Nevado Illampu

The most technical mountain in the Cordillera Real

The protective mountain of the north

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Tour Summary

Description Itinerary It Include Recommendations

Illampu is rarely climbed and has one of the hardest ascents in the Cordillera Real. It should only be attempted by fit, experienced mountaineers but offers a wild, remote adventure to those up to the challenge.

DID YOU KNOW?

Illampu is the most important god in Aymara culture.

The first expeditions to Illampu date back to 1902 (Annie Smith Peck) and 1919 (Sir Martin Conway) but were unsuccessful. After many attempts a German/Polish expedition reached the summit on July 27th 1928.

Day 1

We leave La Paz early and drive to Sorata (2700m) where we will stay to enjoy the beautiful weather and visit the caves of San Pedro, in the afternoon we will organize all the necessary equipment for the expedition. 

Day 2

After breakfast we will use our transportation to take us to the town of LACATIA (4200m.) Where we will start a 3-hour walk until we reach Aguas Calientes (4850m.) Our base camp.

Day 3

Today we use porters: the trail is too steep for donkeys. We hike for another 3-4 hours over moraine and rock until we reach the high camp (5600m) where we have dinner and an early night.

Day 4

We start early and immediately meet a 60°, 400m tall wall which takes us to a long crest. We then follow this ridge all the way to Illampu’s summit (6368m). We descend by the same path: this will be slow as the route can be exposed.

Day 5

After a pleasant breakfast, we will begin the walk back to LACATIA (4 hours) where our transport will be ready to take us directly back to La Paz.

Bilingual Mountain guide (Spanish- English)

Private transport

Food during the expedition.

Logistics transport equipment (donkeys / mules/porters)

Camping tent (NORTH FACE OR SIMILAR)

Cooking utensils

THERMAREST PLUS ROLL MAT

Dinning tent at base camp

National park tickets

Mountain Equipment/ Helmet,Ice axe,Harness,Gaiters,Ropes,Mountaineering boots.

Please take with you:

Rucksack (35Lts)

Big Rucksack or duffel bag (To be carried by porters or mules)

All season´s sleeping bag

Trekking boots

Waterproof gloves

Winter Underwear

Water proof pants and jacket

Sunscreen

Sunglasses with UV filter

Bottle of water (NALGENE)

Tour details:

Altittude: 6,368m./20,892 ft

Days: 5 days, 4 nights

Season: May to September

Activities: Mountaineering

Difficulty: Grade III/A.D.+

Location: Cordillera Real

Guide: English Speaking

Experience: Medium/ Pro

Cost: From $ 900