Great Peaks of Bolivia Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in La Paz & Gear Check

Arrive in La Paz, Bolivia. We’ll travel from the dizzying heights of El Alto Airport (13,323 ft. / 4,061 m) on the Altiplano (high-altitude plateau) and descend into the city of La Paz. With an average elevation of 11,975 ft. (3,650 m), La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Founded in a bowl-shaped canyon beside the Altiplano, the city has grown dramatically up the surrounding slopes, with buildings clinging to the rugged canyon walls.

We’ll spend the day acclimatizing while taking in views of the Cordillera Real (Royal Range) by riding the world’s longest and highest urban cable car network. The day also includes a city tour, a thorough equipment check, and an expedition orientation at the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft. / 3,600 m).

Day 2 – Acclimatization & Visit Historic Sites

We’ll visit Tiwanaku, an ancient ceremonial center and the greatest megalithic architectural achievement of South America’s pre-Incan civilizations. The site features massive carved stone figures, temple ruins, and the impressive Gate of the Sun, believed to have functioned as a solar calendar dating back to 600 BC.

From Tiwanaku, we’ll cross the Altiplano before following the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s largest high-altitude lake and the mythical birthplace of the Incas. After crossing the Strait of Tiquina by boat, we’ll arrive in the pilgrimage town of Copacabana.

Overnight at hotel in Copacabana (12,602 ft. / 3,841 m).

Day 3 – Explore Copacabana (13,200 ft.)

We’ll begin with a hike to a scenic overlook above Copacabana before taking a boat to Isla del Sol (Sun Island), stopping at the Incan ruins of Pilko Kaina. From the northern village of Cha’llapampa, we’ll complete a four-hour trek across the island, visiting the Chincana archaeological complex while enjoying spectacular views of Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real.

Overnight at an ecolodge in Yumani (13,030 ft. / 3,972 m).

• High Point: 13,200 ft. / 4,020 m
• Elevation gain/loss: 2,130 ft. ↑ / -1,700 ft. ↓ (630 m ↑ / -520 m ↓)
• Mileage: 8.2 miles / 13.2 km
• Hiking Time: 5.5 hours (including breaks)

Day 4 – Hike to Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft.)

After returning by private boat to Copacabana, we’ll travel to Rinconada, the gateway to the Condoriri group. Donkeys will carry our equipment while we hike 1.5–2 hours to Laguna Chiar Khota (Black Lake), surrounded by the dramatic thirteen peaks of the Condoriri massif. This will be our base camp for several days of acclimatization, skills review, and climbing.

Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft. / 4,700 m).

• High Point: 15,420 ft. / 4,700 m
• Elevation Change: 800 ft. ↑ / -590 ft. ↓ (245 m ↑ / -180 m ↓)
• Mileage: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours (including breaks)

Day 5 – Ascend Pico Austria (17,454 ft.)

Today we’ll climb Pico Austria (17,454 ft. / 5,320 m), an excellent acclimatization peak with sweeping views of the Cordillera Real, the Condoriri group, the Altiplano, and even Lake Titicaca.

Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp.

• High point: 17,454 ft. / 5,320 m
• Elevation Change: 2,000 ft. ↑ (610 m ↑)
• Mileage: 4.4 miles / 7 km
• Hiking Time: 7 hours

Day 6 – Technical Skills Day

We’ll hike to the glacier terminus (15,900 ft. / 4,850 m) for a full day reviewing cramponing, glacier travel, rope techniques, and other essential mountaineering skills.

Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp.

• High Point: 16,200 ft. / 4,940 m
• Elevation Change: 500 ft. ↑ (150 m ↑)
• Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
• Hiking Time: 2.5 hours

Day 7 – Rest Day at Condoriri Base Camp

A full rest day to recover and prepare for tomorrow’s summit attempt of Pequeño Alpamayo.

Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp (15,420 ft. / 4,700 m).

Day 8 – Summit Attempt of Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 ft.)

Today we attempt Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618 ft. / 5,370 m), named for its resemblance to Peru’s famous Alpamayo. We’ll ascend the glacier before climbing to Pico Tarija (17,520 ft. / 5,340 m), then continue along one of Bolivia’s most aesthetic alpine routes to the striking summit pyramid. The final sections include 3rd and 4th class rock and steeper snow climbing.

Overnight at Condoriri Base Camp.

• High Point: 17,618 ft. / 5,370 m
• Elevation Change: +2,500 ft. ↑ (760 m ↑)
• Mileage: 5.3 miles / 8.6 km
• Climbing Time: 12–13 hours

Day 9 – Return to La Paz

We’ll hike back to Rinconada with donkey support to carry our equipment. Return to La Paz for a well-earned rest.

Overnight at hotel in La Paz.

• Elevation Change: 800 ft. ↓ (244 m ↓)
• Mileage: 2.2 miles / 3.6 km
• Hiking Time: 1.5 hours

Day 10 – Move to Chachacomani Base Camp (14,665 ft.)

We’ll drive to Alto Cruz Pampa (14,600 ft. / 4,450 m), then hike approximately three hours through a beautiful glacial valley to Chachacomani Base Camp. Donkeys will transport our equipment.

Overnight at Chachacomani Base Camp.

• High Point: 14,665 ft. / 4,470 m
• Elevation Change: 140 ft. ↑ (43 m ↑)
• Mileage: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
• Hiking time: 3 hours

Day 11 – Move to Chachacomani High Camp (16,831 ft.)

We’ll hike approximately four hours to High Camp while donkeys carry our equipment. Camp sits at the base of the glacier, hidden beneath the mountain’s upper slopes.

Overnight at Chachacomani High Camp.

• High Point: 16,831 ft. / 5,130 m
• Elevation Change: 2,166 ft. ↑ (660 m ↑)
• Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4–4.5 hours

Day 12 – Summit Attempt of Chachacomani (19,928 ft.)

We’ll attempt the summit of Chachacomani (19,928 ft. / 6,074 m), a spectacular glaciated peak in the heart of the Cordillera Real. We’ll traverse its expansive glacier before climbing steeper terrain past the bergschrund to the exposed summit pyramid. Summit views stretch across the Altiplano, neighboring Chearoco, the Cordillera Real, and eastward toward the Amazon Basin.

Following the climb, we’ll descend to High Camp and continue to Base Camp.

• Climbing Time: Approximately 13 hours total
• Mileage: 8.1 miles / 13 km total
• High Point: 19,928 ft. / 6,074 m
• Elevation Change: 3,100 ft. ↑ / 5,260 ft. ↓ (945 m ↑/ 1,600 m ↓)

Day 13 – Return to La Paz

We’ll retrace our route from Chachacomani Base Camp to Alto Cruz Pampa before driving back to La Paz.

Overnight at hotel in La Paz.

• Elevation Change: 140 ft. ↓ (43 m ↓)
• Mileage: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours

Day 14 – Rest and Contingency Day,

A rest day in La Paz reserved as a contingency day and transition day for climbers continuing on to Illimani.

Overnight at hotel in La Paz.

Day 15 – Depart La Paz

Depart Bolivia for your home country.

Day 15 – Travel to Illimani Base Camp (14,750 ft.)

We’ll make the scenic drive from La Paz through a variety of agricultural landscapes to the village of Pinaya, continuing to Puente Roto, the base camp of Illimani.

Overnight at Puente Roto Camp (14,750 ft. / 4,495 m).

Day 16 – Move to Illimani High Camp (18,045 ft.)

From Puente Roto, we’ll hike approximately five to six hours, gradually traversing the lower slopes of Illimani before climbing the final exposed rocky ridge to Nido de Condores (Condor’s Nest), our high camp. Porters will carry our gear and food, allowing us to travel with lighter packs.

Overnight at Nido de Condores Camp (18,045 ft. / 5,500 m).

• High point: 18,045 ft. / 5,500 m
• Elevation Change: 3,295 ft. ↑ (1,004 m ↑)
• Mileage: 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
• Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Day 17 – Summit Attempt of Illimani (21,125 ft.)

Today we’ll attempt the summit of Illimani (21,125 ft. / 6,439 m). After following a spectacular, airy snow ridge, we’ll climb moderately steep slopes for several hours before reaching the scenic summit ridge, which leads to the mountain’s highest point. The panoramic views from one of South America’s finest peaks are an unforgettable reward for this challenging summit day.

After the climb, we’ll descend to High Camp and continue to Puente Roto Base Camp.

Overnight at Puente Roto Camp (14,750 ft. / 4,495 m).

• High Point: 21,125 ft. / 6,439 m
• Elevation Change: 3,080 ft. ↑ / 6,375 ft. ↓ (940 m ↑ / 1,943 m ↓)
• Mileage: 5.2 miles / 8.5 km total
• Climbing time: Approximately 14 hours total

Day 18 – Return to La Paz

We’ll drive from Puente Roto through the village of Pinaya before returning to La Paz.

Overnight at hotel in La Paz (11,810 ft. / 3,600 m).

Day 19 – Depart La Paz

Fly home to your country of origin.