Huayna Potosí
BOLIVIA'S MOST ICONIC AND POPULAR EXPEDITION
The ultimate 6,000-meter peak for both beginners and experienced climbers
The ultimate 6,000-meter peak for both beginners and experienced climbers














Huayna Potosi is undisputedly Bolivia’s most popular mountain, offering an unforgettable adventure for both novice and experienced mountaineers alike. The Normal Route presents no technical challenges, making it highly achievable for anyone with moderate physical fitness and solid acclimatization. For those seeking an extra challenge, the French Route offers a more demanding technical alternative.
Our 3-day program is meticulously crafted for individuals with no prior mountaineering experience or those looking for a technical skills refresher.
This extended itinerary allows extra time for crucial high-altitude acclimatization, significantly maximizing your chances of a successful summit.
Thanks to its immense popularity, Huayna Potosi's Normal Route remains open and climbable year-round, even during the snowy season.
Note: Depending on your physical fitness, experience, and current acclimatization level, we can customize and shorten this itinerary to a 2-day or even a 1-day climb.
We will depart from La Paz and drive to the stunning Laguna Zongo (4,730 m / 15,518 ft), where we will settle into the mountain refuge that serves as our base camp. After a hearty lunch, we will head out on a 45-minute hike to the lower edge of the glacier. Here, you will spend the afternoon practicing fundamental ice-climbing techniques, including proper footwork with crampons, ice axe handling, and safety protocols.
Today, we trek up to our high camp, famously known as the Mountaineer's House (Casa de Guías, 5,130 m / 16,830 ft). The approach takes approximately 2 to 3 hours over rocky terrain. Once we arrive, we will focus on hydration, rest, and getting an early night's sleep to prepare for the summit push.
Our summit push begins under the stars around 1:00 AM as we step onto the glacier almost immediately. From there, we take on a slow, steady 5-to-6-hour alpine climb to the majestic summit (6,088 m / 19,974 ft). As the sun rises, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring, panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, the vast Altiplano, and the rugged peaks of the Cordillera Real.
We will safely descend back to high camp via the same route, pack up our gear, and continue down to base camp, where our private transport will be waiting to take us back to La Paz.
Bilingual Bolivian Mountain Guide Certified (Spanish/English)
Private transportation to and from La Paz
All meals and hot drinks during the expedition
Logistics transport equipment (porters)
Mountain refuge lodging (Base Camp and High Camp)
National park tickets
Mountain Equipment (helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons, ropes, and mountaineering boots)
Please take with you:
Backpack / Daypack (35L to 45L)
Four-season sleeping bag (rated for freezing temperatures)
Hiking boots for the approaches
Insulated winter gloves and mittens
Warm thermal underwear (moisture-wicking base layers)
Waterproof and windproof mountain jacket and pants
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Category 3 or 4 sunglasses with UV protection
Headlamp with extra batteries
Refillable water bottle (Nalgene recommended)