Huayna Potosi & Illimani - May 2024

[ProfetaP]

I am taking on Huayna Potosi & Illimani in Bolivia the end of May.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for food, things to see and do while I am there.

Also, if you wanna share some of your stories and beta from your experience climbing these peaks; I'd love to hear them!

[Craig Barlow]

Here's a trip report I did on Huayna Potosi and Illimani from a trip to Bolivia in July, 2023. We climbed some other peaks as well and did some tourist stuff too. Have fun!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GdHF6wK8MGvKsncXA

[dr_j]

Trying to decide between the Arequipa peaks (El Misti and Chachani) and the ones near La Paz (Austria, Chacaltaya, H. Potosi). If I go, it's probably the week of Memorial Day, and would like to get a mix of the cultural tourism and some peaks. I'd still like to get above 5000 m, but feel right now that 6000 m is a bit of a stretch for me given my current physical condition.

I'd like to check out the Nazca Lines and the cities of La Paz / El Alto, Sucre, and Potosi. Just not enough time to squeeze all of that in.

[Scott P]

If I go, it's probably the week of Memorial Day, and would like to get a mix of the cultural tourism and some peaks. I'd still like to get above 5000 m, but feel right now that 6000 m is a bit of a stretch for me given my current physical condition.

Luckily there are lots of nice 5000+ meter peaks in those areas without going up to 6000 meters.

[desertdog]

I've been to Bolivia three times. Huayna Potosi was fun and not too hard. We had to bail high up on Illimani due to weather. It was still an adventure and no regrets.

A couple things to consider for your trip...

Look at Pequeño Alpamayo as a climb. That valley at the base of the mountain is amazing. This base camp is the jumping off point for several other climbs (example the Condor's Head), so you could get in other stuff as well as Pequeño Alpamayo. I would actually choose this mountain over Huayna if your time is limited.

I would stay in the Calacoto in the Zona Sur (southern zone) district of La Paz. Much more laid back than downtown with lots of good restaurants. The Atix Hotel is a good option. The main downtown is pretty rough around the edges, but is a short taxi drive away.

For La Paz tourist stuff look at the witches market, main market (watch yourself for petty crime here) via the Teleférico, and outside La Paz Lake Titicaca (overnight trip).

Have a great time! Bolivia is one of the coolest countries in South America I've been to. A bit like the movie Mad Max, but with big mountains!

[astrobassman]

I went to Bolivia in 2010, really enjoyed it. Bolivia is my favorite place to visit in South America. My TR is posted here.
I am actually looking to go back there this year in late July to climb Ancohuma after acclimating on a lower peak. If anyone is interested it joining let me know, I am looking for partners.

[ProfetaP]

Here's a trip report I did on Huayna Potosi and Illimani from a trip to Bolivia in July, 2023. We climbed some other peaks as well and did some tourist stuff too. Have fun!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GdHF6wK8MGvKsncXA

Phenomenal trip report, thank you for sharing. Definitely will add some of the tourist stuff, and other peaks to my list. Congratulations on your summits and returning safely!

[Craig Barlow]

Here's a trip report I did on Huayna Potosi and Illimani from a trip to Bolivia in July, 2023. We climbed some other peaks as well and did some tourist stuff too. Have fun!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GdHF6wK8MGvKsncXA

Phenomenal trip report, thank you for sharing. Definitely will add some of the tourist stuff, and other peaks to my list. Congratulations on your summits and returning safely!

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Have a great trip!

[Col_Forbin]

My Bolivia Report from 2018

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepo ... m=tripmine

[kushrocks]

I think Bolivia is one of the most underrated places around for high altitude climbing. We had a great time there and I would love to go back. Here is our old write up from Illimani in 2012. Have a blast!

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepo ... m=tripmine