Bolivia's adventures
Vertical Odyssey
With a unique mix of ecosystems and dramatic ascents, this physically demanding all uphill journey that starts at Lake Titicaca for acclimatization, hike from 1,279 m to 6,088 m through the dense Yungas of Cotapata National Park, alpine highlands, and glacial terrains to conquer Huayna Potosí summit.
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Arrival in La Paz
Arriving at La Paz airport 4,063 m, will take your breath away because of the altitude of the highest international airport in the world and also because of the views of the mountains. The drive to La Paz city is no less impressive; with buildings and houses hanging from the steep slopes and filling the entire valley which is surrounded by glacial mountains. After lunch we will have a briefing and then take a short city tour using the modern cable car system.
Transport to Chairo. Trek to Sandillani
Drive from La Paz to the village of Chairo at 1,279 m, on the way we will cross a road pass 4,655 m with amazing views of lagoons and mountains. This same road is used by cyclist who descends the famous “Death Road” down to the rainforest. Once at Chairo we will meet the staff and start a slow hike uphill through the rainforest ecosystem, a humid and green environment that will captive you and make you sweat. Today we will stay in what was the living place of Tajimi Hanamura, an interesting Japanese fellow who spend most of his adult living as a hermit in this remote corner of the planet.
Trek to Buena Vista
Today we have a long distance to make with lots of ups and downs but not much altitude to gain, an interesting hike through the rainforest ecosystem enjoying a green landscape and the views of deep valley of Huarinilla River. During the hike, the vegetation will be very lush with tropical plants and colorful birds. We will probably even see parrots, or monkeys.
Trek to Challapampa
After Buena Vista (good view in Spanish), we will descend to the river and get to the small settlement of Choro and then continue upwards to Challa Pampa, another small settlement where we will set our next campsite. On the way we will ascend following one of the most preserved pre-colonial stone paved trails. In the Yungas; epiphytes join tree ferns and lianas that crouch in the forks of branches or grow high in the treetops.
Trek to Samaña Pampa
Soon after leaving our campsite, we will be ascending above the timber line and getting in the Paramo Ecosystem. After a long way zigzagging our way uphill, we will get in the village of Chucura where we can have our lunch before continue on much flatter and arid land towards our campsite. This day will be quite demanding because of the distance we have to cover and the important altitude gain, we will most likely see Alpacas and Llamas grazing near our campsite.
Trek to Plataforma Zongo
The last trekking day to get to Huayna Potosi base camp, we will ascend a steep terrain following Llama paths or walking off trail to get to the pass 4,975 m from where we will have splendid views of Huayna Potosi. When looking at its eastern flank, you can sometimes make out mountaineers.From the pass we will descend on rocky terrain to an aqueduct that feeds the Zongo reservoir, we will walk along the northern slopes of Cerro Charquini following the aqueduct to the hut located near the shores of an artificial lake.
Rest day in Plataforma Zongo
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day.
Trek to Huayna Potosi HC
After sorting our equipment, we will embark in the last stage of challenging hike on the East side of Huayna Potosí to ascend a rocky trail to the hut. On the way, we will make some practice on the glacier.
Climb Huayna Potosi. Transport to La Paz
Wakeup call will be at 01:00 to dress, equip ourselves and have breakfast before the planned depart time at 02:00. The aim is to arrive to the summit around 07:00 when the sun is just ricing and descend as soon as possible before the sun start weakening the bridges over the crevasses on the glaciers. Ideally we should be back to the base camp around midday to take our vehicle back to La Paz.
Type
Trekking, Mountaineering
Grade
Altitude range
1,279 - 6,088 m
Total duration
9
Accommodation
Min - Max people
4 - 12
Countries
Bolivia
Region
Cordillera Real, Yungas
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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