Great Peaks of Bolivia

About the Bolivian Peaks

The Cordillera Real is a range of high peaks in the Andes that rises dramatically from the Altiplano, a vast plateau dominating western Bolivia and southern Peru. Sitting at elevations between 12,000 and 14,000 feet, the Altiplano ranks among the largest and highest plateaus in the world—a stark, expansive landscape of open plains and lakes.

The Cordillera Real ascends sharply into a dense collection of glaciated peaks, creating one of South America’s most striking and concentrated alpine environments. Despite its proximity to La Paz, the range remains wild, uncrowded, and largely overlooked by international climbers. It offers exceptional solitude, stable winter weather, and classic alpine terrain, ideal for climbers seeking a true mountain environment.

On the Mountain

The expedition begins in the Condoriri Group, where climbers ascend Pico Austria (17,454 feet/5320 meters). As a non-technical trekking peak, Pico Austria introduces climbers to altitude while delivering sweeping views of Lake Titicaca, the Altiplano, and surrounding peaks. Our group then shifts focus to Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 feet/5370 meters), one of Bolivia’s most aesthetic alpine climbs. Named for its resemblance to Peru’s famed Alpamayo, this pyramid-shaped peak features steep fluted faces, knife-edge ridges, steeper snow, and sections of mixed terrain that offer engaging climbing in a spectacular setting.

The expedition culminates with a summit attempt of Chachacomani (19,928 feet), a 6,000-meter peak set in the heart of the Cordillera Real. Chachacomani is notable for its massive glacial expanse and remote feel. The climb involves extended glacier travel and a steep, final push to a narrow summit pyramid, rewarding climbers with panoramic views that stretch from the barren plains below to the lush subtropics and Amazon Basin beyond. It’s a serious, satisfying objective—and a defining highlight of Bolivian climbing.

The Alpine Ascents Way

Our Bolivia program begins in La Paz, the world’s highest capital city, at nearly 12,000 ft elevation. From the moment climbers descend from El Alto Airport onto the Altiplano, the itinerary supports thoughtful acclimatization while immersing climbers in Bolivia’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. Early days include exploring La Paz, riding the world’s highest cable car network, and visiting the ancient city Tiwanaku, Bolivia’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our group then travels to Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, and spends the night in the lakeside town of Copacabana. We hike across the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) before settling into a locally run ecolodge.

Alpine Ascents lead guide Rachel Molstad designed this expedition, drawing on more than a decade of living and climbing in Bolivia. Based in La Paz since 2013, Rachel has completed hundreds of high-altitude ascents throughout the Cordillera Real and brings deep local knowledge of terrain, weather patterns, logistics, and acclimatization strategies. Her long-term presence in Bolivia and strong relationships with our local partners keep the program running smoothly and rooted in cultural depth. Rachel’s approach emphasizes deliberate progression, strong risk management, and meaningful engagement with the region.

The climbing progression is intentional and measured: Climbers begin on Pico Austria, advance to the aesthetic, technical routes of Pequeño Alpamayo, and culminate with a true 6,000-meter objective on Chachacomani. Skills review, glacier travel practice, and rest days are deliberately integrated into the schedule, while camp-based living and the use of pack animals introduce climbers to other aspects of expedition-style mountaineering.

What defines the Alpine Ascents experience in Bolivia is our balance between challenge and care. Conservative guide-to-climber ratios, experienced leadership, and a well-paced acclimatization schedule let climbers move efficiently while staying supported at every stage. This expedition is a natural progression for climbers stepping beyond front-country, high-altitude climbs and into more remote objectives. It offers invaluable experience for future goals such as Denali and stands on its own as a singular adventure in one of the Andes’ most inspiring ranges.

Illimani Extension

Climbers seeking an additional challenge after completing the Bolivia expedition can add an optional extension to climb Illimani (21,125 feet/6,439 meters), the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real and Bolivia’s second-highest peak. Towering over the southeastern skyline of La Paz, Illimani is an iconic Andean giant and a natural next objective for those already prepared from ascending Chachacomani. Remaining in the region allows climbers to capitalize on their hard-earned acclimatization while stepping into a more demanding, expedition-style climb.

Illimani’s sprawling massif is a spectacular sight that spans more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) and contains five summits, three of them rising above 20,000 feet! Our ascent follows the West Ridge of Pico Sur, the massif’s highest summit, at more than 21,000 feet. It also involves two camps and sustained, challenging terrain, including heavily crevassed glacier travel and a long summit day. Standing atop the summit rewards climbers with an unforgettable view of the Andes’ scale and beauty. As a bigger, more demanding objective than the peaks on the standard itinerary, this extension is best suited for strong, well-prepared climbers ready to push higher and take on one of South America’s truly grand alpine classics.