Pequeño Alpamayo
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ICE RIDGES IN THE CORDILLERA REAL
A stunning, rewarding alpine climb for mountaineers seeking a classic technical experience
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Tour Summary
Pequeño Alpamayo is world-renowned for its breathtaking aesthetics and its perfect, razor-sharp pyramid summit. Located in the heart of the Condoriri Massif, it offers an incredible and moderately technical alpine climb. While it requires basic knowledge of crampon work and ice axe handling, the route is highly rewarding, culminating in a spectacular knife-edge ice ridge that leads directly to the summit.
This 3-day expedition is specifically designed to provide a proper approach, steady acclimatization, and a thrilling alpine experience surrounded by some of Bolivia's most dramatic glacial landscapes.
DID YOU KNOW?
To reach Pequeño Alpamayo, climbers must first summit a minor peak called Tarija (5,300 m / 17,388 ft) and then perform a short, scenic descent before tackling the final iconic ice ridge.
Day 1/ LA PAZ - BASE CAMP
We will depart early from La Paz for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to La Rinconada (4,500 m / 14,763 ft). From here, we will load our heavy gear onto donkeys and begin a beautiful, gentle 1.5-hour trek up to the pristine Chiar Khota Lagoon (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). We will set up our base camp by the lakeside, enjoy a warm lunch, and spend the afternoon resting or doing a light acclimatization hike.
Day 2/ GLACIER TRAINING
Today is dedicated to safety and active acclimatization. After breakfast, we will hike up to the nearby glacier to practice essential alpine skills. Your guide will review rope team progression, crampon technique on steeper terrain, and ice axe self-arrest protocols. We will return to camp early for a hearty dinner and turn in early for a midnight alpine start.
Day 3/ SUMMIT PEQUENO ALPAMAYO - LA PAZ
Our summit push begins around 1:00 AM under starlight. We will navigate the glacier up to the summit of Pico Tarija (5,300 m). From this vantage point, the magnificent ridge of Pequeño Alpamayo reveals itself. After a brief, careful descent from Tarija, we will climb the final, exhilarating 55 degrees ice face and ridge to reach the summit of Pequeño Alpamayo (5,410 m / 17,749 ft). After taking in the panoramic views of the high Andes, we will safely descend back to base camp, pack up, and trek back to La Rinconada, where our private transport awaits to take us back to La Paz.
Bilingual Bolivian Mountain Guide (Spanish- English)
Private round-trip transportation from La Paz
All freshly prepared meals and hot drinks during the expedition
Mules/Donkeys to carry main luggage and camp gear to Base Camp
High-quality camping tents and cooking equipment
Cooking utensils
Dinning tent at base camp
National park tickets
Technical mountain equipment (helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons, ropes, and boots)
Please take with you:
Backpack / Daypack (35L to 45L)
Big Rucksack or duffel bag (To be carried by porters or mules)
Four-season sleeping bag (rated for cold alpine nights)
Sturdy hiking boots for the approach
Insulated winter gloves (plus a backup pair)
Thermal base layers (moisture-wicking)
Waterproof/windproof hard shell jacket and pants
High-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
Category 3 or 4 mountaineering sunglasses (UV protection)
Headlamp with fresh, extra batteries
Tour details:
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