Overview
Iconic Summits
Climb Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 ft) and Huayna Potosí (19,974 ft), two of Bolivia's most spectacular peaks in the heart of the Cordillera Real.
Progressive Acclimatization
Build altitude tolerance gradually through strategic rest days and acclimatization hikes around La Paz and base camps before summit pushes.
Technical Glacier Skills
Master essential mountaineering techniques including crampon use, steep ice climbing, rope team movement, and crevasse navigation on sustained alpine terrain.
Amazing Mountain Camps
Experience authentic expedition-style camping in stunning high-altitude cirques with porters supporting gear logistics through the approach valleys.
Optional Illimani Extension
Contact us to extend your journey with a summit of Illimani (21,122 ft), Bolivia's second-highest peak and a spectacular knife-edge ridge climb.
details
Everything you need to know before you go
Included
All lodging during the itinerary
All meals while on the mountains
Group camping and climbing equipment
All permits
In-country transportation
Guiding fees
NOT Included
Flights to/from Bolivia
Additional nights in hotels outside of the itinerary dates
Dinners and lunches
Tips for guides or local porters
Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
Hospitalization or evacuation costs
Excess baggage charges
Alcohol
The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Skyline Mountain Guides or its agents are not included.
Preparation
Fitness
techincal
Altitude
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive La Paz, Acclimatization Begins
Arrive at El Alto International Airport (13,323 ft / 4,061 m)—the highest international airport in the world. Transfer to our hotel in La Paz (11,942 ft / 3,640 m). Your acclimatization begins immediately upon landing at this altitude. Settle into the hotel, meet your guide for a welcome dinner and expedition briefing covering the itinerary, peaks, and preparations ahead. Rest and begin adjusting to the altitude.
DAY 2
Acclimatization Day
Rest day for initial acclimatization. Gentle walking throughout the day aids acclimatization. Return to hotel for team dinner and early rest.
DAY 3
Drive to Copacabana
After breakfast, drive 3-4 hours north to Copacabana (12,500 ft / 3,810 m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca—the world's highest navigable lake. Afternoon free to explore the town, walk the lakefront, or hike to nearby viewpoints. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Copacabana.
DAY 4
Isla del Sol - Cultural Immersion Day
The hiking and altitude (12,600-13,000 ft) continue our acclimatization. Dinner and overnight in Copacabana.
DAY 5
Drive to Condoriri Base Camp (15,200 ft / 4,633 m)
Drive approximately 4 hours south through the high Altiplano to the trailhead near Tuni. Begin trekking up a gradually ascending valley into the dramatic Condoriri massif. Hike to Condoriri Base Camp (15,200 ft / 4,633 m), situated on the edge of a beautiful glacial lake below six peaks over 17,000 ft. Establish camp with spectacular views of Pequeño Alpamayo's iconic pyramid rising above. Guides conduct gear check and organize equipment. Dinner at camp, early rest in preparation for tomorrow's activities. First night camping at altitude.
DAY 6
Acclimatization Climb - Pico Austria (17,438 ft / 5,315 m)
Summit Pico Austria, a non-technical 17,000-foot peak offering fantastic acclimatization and stunning 360-degree views of the Condoriri massif. After breakfast, gear up and hike up to the summit. From the top, take in spectacular views of Pequeño Alpamayo, Condoriri, and the surrounding Cordillera Real peaks. Descend to base camp by early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for tomorrow's skills session. Dinner at camp discussing the climbing plan ahead.
DAY 7
Glacier Skills & Pequeño Alpamayo Prep Day
Full day of skills training and preparation. After breakfast, venture onto the glacier below Pequeño Alpamayo for comprehensive mountaineering skills review and practice. Cover crampon techniques on varied terrain, ice axe use and self-arrest on steeper slopes, roped travel systems, glacier navigation and crevasse avoidance, and crevasse rescue procedures. Practice efficient rope transitions and review steep ice climbing techniques on nearby seracs if available. Afternoon session covering summit day plan, timing, nutrition strategies, and gear preparation for tomorrow's climb. Pack summit bags, lay out clothing layers, organize equipment. Early dinner, detailed summit briefing, and early to bed for alpine start.
DAY 8
Summit Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 ft / 5,370 m)
Alpine start around 2:00 AM. Light breakfast, final gear check, rope up and begin climbing by headlamp. Ascend the glacier below Pequeño Alpamayo, navigating crevasses and increasing steepness. First climb involves summiting Pico Tarija (17,060 ft) via moderate glacier terrain. From Tarija's summit, make short descent involving 3rd and 4th class rock scrambling, then continue up the adjoining ridge toward Pequeño Alpamayo's striking pyramid. Final section involves 2-3 pitches of steep neve or ice climbing (40-60 degrees) on exposed, knife-edged ridge leading directly to the summit. Top out on Pequeño Alpamayo's narrow summit with spectacular views of the entire Cordillera Real. Descend carefully back down the route via rappels and downclimbing. Celebrate first summit, rest, rehydrate. Pack gear for tomorrow's departure. Dinner and early rest.
DAY 9
Return to La Paz, Rest & Recovery
After breakfast, break down camp and hike back to the trailhead with assistance from pack animals (2-3 hours). Meet vehicles and drive 3-4 hours back to La Paz. Check into hotel, enjoy hot showers, and spread gear out to dry. Free afternoon to rest, recover, do laundry, explore shops, or visit cafes. This recovery day is crucial for recharging before the next objective. Evening team dinner at local restaurant celebrating Pequeño Alpamayo success and discussing the Huayna Potosí plan ahead. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
DAY 10
Drive to Huayna Potosí High Camp (17,388 ft / 5,300 m)
Morning drive 1.5-2 hours to Huayna Potosí. The mountain looms directly above La Paz and is visible from the city. Drive to the roadhead near Laguna Zongo, then hike approximately 2 hours to High Camp at 17,388 ft—a refugio perched on rocky terrain with dramatic views of the route above. With acclimatization from Pequeño Alpamayo, we're able to go directly to high camp. Establish sleeping quarters in the refugio. Afternoon skills session on nearby glacier: practice steep ice climbing technique on seracs (some up to 60-80 degrees), review crampon efficiency on sustained steep terrain, and dial in ice axe techniques. Return to refugio for dinner, detailed summit briefing covering the long, sustained route ahead. Organize summit gear, early to bed for midnight start.
DAY 11
Summit Huayna Potosí (19,974 ft / 6,088 m)
Alpine start at midnight. Breakfast, final preparations, rope up and begin climbing by 1:00 AM. Ascend from high camp contouring around Huayna Potosí's flanks, overcoming sections of moderately steep glacier travel. Final approach to summit ridge is dramatically exposed with huge drops on both sides. Top out on Huayna Potosí's summit (19,974 ft / 6,088 m) with spectacular 360-degree views encompassing the Cordillera Real, distant Sajama, and the vast Altiplano stretching toward Lake Titicaca. On clear days, views extend for hundreds of miles. Descend carefully via the same route back to high camp. Pack up gear, descend to vehicles, and drive back to La Paz arriving late afternoon. Check into hotel, celebrate with team dinner. Overnight in La Paz.
DAY 12
Departure Day OR ILLIMANI EXTENSION: Rest Day in La Paz
For those completing the 12-day program: enjoy a leisurely morning in La Paz before airport transfers. Safe travels! For Illimani Extension: Full rest and recovery day in La Paz. Sleep in, enjoy leisurely breakfast. This rest day is essential before tackling Illimani—the tallest and most committing peak of the expedition. Afternoon gear prep and re-organizing for final objective. Evening team dinner and expedition briefing for Illimani. Early rest.
DAY 13
ILLIMANI EXTENSION: Drive to Illimani Base Camp (15,092 ft / 4,600 m)
Early morning departure from La Paz. Drive 3-4 hours southeast through stunning mountain roads and small farming communities. Approach provides incredible views of Illimani's massive bulk dominating the skyline—the tallest peak in the Cordillera Real at 21,122 ft looming over La Paz. Arrive at the trailhead at Puente Roto. Begin approach hike to Illimani Base Camp (15,092 ft / 4,600 m), situated in a beautiful meadow at the base of the mountain. Establish tents with stunning views of the route above. Guides brief on tomorrow's push to high camp. Dinner, organize gear, early rest.
DAY 14
ILLIMANI EXTENSION: Climb to Nido de Cóndores High Camp (18,045 ft / 5,500 m)
After breakfast, begin 4-6 hour climb gaining approximately 3,000 vertical feet to Nido de Cóndores ("Nest of the Condors") at 18,045 ft. Arrive at high camp—a spectacular, exposed perch offering unparalleled views of the climbing route above and breathtaking valleys plunging thousands of feet below. On clear evenings, witness La Paz's lights twinkling far below like a galaxy on the valley floor. Establish tents on snow platforms. Light afternoon reviewing summit day route, discussing timing and strategy for the long push ahead. Prepare summit gear, organize packs. Early dinner, detailed summit briefing. Hydrate aggressively. Early to bed for 1:00 AM wake-up.
DAY 15
ILLIMANI EXTENSION: Summit Illimani (21,122 ft / 6,438 m) - Descend to Base Camp
Summit day. Wake at 1:00 AM, breakfast, final preparations. Rope up and begin climbing by 2:00 AM under headlamps. Ascend initially moderate glacier slopes that gradually steepen. Final section crosses broad snow slopes leading to Illimani's iconic knife-edged summit ridge. Move along the narrow, airy summit ridge to reach Pico Sur (21,122 ft / 6,438 m)—the highest of Illimani's three summits and the tallest peak in the Cordillera Real. From the summit, take in sweeping views across Bolivia: the entire Cordillera Real, the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, and on clear days, peaks extending into Peru and Chile. Savor this moment—standing atop one of South America's most impressive peaks. Begin descent via the same route. Pack up high camp, continue descending all the way back to base camp (weather and team strength permitting). Alternatively, some teams rest at high camp and descend to base camp on Day 16. Celebrate completing the expedition's final and most challenging summit. Dinner at base camp.
DAY 16
ILLIMANI EXTENSION: Hike Out & Return to La Paz - Expedition Celebration
After leisurely breakfast and time to pack up camp thoroughly, hike out from base camp to the trailhead (2-3 hours). Meet vehicles and begin the scenic drive back to La Paz (3-4 hours), arriving early-mid afternoon. Check into hotel, take long hot showers, change into clean clothes. Free afternoon to rest or explore any final sights. Evening team celebration dinner at a restaurant in La Paz, reflecting on the incredible journey: three summits over 17,000 ft including two 6,000-meter peaks and an unforgettable team experience in the Cordillera Real. Share favorite memories, and celebrate the successful completion of this expedition. Overnight in La Paz.
FAQ's
FAQ's
Gear List
Gear List
Gear required to bring up on the mountain given the conditions may vary trip to trip. Your guide will help you decide what gear to bring or leave behind during the gear-check. If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!
