2-Day Huayna Potosi Climb from La Paz: 6,088m Peak

Start at midnight, summit at sunrise over the Cordillera Real

A 2-day climb of Huayna Potosi (6,088m) from La Paz with a professional guide, all climbing equipment, lodging at high camp and meals on the mountain. The route is steep and demanding but designed for fit beginners. You'll hike to high camp on day one, then depart at 1:00 AM on day two to reach the summit around sunrise, with descent back to La Paz by early afternoon.

The experience

The climb starts at your operator's office in La Paz at 9:00 AM on day one. A private vehicle takes your group to base camp at 4,700 meters, where you'll have lunch and pack your technical gear: crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, windproof jacket and pants, plastic boots, gloves and gaiters. Then you hike for 2 hours to the high camp at 5,170 meters, where you'll eat dinner and sleep before the summit push begins.

At 1:00 AM on day two, the ascent starts. You'll move at a steady pace with short breaks for water, chocolate and rest. The climb is steep and physically demanding, but the payoff arrives around sunrise when you reach the 6,088-meter summit and see the highlands, Lake Titicaca and the surrounding Cordillera Real spread below. The descent to high camp takes 2 to 3 hours. After vegetable soup and hot drinks, you make a final 1-hour walk down to base camp and return to the office in La Paz around 1:30 PM.

A professional guide is assigned for every two climbers, and all technical equipment is provided. You bring only personal items, a headlamp, a sleeping bag rated to –5°C, a 50-liter backpack, socks, sunglasses, sunblock, water and any medication you need. The operator offers guides in English and Spanish. The minimum age is 19, and you'll need at least moderate fitness and good cardiovascular health to handle the steep sections and high altitude.

What’s included

• Professional guide for every two climbers.
• all technical climbing equipment including crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, windproof jacket and pants, plastic boots, gloves, gaiters and gaiters.
• lodging at the high camp hut.
• private group transport from La Paz to base camp and back.
• all meals on the mountain (lunch on day one, dinner, breakfast on day two and soup on descent).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (19 to 40 years) · Under 19: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jiwaki

Is this one for you?Small groups of two per guide mean personalized attention on the mountain. Book this climb if you're fit enough for steep terrain and high altitude, and want to summit a major Andean peak in just two days without a longer expedition commitment.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How fit do I need to be to climb Huayna Potosi?

Huayna Potosi is designed for fit beginners, but the final pitches are steep and the altitude is real. You need at least moderate physical fitness and good cardiovascular health. The operator does not recommend the climb for travelers with spinal injuries, poor heart health or pregnancy.

What do I need to bring that isn't provided?

You'll need to bring a sleeping bag rated to at least –5°C, a headlamp, a backpack of at least 50 liters, three pairs of socks (one thick pair), snacks for the summit attempt, sunglasses and sunblock, 2 liters of water, and any personal medication. Trekking pants, a fleece or down jacket and thin liner gloves are also recommended. Some operators include these, so confirm at booking.

What's the view from the summit like?

You'll reach the 6,088-meter summit around sunrise and see the highlands, the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Real and Lake Titicaca. The timing is designed so you arrive at first light to take in the view before the descent begins.

How long is the hike from base camp to high camp on day one?

The hike from base camp (4,700m) to high camp (5,170m) takes 2 hours. You'll arrive in the afternoon, have dinner and rest before the 1:00 AM summit push on day two.