3-day Huayna Potosí climb from La Paz: Glacier training included

You start climbing at 1am and reach the summit in the dark, then watch the Altiplano light up below.

A 3-day mountaineering course on Huayna Potosí (6,088m), Bolivia's most popular peak, starting from La Paz. The climb poses no technical challenges for anyone with moderate fitness and proper acclimatization. Day one includes a 45-minute glacier hike to practice ice climbing technique with crampons and ice axe; day two is a 2–3 hour trek to high camp; day three departs at 1am for a 5–6 hour climb to the summit, where views stretch across Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real before the descent back to La Paz. A live guide leads in English or Spanish. All mountain equipment, meals and private transport are included. Children from age 15 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to base camp and ice practice

• Drive from La Paz to Laguna Zongo
• Unpack at Puma Condor refuge
• Have lunch
• Hike 45 minutes to glacier base
• Practice basic ice climbing techniques
• Have dinner

Day 2: Hike to high camp and rest

• Hike to Mountaineer’s House high camp
• Rest and prepare for summit climb
• Have lunch

Day 3: Summit climb and return to La Paz

• Set off at 1AM for summit climb
• Climb glacier to summit
• Enjoy summit views
• Descend to high camp
• Pack and descend to base camp
• Drive back to La Paz
• Have breakfast

The experience

The climb splits into three days so your body can adjust to the altitude. You leave La Paz and drive to Laguna Zongo (4,730m), where you unpack at the Puma Condor refuge and spend the afternoon on a short glacier hike learning to use crampons and an ice axe: the only technical skills the normal route demands. That night you sleep at base camp. Day two is a steady 2–3 hour walk uphill to the Mountaineer's House (5,130m), where an early rest prepares you for the summit push.

The summit attempt starts at 1am. You climb slowly and steadily for 5–6 hours, moving across the glacier in darkness until you reach 6,088m as the light breaks. The views from the top span Lake Titicaca, the high plateau and the peaks of the Cordillera Real. You descend the same route back to high camp, pack your gear and walk down to base camp, where a car is waiting to drive you back to La Paz the same day.

All mountain equipment comes with you: helmet, ice axe, harness, gaiters, ropes and mountaineering boots. Meals are provided at each camp. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and leads the whole climb. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag, thermal underwear, waterproof jacket and pants, sunscreen and sunglasses. The operator does not supply these.

What’s included

• Private transport from La Paz to base camp and back.
• all climbing equipment including helmet, ice axe, harness, gaiters, ropes and mountaineering boots.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner at both mountain refuges.
• and a live guide in English or Spanish for the full three days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bolivian Mountaineering

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language you're most comfortable following for three days at altitude. This climb suits anyone with moderate fitness who can acclimatize properly. It's not a technical mountaineering course, but the 1am summit start and 5–6 hour climb in darkness demand steady effort and mental preparation.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Under 15: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Huayna Potosí?

No. The normal route has no technical challenges and is designed for anyone with moderate fitness and good acclimatization to altitude. The 45-minute glacier practice on day one teaches the basic ice climbing skills you'll use on the summit push.

What time do we start the summit climb on day three?

The summit attempt departs at 1am from high camp. The 5–6 hour climb takes you across the glacier in darkness, reaching the peak as daylight breaks so you can see the views across Lake Titicaca and the Altiplano.

Where do we sleep on the mountain?

Night one is at the Puma Condor refuge at base camp (4,730m). Night two is at the Mountaineer's House high camp (5,130m). Both are mountain refuges where you sleep after meals provided by the operator.

Is the guide fluent in English?

Yes. Your live guide leads the entire 3-day climb in either English or Spanish, so you can choose the language you're most comfortable with when you book.

What's included in the price?

Private transport from La Paz to base camp and back; all mountain equipment (helmet, ice axe, harness, gaiters, ropes, mountaineering boots); breakfast, lunch and dinner at the refuges; and the guide for all three days. You bring your own sleeping bag, thermal layers, waterproof clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Can teenagers climb this mountain?

Children are welcome from age 15 onward, provided they have moderate fitness and are acclimatized to altitude. The operator does not recommend the climb for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or during pregnancy.