Bolivia's adventures
Peñas and Condoriri—two of the most stunning and diverse climbing areas in the Cordillera Real—as the base for our mountaineering school. Their beautiful landscapes and proximity to La Paz make them ideal and their wide range of climbing terrain allows for a comprehensive and progressive training experience. Mountaineering begins with a strong foundation in rock climbing so starting in Peñas offers the perfect setting to develop essential skills in terrain navigation, sport climbing, and traditional rock climbing. Moving to the Condoriri Valley, we shift the focus to snow, ice, and alpine climbing techniques in a high-altitude environment.
The goal of this stage is to equip students with the skills and confidence to climb independently. Be prepared to ascend Tarija Peak (5,344m) and Huayna Potosí (6,088m) with minimal reliance on instructors applying techniques learned throughout the course. Our team consists of professional mountain guides certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA) and members of the Bolivian Mountain Guides Association (AGMTB), ensuring top-level instruction and safety.
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Arrival to La Paz. Transfer to Peñas
Arrive at El Alto airport at 4,063 m that will take your breath away due to the altitude and the views of the mountains. The clear, crisp sky of the highlands gives the impression that you could touch them. Transfer to Peñas and begin the acclimatization, start learning the art of being patient in the mountains, the instructor will encourage you to rest as much as possible during this day while spending time doing a gear check, briefing about the trip, practicing some basic knots, and advancing in some theoretical content of the course.
Rock climbing practice
Make a full-day round trip in Peñas terrain looking for features to practice how to move efficiently and safely on different types of terrain. Start rock climbing practice up to grade III, where we use a helmet and rope for security but not harnesses yet. Learn how to make and use 6 of the main knots that are basic for the course.
Advance rock-climbing practice
Start more serious rock-climbing practice up to grade V on sportive bolted routes, use gear like: harnesses, rock-climbing shoes, rope, helmet and other hardware. Practice climbing by leader, top rope, belay your partner and rappel. Develop confidence to progress on vertical terrain confidently and safely. Perform some basic rescue operations.
Transport to Condoriri. Ascent of Austria Peak and Trek to Chiar Kota
Take a vehicle to Condoriri trailhead and ascend to Austria peak following a non-traditional route on the south side. This alternative and demanding route allow you to practice learned techniques in Peñas, get some tips on multi-pitch climbing. Enjoying great views from Austria peak 5,307 m, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Cordillera Real and descend to campsite near the shores of Chiar Khota lagoon.
Basic mountaineering techniques practice
Hike to the glacier of Tarija peak and practice the use of equipment like crampons, ice axe, ice screws, snow stakes and rope. Use these tools to progress on crevassed and icy terrain, practice how to arrest your fall. Return to campsite to rest and review learned information in the commodity of our mess tent.
Advance mountaineering techniques practice
Change scenario hiking to a more complex and technical glacier, practice basic rescue operations in case someone or yourself falls into a crevasse. Switch on more advance techniques, practice how to climb on steep ice with two ice axes and crampons. Once at the campsite, students will plan the climb of Tarija Peak next day.
Climb Tarija Peak
First test day. Instructors will spot and coach closely the students, evaluating them and correcting mistakes to reinforce the techniques on navigation, hiking, breathing and equipment use. After the summit try, return to the campsite to rest and get ready for the last important climb.
Transport to Huayna Potosi and ascend to high camp
Transition day. Hike from the campsite to the trailhead and take a vehicle to Huayna Potosi base camp, the starting point for a hike up to the refuge at the high camp. On the way make more practice to ensure everybody is ready for the climb of Huayna Potosi. Have a light dinner, review weather conditions and sleep early to be ready for the summit next day.
Climb Huayna Potosi and return to La Paz
Wakeup call at 01:00 to dress, equip yourself and have breakfast before the planned depart time at 02:00. Apply all the learned techniques to try to arrive to the summit around 07:00 when the sun is rising and descend as soon as possible before the sun start weakening the bridges over the crevasses on the glaciers. Get back to base camp around midday, have lunch and take the vehicle back to La Paz. Once in La Paz, have one last meeting to evaluate altogether the course and get feedback from everyone.
Type
Trekking, Mountaineering, All adventures
Grade
Altitude range
3,594 - 6,088 m
Total duration
9
Accommodation
Min - Max people
2 - 6
Countries
Bolivia
Region
Cordillera Real
Ask availability
Every adventure starts with a plan
Our adventures are subject to Dynamic Andean Availability — shaped by weather conditions, seasonal windows, and minimum group size. Reach out to us to find the best time to embark on your journey.
FRECUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How is the current political situation in Bolivia?
Even though there is constant political unrest in Bolivia, normally the situation is limited to road blocks and manifestations in the city. During our 30 years of experience, we always find ways to complete our itineraries or if needed, propose changes to overcome different situations.
Think about it as an adventure experience but nothing really dangerous to worry about.
What is the most common reaction to high altitude environments?
The physical responses to the reduced oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, are quite common. Many visitors experience shortness of breath, mild headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue can set in quickly as the body uses more energy to function. Some individuals may feel nausea, lose their appetite, or experience disturbed sleep.
These are typical signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually resolves with rest, acclimatization, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and ascending gradually can help minimize these effects.
What is the minimum acclimatization process to climb a 6000m mountain?
At least 7 days of sleeping and doing mild exercise between 3000m and 5000m. An average itinerary can include:
- Flight or bus to La Paz at 3600m
- Drive to Lake Titicaca and hike 5 km in Isla del Sol at 3840m
- Hike 8 km in Copacabana or the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Drive to Condoriri and hike 4 km to ChiarKota at 4670m
- Hike 9 km and ascend Pico Austria at 5350m
- Drive to Huayna Potosí and hike to Glaciar Viejo to do glacier practices at 5100m
If you complete this you are ready to climb a 6000m mountain like Huayna Potosi, Chachacomani, Chearoko, Illampu, Ancohuma, Illimani, Cololo, Chaupi Orko, Acotango, Parinacota, Pomarape or Sajama.
What is included in our trips?
As an all-inclusive company that wants to take care of everything so you don’t worry about anything but enjoying your adventure. Depending the type of trip you choose, the average trip includes:
Included services:
- All land transportation included buses, 4x4 and boat rides
- Hotel accommodation in La Paz, Sajama, Uyuni, Lake Titicaca
- Common climbing equipment: ropes, carabiners, slings, ice screws
- English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guide
- English speaking UIMLA certified trekking guide
- Meals during the itinerary
- Cook and assistant during camping stages
- Luggage transportation and pack animals up to 15 kg per person in trekking and Base Camp, 10 kg to High Camp with porters
- National Park and Community Land entrance fees
Not included:
- Transfer In/Out from La Paz
- International and local flights
- Soft drinks and spirits
- Personal equipment: sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, headlamps
- Personal climbing equipment: ice axe, helmet, boots, harnesses, crampons
- Insurance of any kind
- Rescue operations, rescuers fees, transportation or medical treatment
How does Andean Summits ensure safety on our trips?
Since our establishment in 1994, we design our trips and procedures to ensure safety and enjoyment for your adventures.
- Working only with certified UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides and UIMLA certified trekking guides
- Employing trustful drivers, cooks, muleteers and porters some of which we work up to 15 years with
- Constantly monitoring political unrest or social problems
- Permanent weather tracking
- Constant communication between hiking party and base camp in trekking trips
How do I reserve and confirm services with Andean Summits?
Pay a predefined deposit around 10% of the total cost. And then make the full payment one month before departure. Payments are accepted via bank transfer, wire or electronic wallets.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Submit cancellations in writing via email. Refunds depend on timing:
- 60+ days before departure: Full refund (minus $100 fee).
- 31-59 days: 50%.
- 15-30 days: 25%.
- 14 days or less: No refund.
Can Andean Summits cancel a trip?
Yes, trips may be canceled due to insufficient participants, extreme weather, or safety/logistical issues. Refunds or rescheduling options are provided case-by-case.
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