Climbing Illimani

Duration

4 Days

Transport

Private

Altitude

6460m

Departure Place

La Paz City

From: $700,00

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Climbing Illimani 6460m

is an iconic mountain that can been seen from La Paz.

This mountain is often used as the symbol of La Paz and is the second highest peak in Bolivia standing at 6438 meters (21,122 ft) and the highest in the Cordillera Real.

It has three prominent peaks visable from La Paz (it actually has several peaks over 6000 meters) and the most commonly climbed route is on the west face.

To climb this mountain you should have some experience and be very well acclimitised.

We recommend that you have spent at least 7 days above 3000 meters and have done some high altitude trekking or climbed another 5500 meter plus peak.

About the Tour of Climbing

Day 1: Begin your journey from La Paz to Pinaya, a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive. Load up pack mules and trek to Puente Roto, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy breathtaking views of La Paz and El Alto at night.

Day 2: Trek to the high camp of Nido de Cóndores, navigating scree and rock terrain with the help of porters. Set up camp at 5500 meters for the night.

Day 3: Wake up early to start the ascent to the summit, navigating crevasses, snowy ridges, and steep sections. Enjoy stunning views from the peak before descending to the high camp and back to Puente Roto for the night.

Day 4: Return to La Paz, ending your trek with a short walk back to Pinaya and a drive back to the city by midday. Don’t miss this opportunity to conquer the Illimani and experience the beauty of Bolivia’s highest peak.

High Altitude Adventure!

Itinerary of the Tour

🌞 Day 1 —

La Paz - Pinaya

We leave La Paz in the morning to start out journey to Pinaya which will take around 3 to 4 hours. From here we will load up the pack mules and walk to Puente Roto.

This will take a further 2 to 3 hours and here we will set up camp for the night and have a wonderful view of La Paz and El Alto at night. (4500 meters – 14763 feet).

Day 2 ―

High Camp of Nido de Cóndores

After breakfast we will leave Puente Roto and the trek up to the high camp of Nido de Cóndores (Condors Nest). The terraine will be scree and rock. This will take around 6 to 8 hours and when we arrive we will set up camp for the night. For this section we will have porters to help carry the equipment (5500 meters – 18044 feet).

Day 3 ―

Summit - Punte Roto

We awake early around 1/2am to start our ascent to the summit. It will be very cold at this time and we will try to warm ourselves with coca tea before putting on the crampons and roping up. The ascent is heavily crevassed, a mixture of ice and snowy ridges and has a number of 50 degree sections, so combined with the altitude this can make for tough going.

Also, due to the face the sun rises on the other side of the mountain it will be cold for the whole climb. Normal ascent time is around 6 to 9 hours. After reaching the peak and resting to enjoy the spectacular views for a while we start our descent back to the high camp where we will meet with the porters before descending back to Puente Roto to stay the night.

Day 4 ―

Return to La Paz City

On this final day we have a short walk back down to Pinaya to meet up with our vehicle for the return drive to La Paz, arriving in the city around midday.

Day 5 ―

Day 6 ―

Day 7+

— Included —

  • Private transportation to and from the climb
  • Qualified Mountain Guide , Spanish speaking
  • Camping equipment – tent, mattress, cooking equipment
  • Equipment
    • Climbing Boots
    • Crampons
    • Ice Axe
    • Mountain jacket and Trousers
    • harness, ropes, gloves etc.
  • Meals including drinks at camp meals
  • Pack animals and Porters where indicated

— Not Included —

  • Sleeping Bag (required to at least -10) – you can rent a sleeping bag -18 from us if required (deposit required)
  • Head torch – if you dont have your own we can supply this – you supply batteries
  • Thermal under trousers , fleece jacket and thermal upper body wear, fleece hat, perosnal gloves for inside mountain gloves
  • Backpack 50 to 60 liters for carrying personal equipment
  • Water (2 liters bottle required – refills available)
  • Chocolate or high calorie sweets /snacks
  • Warm gloves for wearing inside Mountain Gloves, Warm Hat
  • Sunglasses, Sun cream and Lip balm – essential.

— Recommended —

  • Travel Insurance

— Frequent Questions —

1. What is the best time of year to climb Illimani?
The best time to climb Illimani with SouthTreks is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather conditions are most favorable for mountaineering.

2. Do I need prior mountaineering experience to climb Illimani?
While prior mountaineering experience is recommended, our experienced guides at SouthTreks will provide training and support to ensure a safe and successful ascent of Illimani.

3. What safety measures are in place during the Illimani trek?
Our guides prioritizes safety and provides all necessary safety equipment, experienced guides, and a carefully planned itinerary to minimize risks during the trek up Illimani.

4. What is the level of physical fitness required to climb Illimani?
Climbing Illimani is a strenuous undertaking that requires a good level of physical fitness. We recommend prior training and preparation to tackle the challenges of the high-altitude ascent.

5. How long does the Illimani climbing typically last?
The Climbing Illimani usually lasts 4-5 days, including acclimatization, ascent, and descent. Our guides will ensure a well-paced journey to maximize enjoyment and success on the mountain.

6. What type of accommodation and meals are provided during the Illimani climbing?
We provides camping equipment and meals prepared by our experienced cooks during the Illimani climbing tour, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying experience for our travelers.

7. How do you handle acclimatization for climbers attempting to summit Illimani?
Acclimatization is an important aspect of climbing high-altitude mountains like Illimani. We include gradual ascents, rest days, and proper hydration to help climbers acclimatize effectively and safely before attempting the summit. Our experienced guides monitor each climber’s health and well-being throughout the expedition to minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses.

— Restrictions —

You have to make sure you comply with:

1. Experience: Some routes on Illimani may require a certain level of mountaineering experience and technical skills.

2. Physical Fitness: Climbers should be in good physical condition and able to endure long hours of trekking and climbing at high altitudes.

3. Health Check: Climbers may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to climb at high altitudes.

4. Weather Conditions: Climbing Illimani is often subject to unpredictable weather conditions, so climbers should be prepared for harsh environments and potential changes in weather.

Highlights

The second highest mountain

adding to the prestige and challenge of the trek for travelers seeking high-altitude adventures in the Andes. The First highest mountain in Bolivia is Sajama

Cultural Immersion

Travelers will have the opportunity to interact with local porters and experience the traditional way of life in the Andes, adding a cultural dimension to the adventure.

High Altitude Adventure

With altitudes reaching up to 5500 meters (18044 feet), the trek to the high camp of Nido de Cóndores presents a challenging and thrilling high-altitude experience for adventurous travelers.

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