lugar que se animen a ir por que es un lugar mágico y sorprendente. Cargado de sorpresas y emociones.
Fueron pacientes al esperarnos y podrían mejorar al enviarnos las fotos lo mas pronto posible, demoraron casi una semana
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